Welcome to Domestic Disasters, where we take a look at some of your worst mess-ups and grossest finds. We take them to the experts to find out how big of a problem they are and how expensive they are to fix.
A few years ago, Tim and Kathy found their dream home in Atlanta suburbs. The house was about ten years old, which to them was the ideal age — old enough for the quirks to have all been fixed, yet still new enough not to have any major issues. But, a year after moving in, the bathroom started emanating a gas-like, sulfur odor.
It wasn’t the first odd smell in their bathroom. A few months earlier, they’d experienced a sewage smell, which they soon figured out was caused by mold in the toilet tank. But the shower drain smell was more elusive. They called a couple of plumbers, who couldn’t find anything wrong. They also searched for answers on a Reddit forum, where they discovered that dozens of people had the same mysterious issue.
“I was convinced something died in the walls,” commented one person. Another wrote, “My husband and the plumbers that came to my home didn’t smell it, but it drove me mad.”
Kathy also speculated humorously on the thread, “Maybe it’s not a gasket or P-trap, maybe it’s the smell of the stuff you’re washing down the drain coming back up to haunt you.” Bingo.
After a couple of years of searching for an answer, they finally discovered that what they were putting down the drain was, indeed, the issue. “It was freakin shampoo,” wrote Kathy. “Dandruff shampoo at that. Like Head & Shoulders, Selsun Blue, whatever medicated shampoo.”
Here’s how Kathy and Tim eliminated the persistent, unpleasant scent coming from the bathroom, along with how the experts suggest handling it.
What They Tried
Initially, Kathy thought an empty P-trap was to blame, but that theory was easily debunked. Next, she tried a variety of drain cleaners and fresheners, including bleach, vinegar, baking soda and even Dawn dish soap and Tide laundry detergent.
When none of those reduced the smell, she tried an enzyme cleaner. That helped temporarily, but as soon as someone washed their hair, the smell returned. Again, she was at a loss.
A Pro Weighs In
We spoke to a couple of experts to find out why medicated shampoos can create bad smells in shower drains, and how to help Tim and Kathy permanently solve their dilemma.
“This problem is actually more common than you think,” says plumber Jordan Benjamin. “I’ve had more than a few service calls to fix this exact issue.”
The Science Behind the Smell
Dandruff and other medicated shampoos contain surfactants, oils and stabilizers, which don’t dissolve well in water. So, when you rinse your hair, some of those residues build up in the drainpipes.
“Those pipes are already covered with soap scum, hair and organic matter, creating what we call biofilm, and with each shower that layer of biofilm grows a little thicker,” says Benjamin. “Anaerobic bacteria thrive in these conditions, and the rotten egg or sewer odor that results is actually due to the bacteria feeding on the buildup.”
The problem is especially pronounced with products containing selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole.
Beyond an unpleasant odor, the buildup of organic matter can eventually lead to slow draining and clogs. The biofilm can also degrade PVC and ABS plastic pipes. And the longer you wait, the tougher it is to clean it off.
Did the Homeowners Get it Right?
Yes and no. The pros agree that Kathy was correct in using an enzyme cleaner. However, they caution against just dumping a range of products down the drain. “You run the risk of damaging your pipes,” says Benjamin. Also, some combinations can be dangerous, and if you have a septic system, it will harm the good bacteria in your tank.
Keep in mind, too, that in general, products like bleach, baking soda, soaps and vinegar are often no match for stinky drains, says plumber Kelly Russum. “They usually just flow past the buildup and don’t stay in contact long enough to break it down,” he says. “You need something that actually touches the walls. Usually, that means enzyme cleaners, foaming drain cleaners or mechanical cleaning using a drain brush.”
The Panic Meter
We rank Domestic Disasters on a four-point scale.
- Do It Yourself: The easiest issues to fix. You can handle it all on your own.
- Phone a Friend: This issue might require a little outside assistance.
- Call a Pro: This situation warrants professional assistance.
- SOS: Problems that are so dangerous, you’re directly at risk of injury or worse.
This kind of problem usually lands on the “Do It Yourself” scale. “The ‘odor factory’ is close to the drain opening, where DIY tools and cleaners can reach it easily,” says Russum. “You only need a plumber if the clog is deeper in the system, or the smells keep coming back despite proper cleaning.”
The Cost Differential
As a DIY job, this project typically costs between $20 to $60 for a good pipe brush and a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner. If you opt to call in a pro for a drain cleaning, expect that to jump to $150 to $400.
How to Fix A Stinky Drain (the Right Way)
While Kathy was correct that an enzymatic cleaner is the proper chemical for the job, a lasting solution also requires a little more elbow grease, plus a regular cleaning routine. Here are the proper steps:
- Remove the drain plug and pull out any debris you can reach. “Most of what you find will be hair and slimy sludge, so my recommendation is to wear gloves,” says Benjamin.
- Flush the pipes with boiling water to loosen surface residues.
- Pour an enzyme cleaner down the drain and let it sit overnight. The product should contain live bacteria, not just a regular chemical cleaner or deodorizer, says Russum.
- Use a flexible pipe brush that matches the diameter of your pipe to scrub everything you can reach. “Gently feed the brush into the pipe and twist it as you push and pull it,” says Russum. Be sure to add a few drops of dish soap, such as Dawn, to help cut the grease.
- Clean away any buildup around the drain opening and threads, using an old toothbrush and a little dish soap.
- Rinse thoroughly with hot water for a couple of minutes, then replace the drain cover.
“You might need to repeat these steps every few days until the biofilm is completely gone,” says Benjamin. “If the odor is still present after that, your best bet is to call a plumber who offers hydrojetting.”
How to Prevent a Stinky Drain
- Install a hair catcher over the drain.
- Run hot water down the drain for 60 seconds after you wash your hair.
- Use an enzyme cleaner once a week.
- Scrub the shower drain at least once a month.
- Occasionally, use a drain snake to remove hair.
“The dirtier your drains, the harsher that dandruff-shampoo-related smell becomes, because more skin flakes and oils stick to the pipe walls instead of washing away,” says Russum.
What Kathy and Tim Learned
With regular use of the enzymatic cleaner and physical cleaning of the pipes, Kathy and Tim have finally been able to keep the smell in check. And now Kathy is trying to spread the word about the solution. “I had posted [on Reddit] many moons ago about a nasty scent coming from my bathroom,” she said. “I’ve finally figured out why, and since many others have similar complaints, I’ve decided to share my experience.”
Editor’s Note: This story is adapted from a real homeowner’s experience shared on Reddit. While we’ve dramatized the narrative with fictionalized names and locations, the plumbing mechanics and professional solutions provided are expert-verified and factually accurate.
About the Experts
- Jordan Benjamin is owner and president of Done Rite Services, an Arizona-based company specializing in HVAC, plumbing and electrical services.
- Kelly Russum is the owner of KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning in Palm Springs, California, and has almost 50 years of hands-on experience as a professional plumber.
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