A fresh shower should leave you feeling clean and relaxed—but if your shower drain smells like rotten eggs, it can ruin the whole experience. That strong sulfur-like odor is not only unpleasant, it’s usually a warning sign that something in your plumbing system needs attention. You May Also Like: Water Storage Tanks.

The good news? Most of the time, this smell comes from common, fixable problems like a dry trap, bacteria buildup, or sulfur in the water supply. By understanding the causes, you can take the right steps to eliminate the smell and keep your bathroom fresh.

👉 Need quick plumbing help? Visit Plumber Near Me to connect with trusted professionals in your area.

Main Reasons Why Your Shower Smells Like Rotten Eggs

Here are the most common causes when a shower smells like sulfur or rotten eggs, along with practical solutions:

1. Dry or Empty P-Trap

The P-trap is that U-shaped pipe under your shower drain. It holds water, which acts as a barrier to stop sewer gasses from escaping into your bathroom. If the trap dries out—usually in bathrooms that aren’t used often—nothing blocks the gasses, and you’ll smell that rotten egg odor.

✅ Fix: Run water in the shower for a few minutes to refill the trap. For guest bathrooms, make it a habit to run water every couple of weeks to prevent drying.

💡 Pro tip: If the bathroom is rarely used, pour a tablespoon of mineral oil into the drain after filling it. The oil floats on top of the water and slows down evaporation.

2. Biofilm (Bacterial Slime) in the Drain

Over time, hair, soap scum, and skin cells collect in the drain, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. This slimy coating, called biofilm, produces hydrogen sulfide gas—which smells just like rotten eggs.

✅ Fix: Try this natural cleaning method:

• Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain.
• Add one cup of vinegar and let it fizz for 15 minutes.
• Flush with boiling water to clear out the biofilm.

For stubborn buildup, use a drain brush to scrub the pipe walls.

3. Blocked or Clogged Plumbing Vent

Every drain system has vent pipes that release air pressure and allow water to flow smoothly. If the vent gets blocked (by leaves, nests, or debris), it creates a vacuum that pulls water out of the P-trap. Once the water level drops, sewer gasses escape.

✅ Fix: If you can safely access your roof, check for blockages in the vent pipe. Use a plumber’s snake to clear minor clogs. For more complex cases, call a plumber.

4. Cracked or Leaking Drain Pipes

A crack in the drainpipe—especially in older cast-iron or PVC connections—can release sewer gasses under the floor. Sometimes it smells like the odor is coming from the drain, but the real source is hidden beneath the shower or even inside walls.

✅ Fix: Inspect the area under the tub or floor for leaks. Replacing damaged PVC sections is straightforward, but corroded cast iron pipes may require full replacement.

5. Sulfur in Your Water Supply

Not all odors come from the drain. If your shower smells like sulfur even with a clean drain, the water itself may be the issue. Homes with well water are especially prone to sulfur bacteria underground, which makes the water smell like rotten eggs.

✅ Fix: Test by filling a glass of water and smelling it outside the bathroom. If it still stinks, the water supply is the problem.

• Short-term: Shock the well with a chlorine treatment.
• Long-term: Install a whole-house water filter to remove sulfur and other contaminants.

6. Corroded Anode Rod in the Water Heater

If the smell appears mostly when using hot water, your water heater may be to blame. Most water heaters have a sacrificial anode rod that attracts minerals. When it corrodes, it can release sulfur smells into your hot water supply.

✅ Fix: Replace the anode rod. If your water heater is old, consider replacing the unit for better efficiency and fresh, odor-free water.

FAQs: Shower Drain Smells Like Rotten Eggs

1. Why does my shower drain smell like rotten eggs only after it rains?

This could mean your vent pipes are blocked or your sewer system is backing up from heavy water flow.

2. Why does my shower smell like sulfur even after cleaning the drain?

If cleaning doesn’t help, the issue may be in your water supply or water heater.

3. Can I use bleach to clean the shower drain smell?

Bleach can kill bacteria but may damage pipes and doesn’t always remove biofilm completely. Baking soda and vinegar are safer and effective.

4. Is a rotten egg smell in the shower dangerous?

Yes. The smell is often hydrogen sulfide gas, which in high concentrations can be harmful. If the odor is strong and persistent, call a plumber immediately.

5. How do plumbers fix a shower that smells like rotten eggs?

They’ll inspect the drain, test the water, check vents, and repair or replace damaged pipes. If sulfur water is the problem, they may recommend a filtration system.

Final Thoughts

If your shower drain smells like rotten eggs, don’t just cover it with candles or air fresheners—the smell will always come back until you fix the source. Whether it’s a simple dry P-trap, bacterial biofilm, or sulfur in your water, there’s always a solution.

Start with easy fixes like running water or cleaning the drain. If the odor persists, it may be time to replace parts of your system or call in a professional.

👉 For reliable plumbing services, visit Plumber Near Me and find the help you need today.