Sometimes drains and pipes just smell for no determinable reason. Other times, the smell is a result of a clogged shower drain, or stagnant water in the bottom of the drain. Besides dealing with the cause, you also need to get rid of the smell itself. After removing the drain trap, or clearing the clog you can begin taking steps to remove the smell from the drain.
Pour 1 gallon of boiling water slowly down the drain. This will flush the drain and loosen any growth or bacterial that may be causing the smell.
Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda into the drain and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Baking soda absorbs odors.
Add 3 cups of white vinegar slowly down the drain. You will hear the fizzing as it interacts with the baking soda. This process will kill bacteria and germs in the drain as well as cleaning sludge from the inside of the drain pipe.
Leave the vinegar and baking soda in the drain until you take a shower again. The longer it has to work in the drain area of the shower, the better it will take care of the smell. It will also help clear away the stuff that can cause future odors.
Repeat this process monthly to help keep your shower drain clean and smell free.
Is your shower drain leaking or missing. This instruction shows how easy the installation of a PVC shower drain is. Check to see what system is currently used in your plumbing, take measurements and head to your hardware store.
Buy pvc hardware of the correct size so that it will fit with current plumbing. Remove any cracked or broken pipe. If the current plumbing is black pipe then rubber adaptors are available.
Carefully drill a hole in the shower or tub so that the hole and current plumbing align. Smooth all rough edges so that no leaks occur.
Apply pvc prep(the purple primer) to all pvc parts that will be joined; wait 20 seconds then apply pvc cement to both current plumbing and new shower drain. Cement glue is not needed when connecting pvc to rubber or black pipe to rubber. Apply plumbers caulk to drain cap and shower or tub base. Install screws on drain cap or if drain only has retention tabs then press those. Check for water tightness after caulk and glue have dried.