If you’ve noticed a sewer odor coming from your shower drain or a foul-smelling stench near your floor drain, you’re not alone. Sewer gas smells — often described as similar to rotten eggs — are unpleasant. The solution may be simple and something you can fix yourself, or the issue could signal a bigger issue going on.

In this post, we’ll break down:

• What causes sewer odors from drains
• How to identify the source
• DIY home remedies
• When to call in the pros for long-term solutions

What Causes a Sewer Odor from Your Sink, Shower, or Floor Drain?

There are several reasons why a sewer odor from a shower drain or floor drain might appear. Here are the most common culprits:

1. Dry P-Trap: The P-trap is a curved section of pipe under your sink or drain that holds water to block sewer gases from rising. If a drain isn’t used often, the water in the P-trap can evaporate, allowing sewer gas to enter your home.
2. Clogged or Dirty Drain: Food particles, hair, and soap scum can build up inside the drain, attracting bacteria and even drain flies, both of which can lead to bad smells.
3. Broken or Leaking Pipes: A leaking pipe underneath your floor or behind a wall can allow sewer gas to escape and build up inside your home. This isn’t always visible but without repairing broken pipes, they can cause a persistent odor.
4. Blocked Vent Pipes: Vent pipes regulate air pressure in your plumbing system and allow gases to safely exit through the roof. When these pipes are blocked by debris, nests, or snow, sewer odors can be pushed back into your home.
5. Sewer Line Problems: In more serious cases, the problem may be coming from your main sewer line. Tree roots, cracks, or blockages can cause sewage backups and release strong odors throughout the house.

How to Identify the Problem

While some causes are easy to check yourself, others require professional help. Here’s how you can start identifying the issue:

• Sniff Test: Try to isolate which drain is producing the odor. Is it only coming from the shower drain, or do you notice a sewer odor from the floor drain in the basement too?
• Visual Inspection: Look for any visible debris, gunk, or mold around the drain opening.
• Camera Inspections: For hard-to-diagnose issues like broken pipes or sewer line problems, a professional video camera inspection is the best way to locate damage inside your plumbing system without digging or guesswork.

At Madden Sewer & Drain, we offer drain and pipe camera inspections to pinpoint the exact cause of sewer odors — saving you time, money, and stress.

Home Solutions for Drain Odors

If the issue is minor, there are a few DIY solutions you can try before calling in a plumber:

Option 1: Flush the P-Trap: Run water down every drain in your home once a week, especially in guest bathrooms or basements that aren’t used often. This helps keep P-traps full and functioning properly. If the smell disappears within 30 minutes or so, the issue was likely a dry P-trap.

Option 2: Clean the Drain: Remove visible buildup or gunk from the drain cover and use a long brush or plumber’s snake to clear deeper clogs.

Professional Solutions for Persistent Drain Odors

If the smell persists despite your efforts, it’s time to call a licensed plumbing expert. At Madden Sewer & Drain, we’ve been helping Chicagoland residents resolve sewer and drain issues for over 55 years.

Our professional drain cleaning solutions include:

• Sewer Line Repairs: If the issue is with your main line, we offer full-service repair and replacement options, including trenchless methods when possible.
  
• Drain Cleaning: High-pressure water jetting or mechanical snaking/rodding removes stubborn clogs and residue.
  
• Camera Inspections: We use camera technology to inspect your drains and sewer lines from the inside.
  
• Smoke Testing: This advanced method finds hidden leaks or venting issues that can cause sewer gas to escape indoors.

Say Goodbye to Sewer Odors for Good

Sewer odor coming from your shower drain or floor drain isn’t something you should ignore. Even if it starts out as a minor inconvenience, it can lead to bigger plumbing problems.

At Madden Sewer & Drain, we’re committed to keeping your home safe, clean, and odor-free. Our team has the expertise, tools, and local knowledge to solve any drain issue — from the occasional smell to full-blown sewer backups.

Need help now? Contact us today to schedule a free estimate and take the first step toward a fresher, safer home.