Bad Odor From Shower Drain
Bad odor that emanates from a shower commonly comes from issues within the pipes, though that isn't always the case. To effectively get rid of bad odors coming up from a shower drain, you must first determine the location from which the smell is originating. Does this Spark an idea?
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Odors From Pipes and Fixtures
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When trying to locate the source of a bad odor from a shower drain, begin with the drain and plumbing fixtures. Due to the humidity and warmth, shower fixtures are prone to the development of mold, which often appears in visible areas of the shower, such as on the shower head and stopper. Shower pipes themselves are prone to a slime that forms from the organic matter present in the shower, which is commonly present in the drain area.
Cleaning the Drain and Top of the Pipe
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Getting rid of a bad odor from the shower drain is a fairly simple process, though it can be labor intensive depending on where in the pipes the odor is coming from. Begin cleaning the pipes by removing the drain stopper and cleaning the stopper with a cleaning brush and soap. Clean the drain and the pipe just inside the drain by soaping a pipe brush and scrubbing the inside of the drain and piping. You'll want to let the water run about a minute to rinse the loosened slime down the drain.
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Cleaning Deeper in the Pipe
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When the odor doesn't diminish after cleaning the drain stopper, the inside of the drain and the top part of the shower pipe, you must get deeper into the pipes. Rent a pipe snake and snake the drain. A pipe snake will break up the slime that may have formed deep in the pipes. The drain snake also has the ability to snag clogs, breaking them up and pulling them from the pipes when necessary.
Removing External Odors
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If you clean the drain fixtures, the inside of the drain and snake deeper into the pipes and the odor remains, the smell may not be coming from the drain itself. Humidity can break up substances that cause odors and make the smell more prominent, which may occur when the water runs, making you think the drain is the source. So if cleaning doesn't get rid of the smell, look for external sources. If you can't find any source for the odor, you should call the sanitary department in your town to ensure the smell isn't coming from the sewers.
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