Hello Tim,
We have a master bathroom where we don't use the shower, but we use the
sink and the toilet. The house is about 30 years old. All of the sudden, we
started getting a foul odor coming from the shower drain. It took us a
couple of days to find the source of the smell because it wasn't very
strong and we had a box covering the drain. The smell has gotten worse and
I don't understand why its coming from the shower drain if we don't use it.
My temporary fix, until the weekend, is covering the drain with duct tape.
Any suggestions?
Foul Odor From Shower and Sinks
Summary: If odor emanates in the shower or your sinks, or drain odor from the
disposal, there is a simple fix. Stop sewer smell with oxygen bleach.
Related Articles: Sewer Gas Smell, Bathroom Sewer Odors, Sewer Gas & Sump Pump, Shower Drain Odor, Clog Free Vent Pipes
HELLO TIM: I consider myself very handy around the house with everything from electrical to plumbing. However I feel like this problem is getting the best of me. The problem is we often (not everyday) have a very strong sewer odor that comes from the sink drain in our Master bath. It only occurs during the first use in the morning and seems to be emanating from the overflow hole entrance of the sink.
I have cleaned the drains (P-Traps) and do find residue from toothpaste and stuff but nothing that explains this. We do ever so often get the same smell from our walk-in shower too! I have heard that if the problem is a clogged vent pipe on the roof it will make a gurgling sound and also it would smell other than first time we use the sink of a morning. We never hear these gurgling sounds. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate it. We have black plastic pipes and the house is 4 years old, this started about 1 year ago. Thanks, Jim
DEAR JIM: I know exactly what the problem is. The odor is caused by bacteria that is breeding and multiplying in the bio-film that is coating the vertical drain pipe / tailpiece between the fixture trap and the actual drain outlet in the fixture. It is not the vent pipe unless you know for a fact the trap is being siphoned. The gurgling / suction noise is unmistakable and you have indicated you never hear it.
The reason you smell this when you first use a fixture is simple. The motion of the water first hitting the bio-film releases some of the bacteria molecules into the air.
Remove the drain strainer in the shower and I guarantee you will see a layer of slimy goo on the side of the pipe leading down to the trap. Clean off this goo. Do the same in the sink. You will have to remove the sink stopper to gain access to the vertical tailpiece.
The overflow tube that leads from the top of the sink to the tailpiece can also be a contributor to the problem. It is tougher to clean. I have had success using a turkey baster filled with a solution of Oxygen Bleach to kill the bacteria. You have to squirt the solution into the overflow tube vigorously several times and let it sit to try to coat the entire lining of the tube.
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from Tim: Years ago while researching a column about cleaning decks, I discovered the wonders of Oxygen Bleach. It is perhaps the 'greenest' cleaner I know of as it uses oxygen ions to break apart stains, dirt and odor molecules. There are no harsh chemicals, and it works on just about anything that is water washable. I decided to create my own special blend using ingredients made in the USA. In fact, the raw materials in the active ingredient are food-grade quality registered with the FDA. I call my product Stain Solver. I urge you to use it to help with cleaning projects. You will be amazed at the results! |
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Comments:
John Barrera 03 Dec 2007, 20:05
AsktheBuilder 04 Dec 2007, 04:51
John,
The water in the trap evaporated. It is that simple. You must pour water in fixture traps once a month or so to keep the trap seal nice and high. Remove the tape and pour a quart of water into the drain. Presto amino - the odor will disappear!
Hilda 05 Dec 2007, 20:22
I have also had a problem of a sewer-like smell coming from my bathroom
sink. It usually happens when I first turn on the water. It is really bad
for a few minutes, but if I let the water run the smell stops. I have
recently noticed the same thing in my second bathroom. The house is only 3
years old, and the second bathroom is seldom used. I have read that
pouring bleach down the drain will help, but we are on a septic tank. We
have been told that bleach is bad for septic tanks. Is there anything else
I can do?
AsktheBuilder 06 Dec 2007, 07:47
Hilda,
Did you not read the column on this page? I explain what is causing your problem and how to solve it. Chlorine bleach is very bad for septic systems. Use oxygen bleach as a substitute.
barb 11 Dec 2007, 13:18
Tim:
Thank you for this service. My question is what does bleach do to the septic system? I was never told about it when I built this house 11 years ago. I use bleach once in a while. My problem is the same as the others I have a foul odor in my house, master bath has had the smell now for a month. I smell this odor off and on but not this long. I called the plumber and they want to smoke the house. Is this the first thing to do? This will cost me over $200. just to smoke house. I just don't feel it is the vent! Please help! Thank you Barb
AsktheBuilder 14 Dec 2007, 17:35
Barb,
Chlorine bleach kills the beneficial bacteria inside the septic tank. The smoke test tells you exactly where the a leak is in the vent system. I would not spend the money unless you are positive you have cleaned all biofilm from the sink, tub and shower drains.
Mya 31 Dec 2007, 10:42
Hello Tim,
I have read all questions and comments on this page. I haven't done any of the steps yet because I had a few more questions. I have the same problem as Jim. You stated to remove the sink stopper to gain access to the vertical tailpiece. I don't think the type of sink stoppers I have are removable is there another way to gain access if the stopper can't be removed? 1.What exactly is the vertical tailpiece? 2. Should I clean the goo in the shower with Oxygen Bleach as well? 3. What should I use to help me reach the drain pipes in the shower easier? My home is 3 years old and I have had this problem for about 1 and a half years. Our home inspector said it's "hard water" and that we could drain the hot water tank and refill it. Is that necessary? Thanks, Mya
AsktheBuilder 31 Dec 2007, 11:59
Mya,
The tailpiece is the pipe between the sink and the p-trap. Your stopper will come out. I will tape a new video later this week about both of these. You can use the oxygen bleach for the shower, but any soap and a bottle brush will do. Remove the shower-drain strainer to get access to the shower tailpiece.
Carl Ellis 17 Jan 2008, 11:51
Hi!
I *think* I read all the responses, but still can't find the answer. I have a continuous problem with my hot water well water smelling like rotten eggs. My landlord tells me to keep dumping a gallon of Chlorine down the well; put about 2 oz. in the softener and 2 or 3 ounces in the hot water heater. Takes care of the smell for about a week. I've tried to research the issue on the 'net and what I'm seeing scares the holy crap out of me! What should I do? Move? Under the sink purifier? New plumbing (old, old house)?
AsktheBuilder 18 Jan 2008, 06:37
Carl,
It could be the wrong anode rod in your water heater. Go to water-heater manufacturer websites and read all about this relationship between the odor and anode rods. View all comments |
