Your shower drain has always smelled like ammonia and you have no idea why. You try to avoid putting a trash can in your bathroom, but it keeps getting worse. The most common reason for this issue is because of high mineral content present in water (mostly calcium and magnesium) which is a normal occurrence in well water.
The other reason would be the accumulation of hair, oils, soap scum and bacteria built up over time on pipes under the sink or bathtub drain. This article will help you figure out why your shower drain smells like ammonia continuously, and how to avoid it in the future.
Why Does My Shower Drain Smell Like Ammonia?
The shower drain may smell like ammonia because the acidic water corrodes the pipe, causing it to leak. The corrosive atmosphere of your shower may cause rust on pipes and drains, which contributes to leaking pipes and drains. Another possibility is that the smell is coming from the toilet because its P-trap may be clogged. This happens when water syphons out of the drain trap and allows sewer gases to enter the home.
The smell of ammonia is common and usually comes from a blocked drain. This pipe can be blocked by ice or clogged by a variety of materials, such as a bird’s nest or tree leaves, and you’ll need to clear away this debris to eliminate smells.
If the smell persists, it’s important to have your drains cleaned by an expert.
5 Possible Reasons Why Your Shower drain smells like Ammonia
Hidden biofilm in drains and pipes
Biofilm is made up of bacteria, shed skin cells, and other microorganisms. Biofilm can be slimy to the touch, often appearing as algae in showers. Biofilm from a clogged drain is the most common reason for a shower to smell like ammonia.
Cracked pipes are one of the causes for sewer gas seeping into homes and causing an ammonium-smelling shower drain. In order to fix this issue, you will need to either have your sink or tub professionally cleaned or jetted, or replace your piping with new PVC tubing
Drain clogs
The smell of ammonia is a sign that your shower drain has been clogged for too long. Showers can generate clogs because hair goes down the drain. This is a common problem, but it’s easy to take care of. Most people can handle a clog on their own, but if you are having trouble, consult a professional for help with chemical solutions.
If you suspect a clog, try to clear it and see if this fixes your odor problem. Most clogs will consist of a combination of soap scum and other items which contribute to the smell.
The shower drain smells like a sewer
If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to smell sewer gas in your home, you know that it’s an unpleasant experience. Not only is the smell offensive, but it can also be hazardous to your health if not attended to right away.
If you’re experiencing a sewer gas smell in your bathroom, there are a few possible explanations. A professional may recommend repairs or a new line replacement when dealing with ongoing smells in the basement or bathroom, respectively.
Some plumbing issues may require the expertise of a professional. When it comes to shower drains and sewer gas smells, here are some things that the plumber may find:
- A toilet has been leaking into the sewer, causing it to smell like ammonia in the bathroom.
- An issue with sewage backing up and draining down through the shower drain, causing it to smell like sewer gas all over your bathroom floor when you turn on your shower taps
Leaky pipes in walls or under the shower
Leaky pipes are a common problem, and they can cause all sorts of issues, such as water damage, mold growth, and bad smells. In the case of plumbing systems in walls or under your shower, it can be difficult to diagnose the issue without inspecting it.
That’s why it’s always best to leave this kind of work to the professionals. They have the experience and knowledge necessary to do the job right – both from a safety perspective and a quality of workmanship perspective.
A leak in a drain could be caused by either perforations or loose fittings. Perforation leaks from corrosion over time is the most likely cause of sewer gas smells in your shower, with poor installation being a less common issue.
If you are noticing a new build or renovation, it could be because of clogs. Clogged perforations will typically happen when the strength of your pipe’s walls is already compromised from long-term corrosion.
Leaks can cause sewer gas to escape from your home, which might be the result of improperly placed pipes or vents. Clogged drains are caused by items that shouldn’t have been poured or flushed. Leaking septic systems in nearby homes can enter a home through cracks in the foundation Loose toilets can cause gas leaks.
Shower P-Trap
The p-trap is an overflow pipe that keeps sewer gases from coming up through the drain. It’s located beneath your sink and in your bathtub, and it’s a vital part of your plumbing system. A clogged p-trap can cause bathtub and sink water to back up into your house. If you’re having this kind of problem, it might be a good idea to call in a plumber or have one installed professionally.
A broken shower drain trap is extremely dangerous, so if you notice any damage, be sure to get it fixed right away. A clog in the p-trap is easier to resolve than a clog in the drain pipe, but it can still be a job for the professionals if you’re not used to doing such home maintenance.
Your P-trap may not be holding enough water, which is why it smells like sewage. The P-trap connects directly to your main stack and does not go through the rest of the lines in your shower or sink drains – so if there’s something blocking those other drains, the smell will come up through the shower. You should be able to see a U-shaped pipe in the basement that leads to your shower’s P-trap – if there’s no water in it, you’ll need to add some.
If you rarely use the shower, it might be that the water in your P-trap evaporated. In this case, all you have to do is pour some more water into the trap so that it can hold onto the smell.
Problems with the vent stack may cause a vacuum to empty out your P-trap. If this is happening, your plumber can determine whether or not your p-traps need to be refitted or replaced.
