How To Clean A Smelly Shower Drain - DIY Solution That Works

Take a deep breath—we’re in this thing together. Most shower drain issues are relatively easy (and inexpensive) to solve when addressed right away. If you notice a drain that’s far from the clean you’re used to, operating slower than normal, or even one that’s stopped working completely, try the tips I’ve outlined below.

What’s the issue?

Diagnosis should always come before treatment. So before you run out to the hardware store, take some time to determine what might be causing your issue. In my experience, most shower drain problems are caused by one of the following:

• Clog beneath the shower drain cover. Do you notice that water is lingering on the shower floor longer than normal…or barely moving at all? Clogs from a slow accumulation of hair, skin, dirt, mineral deposits, mold, or soap scum are the likely cause.
• Smells from biofilm or dry drain. Gnarly smell coming from a shower you use regularly? It could be caused by the buildup of biofilms and mold in the pipe. Is the culprit a shower that rarely gets used (like in a guest bathroom)? A common cause of smelly showers is dry drain, a phenomenon occurring when pipes dry out from inactivity, allowing smells to escape from deeper within the pipes.
• Dirty drains and showers. Sometimes, the answer is as simple as a good old-fashioned cleaning. Germs, mold, skin and hair can combine to wreak havoc when they’re not regularly addressed.

Get that clog out of the shower

Strongly suspecting a clog is causing your issues? Try these steps to get the water moving again.

1. Consider removing the drain cover. This is not mandatory, but if your issue is caused by a clog, it’s likely higher up the pipe than you think. Having the drain cover removed could help you get back to normal with significantly less product and time invested. Depending on the style cover your shower is built with, use a screwdriver and counter-clockwise motion to lift it away for easy access.
2. Remove what you can see. With the drain cover out of the way, get out any hair (or other obstacles) that are within reach. This will help you to minimize the likelihood of further issues deeper within your plumbing system.
3. Send in a snake. Available at most hardware stores, a drain snake can be an invaluable tool. Designed to clear clogs deep in pipes, a 25-foot snake should be plenty long enough for most homeowners, and is safer than harsh chemical cleaners. Uncoil and move the snake into your pipe, turning the handle as you encounter blockages. The snake will “grab” hold of hair and other large particulates, allowing you to pull them back out and remove them.
4. Do a test. Pulled a bunch of hair out of your drain? You might be close to having your problem fixed. Test your drain by running hot water for 30-60 seconds. If the water drains, you’re ready to move on about your day. If not, then…
5. Call in the big dogs. Tried the snake and still can’t get the drain to do its job? It might be time to call in the professionals. Some heavy-duty obstructions may require a plumber to clear them with pressured water, an option known as hydro-jetting.