Plumbing drains that are functioning properly shouldn't emit foul odors. This is true of all drains, including the drain in your shower. A shower drain can start to smell for a variety of reasons.

You must identify the source of the smell to restore the serenity and cleanliness of your shower. 

Clogged Stopper

Modern shower drains have a stopper or strainer built into the design of the drain itself. The purpose of the stopper or strainer is to trap hair, soap residue, and other particles from finding their way into the drain pipe. Over time, these items can collect on the stopper or strainer and create a clog.

The foul odor you smell could be the result of this trapped debris starting to deteriorate. A plumber can quickly remove the stopper or strainer from your drain and give it a thorough cleaning.

The entire drainpipe can then be cleaned using a pressurized jet of water or an auger. Keeping your shower drain free of clogs should prevent the drain from emitting any odors in the future.

Mold and Mildew Growth

Mold and mildew tend to thrive in dark, moist environments. This means that your shower drain could serve as the perfect habitat where mold and mildew can grow. The most common place that mold and mildew grows in the shower is between the drain cover and the floor of your shower.

The drain cover can become dislodged and create a small space where mold or mildew can take root. As the growth spreads down into the drainpipe, you will begin to notice a musty odor emanating from the shower drain.

A plumber will need to thoroughly clean the drain and replace the drain cover with one that fits snugly to eliminate mold and mildew growth, and the accompanying smell.

Dry P-Trap

Your shower drain is connected to your home's main sewer line. This means that there is the potential for sewer gases to seep back into your home through the shower drain. A P-trap is included in the design of your shower drain to prevent this problem.

A small amount of water always sits in the P-trap and acts as a barrier against sewer gases. A P-trap that has sustained damage or isn't working properly will go dry. This allows potentially harmful sewer gases to leak into your shower stall.

A plumber should be called in to fix the P-trap immediately to protect your family against exposure to harmful sewer gases.

To learn more about plumbing repairs, contact a plumber near you.