Common Causes of a Smelly Shower

Mold and Mildew

A musty or earthy smell in your bathroom can be a sign of mold and mildew growth. The humid environment and often poor ventilation make bathrooms a prime breeding ground for mold. Apart from odor cues, you may notice visual signs of mold growth, such as discoloration, peeling wallpaper, blistering paint, and soft spots in the floor. Mold growth in the bathroom is not a good sign because it means the space is poorly ventilated and there is excessively high humidity. It can cause health problems, aesthetic issues, and reduced property value. One of the effective measures you can take to prevent mold growth in the bathroom is to install an exhaust fan and run it for at least 30 minutes after your shower or bath. It is also important to have a qualified plumber to fix bathroom leaks.

Clogged Drains

Bathroom drains are prone to developing foul odors primarily because of soap scum, hair, and other types of gunk stuck in the drains. A clogged drain line can be a source of an unpleasant smell in the shower. This problem is usually easy to notice because it’s accompanied by clear telltale signs such as slow drains and gurgling sounds when you run water down the drains. If you have a clogged drain in your shower that cannot be cleared by a plunger or drain snake, schedule professional drain cleaning with a plumbing repair service. Experienced plumbers in Tacoma use advanced tools, including hydro-jetters to clear stubborn drain clogs and maintain proper flow of wastewater. Call the professionals at Rooter Man Plumbing for professional shower drain cleaning. The following are some of the measures you can take to prevent bathroom clogs:

• Install drain screens on floor drains, tub drains, and sink drains.
• Be mindful of what you flush down the toilet—only flush the three P’s (pee, poop, and toilet paper).
• Brush your hair before showering to remove loose hair that can clog your shower drain.
• Flush your shower drains with hot water at least once every two weeks.

Sewer Gas

If there’s a noxious, rotten egg smell in your sewer, you likely have a blocked sewer line that’s causing sewer gas to permeate into your shower. A blockage in the sewer line stops wastewater from draining away into the main line, thereby causing sewer smells to waft into your shower drains. While a backflow preventer can help prevent sewage backups, it is important to be careful about what you put down your drains and inspect your sewer line regularly. If you need help with clearing a clogged sewer line, get in touch with a reputable plumbing service.

Professional Bathroom Plumbing Services

Rooter Man Plumbing is the company to call when you need help with fixing bathroom plumbing issues. Whether you’re dealing with foul smells resulting from blockages, broken fixtures, or it’s time for fixture upgrades, we are here to help. We have over 40 years of experience providing high-quality plumbing services to homeowners and businesses.