Why is My Shower Smelly?

Shower odors are frustrating, repulsive, and even a health hazard. Like most plumbing problems, you don’t want to ignore it for too long, because it could get worse and turn into other issues. If nothing else, shower smells are embarrassing, so it’s good to know what causes them, and then resolve the matter.

Common Reasons My Shower is Smelly

• The Pipes Are Leaking

1. 1. • Leaky pipes are a serious problem anywhere in your home. If there’s a busted pipe or faulty valve somewhere, this can lead your shower area to smell like sulfur.
      • We would fix this by replacing damaged pipe sections and/or corroded joints. This is not a DIY-friendly task, so contact Ryan’s Plumbing for repair service if you suspect this problem.

• Biofilm Accumulation

1. 1. • This is an ugly problem that results from decomposing hair and other debris in your pipes, p-trap, or drain. It looks like a sticky, congealed milky substance, and you can find it in your sinks as well. Enough biofilm accumulation can produce a stench.
      • The method for addressing biofilm depends on where it is in the pipes, which is usually out of reach. There are a few enzyme-based substances that can loosen and eliminate it, but this doesn’t mean you should pour cheap chemicals down your drain to do it. When in doubt, call a plumber to inspect and make recommendations.

• Clogged P-Trap

1. 1. • If you can distinguish a sewage smell, then you’re probably looking at a problem with your P-trap, which is no longer blocking sewage gases properly. Then again, it could also be a clog in your P-trap, too.
      • Most of the time, the solution is to use a pipe cleaner or similar tool to clean out the P-trap yourself. After you dislodge and clear the debris, flush it with water, and that should do the trick.

• Clogged Drain

1. • Drain clogs are another problem that gets worse when left unattended. There are certain items that can easily clog your drain, including hair, soap scum, foreign materials, dirt, and basically anything other than water.
   • You might be able to get this by yourself, but it’s tricky because you have to be savvy with a plunger. When unclogging a shower drain seems hopeless, our guys can help you fix the problem with better equipment.

If you encounter any of these frustrating shower problems, and can’t resolve them yourself, then you need the fast and reliable services of Ryan’s Plumbing in Sarasota. You can rely on our expert plumbers for problems with your shower, toilet, sinks, water heaters, and any other plumbing component. Call us any time for routine or emergency help at (941) 256-5580.

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