Shower drain stinks but is not blocked
Have you ever noticed an unpleasant odour coming from your shower drain, even though the water drains away without any problems? This phenomenon is more common than you might think and can have various causes. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the topic ‘Shower drain smells but isn’t blocked’ and provide you with valuable insights and solutions.
Why does it smell from the shower drain?
First of all, it is important to understand that a smelly drain is not necessarily caused by a blockage. Often the problem lies deeper and has to do with bacteria build-up or impaired drain aeration. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Biofilm formation: Over time, a biofilm of bacteria, soap residue, hair and dander can form in the pipes. This biofilm can cause unpleasant odours without impeding the flow of water.
- Dry siphon: The siphon (also known as an odour trap) under the shower should always be filled with water to prevent sewer gases from rising. If it is dry, odours can enter the bathroom area unhindered.
- Defective seals: Damaged or worn seals can cause sewer gases to escape through small cracks or gaps.
- Ventilation problems: Insufficient or blocked ventilation of the waste water system can lead to odour problems as gases are not drained properly.
- Bacterial growth: Odour-causing bacteria can multiply particularly well in warm, humid environments such as shower drains.
Biological solutions
Biological cleaning agents are a particularly effective and environmentally friendly method of combating odours in shower drains. These products contain special bacterial cultures that break down organic deposits and neutralise unpleasant odours at the same time.
An excellent example of such a solution is the ‘Drain Stinks Kit 1’. This kit has been specially developed to eliminate sewer odours in households, including shower drains, in a 100% biological way.
The kit consists of two main products:
- Roebic K67: This product is designed for drains in kitchens, dishwashers, bathrooms and other areas such as laundry rooms. It contains good aerobic bacteria that break down grease, dirt, hair and soap residues without producing odours.
- Roebic K97: This is flushed into the toilet and ensures that the main drain line to the house connection can no longer cause odour problems.
There are several advantages to using this kit:
- It tackles the cause of the odour instead of just masking it.
- The biological composition is environmentally friendly and safe for your pipework.
- It helps prevent future odour problems by maintaining a healthy bacterial balance in the drainage system.
