Why does our bathroom shower drain stink?

Question

We haven't used the bathroom in 6 months because we wanted to re-tile it and get rid of a mold problem. I don't think it's the mold that stinks, it's the drain. My husband says it's just because it hasn't been used & needs to be used, but I think the smell is a sign of a problem. If there were no problem, it would just dry up, not reek!!! Ugh!

Answer 1

put some water in the tub with a little bleach.

Answer 2

In all of your drains (including shower drains), there is a "J" shape in the pipe which is called a trap.  It is designed to hold some water and trap the sewer smell (gas) in the pipes.  If there is no water in the those pipes, the sewer smell will come into your house.  If the water dries up (which it probably has after six months), it no longer traps the gas in the pipes.  Just let the water run for 10 sec and it should solve your problem.  Hope that helps.

Answer 3

In most cases, showers don't have j pipes or water traps below the drain.  They are directly connected to another drain line, which sometimes does have a water trap.  The trap keeps odors from coming back up through the sewer pipe.

If yours drains straight back into an untrapped line, you have those odors traveling back up the line and through your shower drain.  Why it would take six months to stink is beyond me.  I guess I would start with a solution of vinegar and baking soda.  About half a cup of baking soda thoroughly mixed with about a half gallon of white vinegar.  Slowly pour it down the shower drain.  It may take a couple of times, but if you got something in the line that is stinking, that combination should help dissolve it and pass it on down the sewer pipe.

Whatever you do, if someone suggests ammonia and/or bleach, DO NOT mix the two or you will end up in the ER with respiratory problems.  One is fine and may help your problem, bit mixed together is a sure ER bill.

Answer 4

thereis a water trap under the drains and they have gone dry so the sewer gas is coming up . Pour water down all the drains and the toilet. It will stop the gas from entering the house.