Why Does My Shower Drain Smell Like Sewage?

Your shower should smell like soap, not sulfur. If you catch a whiff of rotten eggs or sewage, don't ignore it. It usually points to one of two problems.

Every drain has a U-shaped pipe underneath called a P-trap. It holds a small amount of water that acts as a seal, blocking sewer gases from rising into your home. If a shower isn't used often (like in a guest bath), this water evaporates, breaking the seal.

The Fix: Pour a bucket of water down the drain. If the smell goes away in an hour, that was the problem.

Hair, soap scum, and skin cells collect inside the drain pipe. Bacteria feed on this 'biofilm,' creating a slimy, smelly sludge.

The Fix: Remove the drain cover and clean it. Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water, to kill the bacteria.