Strange odor coming from shower drain. My plumber can't seem to figure it out. ??

Question

After taking a shower (or running water in the shower in general), a strange odor comes from the shower drain and makes the whole bathroom smell. The odor is hard to describe, but the best I can describe is like garbage and/or a sewer. Sometimes the odor is really strong, other times it is hardly there, but I notice it because I am aware of it.

I don't think it is the water itself becuase neither the sink nor the toilet have the same smell coming from them.

Anyone know what it could be and how I can fix it? thanks

Answer 1

Unscrew you floor drain and check for hair. Hair that builds up under the drain can really stink. If thats not the problem, then I would assume it's your vent pipe for that drain is not working properly. Could be something has made a nest in it and keeps the gases from your drain from escaping.

Answer 2

Your waste pipe should have some sort of trap that is full with water when your not using the shower. The trap keeps the sewer gases from coming back up the drain. Check and make sure you have that trap, and that it holds the water.

Answer 3

Put baking soda down there. If not, try bleach, but rinse well with hot water.
Yes, check the drain for any build up.
It is definitely from fumes from the sewer that is coming back into your bathroom.
We have this same problem in our restaurant.
Bleach works and baking soda does too, but it is a temporary fix.
I guess if you do it often enough, it may just kill the smell all together.

Answer 4

Yeah, you need to improve the analytical ability of your plumbers. The problem is most likely a plugged vent on that line. No biggie for a guy with a snake. The snake is used to clear the vent line.