What could make an overpowering sour smell in the bathroom?

Question

Recently, I had a huge clog in my shower (it's a seperate stand up shower from the bath tub) I used liquid drano gel in it and it worked wonderfully. However, a day or two later I noticed a horrible sour smell in the bathroom. It is so strong, it's really hard to tell where it's coming from, but I think it's coming from the shower. My husband looked under the house to see if something had died and there was nothing, not even a smell under there. But he did notice there wasn't a p-trap for the shower under there. We've been living here for 4 years now and it was a new home when we moved in. Could this be the problem and just start making a smell now? What do you think?

Answer 1

Sometimes on pier and beam houses the shower drain runs directly to the main sewer line without the need of a p-trap. The smell is most likely sewer gases not able to ventilate. Typically, all plumbing vents run up and through the roof. Check these vents to ensure they are clear and free of clogs. Additionally, you can run a snake through the shower line estimating length to and well into your main sewer line. Make sure you clog didn't just relocate itself further down the line. The gel stuff is okay for minor repairs but nothing works better than actually cleaning out the line. Get a drain snake and use it so you're sure the clog is gone. The snake will work well in the roof vents as well. Pour liquid bleach down your drains periodically to keep them free of build-up. Watch out for your drain's plated chrome finishes and rubber gaskets as the bleach will do them no good.

Answer 2

Sour Smell In Bathroom

Answer 3

Over time hair and other objects gets stuck in the pipes and could have cause the original clog. The smell may be a chemical reaction of the Drano and any residual hair that is still stuck to the pipe walls. Try Clorox by itself. Should get rid of the odor.

Answer 4

id guess the drano gel interacting with some nastiness in the drain. ive noticed drano gives off a sulphur smell sometimes. Run the shower for 15 min or so and see what effect that has.

Answer 5

yes it is. If you have a clog and get it out it is and after smell. And it does stink. But get a P-trap or just mix 1/4 cup of lemon juice and1/4 cup of water and 1/8 cup of melted butter. Then mix it and pour it down the drain. It will take the smell away from maybe a day but that is it.

Answer 6

That is the problem. We had the same thing. My husband put in the trap and the smell is gone. Also boil one cup of vinegar and pour it down the drain. II would do it with all . your bathroom and kitchen sink also. It keeps the drains smelling clean.

Answer 7

could be the trap thingy that happened at my moms house and her house was new as well and it took a long time to be a problem. also there is a pipe that vents to the outside sometimes through the roof it is just for odor problems yours could be clogged if it goes through the roof maybe leaves got in it or something. sorry i don't know the names of these things

Answer 8

not sure what the smell is, but you might try mixing a cup of clorox bleach in a gallon of water and use this to wipe down your shower stall, then dump the rest down the drain, this may help kill the odor.

Answer 9

If the clog was stopping the sewer gas and there is no trap, you may have a stinky bathroom now.

Answer 10

Yes, your shower should have a p-trap to prevent sewer gasses from entering the house through the drain. I suggest you have one installed before you get sick.