If your nose is starting to pick up on a sewage-like smell in your bathroom, don’t assume it’s your toilet. Often times, bathtub drains can start to emit a smell that is similar to sewer water or even rotten eggs. There are industry-proven reasons why this plumbing circumstance occurs, and several easy solutions to treatment and prevention!
Continue reading to learn what’s causing your bathtub drain to stink, and what you can do to fix the problem.
Smelly Bathtub Drain
Are you someone that usually showers, but every now and then takes a nice soak in your bathtub? If so, you are likely more prone to a stinky drain problem. One of the most common causes for a smelly bathtub drain is bacteria accumulation or growth, which can occur if there is standing water within the plumbing pipes near the drain.
A rotten egg smell suggests that your water has a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas, which comes from bacteria growth as a result of soap, dirt, hair, and other materials sitting inside the pipes. A simple way to remove the smell is to simply run some hot water for a few minutes, and move the standing water through your plumbing system.
Still Smells Bad?
Sometimes, even after clearing the standing water, the drain will still emit a slight odor, or later, the odor will come back full-strength. This happens as a result of residual bacteria within the drain and surrounding pipes. To resolve this issue, simply concoct a homemade, non-toxic drain cleaner and use it to cleanse and sanitize your bathtub drain. To use your solution, start by emptying all the water from the tub.
Then pour one cup of baking soda down the clogged drain. Use a wooden spoon to pack it all the way down inside the drain. Follow up with one cup of distilled white vinegar and allow the mixture to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Finish by running hot water from the faucet down into the drain for several minutes. If the clog still hasn’t cleared, repeat this step or contact an Indianapolis plumber for emergency drain service.
Drain Protection and Prevention
Routine drain cleaning is one strongly recommended approach to ensuring optimal drain performance and utility. However, it is also important to ensure you do your part to prevent clogged drains and defects. See our blog, “Don’t Make These 5 Drain Cleaning Mistakes” to help you organize a safe and effective care plan for your home’s drains. Got a sink drainage problem, instead? Read our blog, “How to Fix a Slow Draining Sink” to learn what you can do.
Need Professional Drain Clearing in Indianapolis?
Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for residential and commercial drain clearance and plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our state-licensed master plumbers have been in the plumbing business for over 100 years because we have earned the trust of thousands of Hoosiers all across the city as a result of our professional service and outstanding results. Request a free estimate or advice, today.