The solution for a dirty P-trap is to clean it with bleach. Pour some down the drain and let it sit for a few minutes before flushing it with hot water. A common issue that causes a smell in your shower drain is grime settling on the P-trap – so if you keep an eye on it and clean it when necessary, you shouldn’t have any problems.
There is a Sewer line clog or break
It is likely that all of your bathroom drains are leaking at the same time, causing a sewer gas odor in your home. Sewer inspection and repair should only be handled by trained professionals, not homeowners. A leaky sewer line or clogged drain can cause ammonia to seep into your home. If you’re using fixtures that are rarely used, be sure they stay full of water by pouring vegetable oil on top of them
How to Get Rid of Ammonia Smell in Bathroom
Check Your Shower Drains for Clogs
If you’re noticing a strange smell coming from your bathroom, it’s important to check all of your drains for clogs. Hair is the most common thing that causes clogs in bathroom drains, so it’s important to keep hair out of the drain. You can do this by using a hair catcher or a strainer. If you already have a clog, use a plunger to try and clear the blockage.
Look for a Broken Toilet Seal
If your bathroom smells like ammonia, it’s likely that you have a broken seal between the toilet and the floor. This can be caused by a loose toilet, which is common in older homes. You can fix this problem by tightening any loose bolts or joints on your toilet.
If the seal is broken because of damage, you will need to remove the toilet and scrape off the damaged ring. To repair a broken flange, you must anchor a strap over it. Once you’ve fixed the problem, leave the lid down when you are not using the toilet to prevent smells from spreading.
Check Your Bathroom Drain Traps
One of the most common sources of bad bathroom smells is shower drains. However, there may be more than one cause, so take other steps to make sure the smell doesn’t return.
One easy step is to check your bathroom drain traps. These are the curved pieces of pipe under your sink that have a small hole in them. If water can’t get out through the hole, it will start to smell bad.
You can fix this by pouring a cup of hot water down each drain or using a plunger to suction onto the hole and create a seal.
If these methods don’t work, you may need to add an enzyme cleaner like Drano or Liquid Plumr to your drains every week or two.
Leaving the toilet lid down will stop sewer smells from coming up into other parts of your bathroom. Flushing immediately will minimize waste that lingers in the toilet after you’ve checked other drains in your bathroom.
If you smell sewage coming from the toilet, it could be due to a poorly installed or cut vent pipe. Water pooling next to the toilet can be a sign of loose or broken seals on tank and more caulking is needed – Fixing this may help stop the ammonia smell from returning
Check For Mold and Bacteria Build up in the Shower
Mold and bacteria can build up in your shower over time, which can lead to health problems. To check for mold and bacteria, use a flashlight to look for any black or green patches on the walls or ceiling of the shower.
If you see any signs of mold or bacteria, clean it with bleach and water. You can also try using lemon juice or vinegar to clean the shower. If the problem persists, call a plumber.
A Thorough Bathroom Cleaning
You clean your bathroom every week, but the smell lingers. What’s going on?
It’s possible that you’re dealing with hard water stains on your toilet. To remove these unsightly marks, spray the area with vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush.
Remember to keep your bathroom well-ventilated to prevent toilet bowl odors from occurring. These unpleasant smells are often caused by bacteria, and they can be prevented by using proper ventilation and cleaning products.
If you have an unpleasant smell in your bathroom, it may be a sign of deeper problems. In this case, it’s best to call a Plumbing company for assistance.
Why Does My Shower Drain Smell Bad?
Bad smells coming from your shower drain can be a real nuisance. There are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem yourself, but if those don’t work it’s time to call in a professional.
A plumber is likely required if the smell is accompanied by other problems, like gurgling noises or slow drainage. However, most of the time bad smells alone can be remedied by cleaning the trap and drain.
We understand that not everyone is comfortable with doing their own repairs, so we offer plumbing services to prevent the need for a costly inspection, cleaning, or repair. Some issues can be resolved on your own, and don’t require the added expense of an expensive plumbing service call or drain cleaning/repair.
How to Clean a Shower Drain (and Prevent It From Smelling Like Ammonia)
We all know the unpleasant smell of sewer gas. Not only is it smelly, but it’s also a sign that there’s something wrong with your plumbing. If your shower drain smells like ammonia, it’s likely that the drain is clogged and needs to be cleared.
Prevention is always better than cure, so we recommend taking some steps to prevent your shower drain from smelling like ammonia in the first place:
- Preventive maintenance: Keep an eye on your drains and clean them out regularly. This will help to avoid any build-up of waste products that can cause unpleasant smells.
- DIY plumbing fixes: Many people try to fix clogged drains themselves using household items like baking soda and vinegar, but these methods often don’t work and can even make the problem worse. It’s best to leave this kind of job to the professionals.
- Fixing a clogged drain: If you’ve already got a drainage problem, don’t worry – we can help! Our team of experienced professionals knows just how to clear a clogged shower drain quickly and efficiently. We’ll have your bathroom smelling fresh again in no time
