If you notice a sulfur smell in the shower, it’s usually due to hydrogen sulfide gas — a compound that smells like rotten eggs. This odor often comes from bacterial buildup in the drain, water heater, or plumbing vent system. Besides being unpleasant, it can make your bathroom feel dirty even when it’s spotless.
Many homeowners in Pompano Beach face this problem. Usually, this odor from shower water comes from hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas smells like sulfur or rotten eggs. It is released when bacteria grow in your plumbing or when water reacts with certain metals. Sometimes it is because of contaminated water.
However, some residents shared that they fixed it numerous times, but the issue kept coming back until a plumber found buildup inside the water heater. Another said their roof vent was clogged by leaves, and once cleared, the smell disappeared overnight. So the reasons are unlimited.
So, what to do in such a situation? Here is what you need to know!
Why You Notice a Sulfur Smell in the Shower?
That shower smells like rotten eggs because of hydrogen sulfide gas, formed when bacteria break down organic matter inside your plumbing system. Sometimes, the smell may come from the drain, but in other cases, it’s caused by water contamination or a malfunctioning water heater.
Understanding where the smell comes from helps you choose the right fix.
Common Sources of the Sulfur Odor:
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The drain: Dry P-trap, clogs, or bacterial buildup.
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The water: Contaminated supply or reaction inside the water heater.
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The vent system: Blocked or broken vent pipes releasing gases back into your bathroom.
If you sense a rotten egg smell in your house, it’s wise to investigate all water fixtures and vents — we explain how in our detailed house-wide odor guide.
How to Fix Sulfur Smell in The Shower: Step-by-Step Guide
We know the reasons behind your shower smells like rotten eggs are a lot. But it can be fixed by due diligence and smart decisions. The key is figuring out where the smell is coming from:
- The drain (dry P-trap, clogs, bacteria)
- The vent system (blocked or broken vent pipes)
- The water itself (contaminated supply or water heater issues)
You can often remove the sulfur odor in shower drain with simple checks and maintenance. Follow this guide before calling a professional.
Step 1: Check for a Dry P-Trap
The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe under your shower drain. Its job is simple: hold water to block sewer gases.
- Why it smells: If you don’t use the shower often, the water in the trap evaporates. Without water, the gases rise into your bathroom.
- Quick fix: Pour a glass of water into the drain. This refills the trap and seals off the smell.
This is the first thing you should test, especially if the smell shows up in a guest bathroom or a shower you rarely use. That rotten egg smell in the bathroom can be caused by dry traps or buildup — learn exactly which checks to do first
Step 2: Clean the Drain and P-Trap
If the P-trap is not dry, the smell may be from bacterial buildup.
- Why it happens: Hair, soap scum, and dirt stick inside the drain. Bacteria feed on this gunk and produce hydrogen sulfide gas.
- What to do:
- Remove the drain cover and clear hair and soap scum.
- Use a drain snake to pull out clogs.
- Try a baking soda and vinegar mix: pour half a cup of baking soda, then one cup of vinegar. Cover the drain for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
- For stubborn smells, use enzyme cleaners. These break down organic matter safely without harsh chemicals.
Cleaning your drain regularly helps prevent a rotten egg smell in hot shower from coming back. Sometimes the odor isn’t from the shower at all — your sink smells like sulfur may share the same root causes.
Step 3: Inspect the Vent System
Your home’s plumbing vents go through the roof. These let sewer gases escape safely outside.
- Why it smells: If a vent is blocked by leaves, nests, or damage, gases can back up into your shower drain.
- What to do: Go outside and look at the roof vent. If it’s blocked, carefully clear it. If you are not comfortable climbing on the roof, call a plumber.
A broken or clogged vent system often makes your shower water smell like sulfur and needs professional repair.
Step 4: Test for Water Contamination
Sometimes the smell isn’t from the drain at all. The water itself may be the problem.
- Simple test: Fill one glass of water from the shower and one from the kitchen sink. Smell both.
- If both smell like rotten eggs → your water supply is likely contaminated.
- If only the shower glass smells → the issue is with that specific drain or fixture.
Possible water-related causes:
- Bacteria in the water heater: The anode rod can react with sulfate in the water, making the rotten egg smell in hot shower water.
- Hydrogen sulfide in the well or supply line: Common in some areas, especially if you have well water.
If you notice a sulfur smell in the shower across multiple taps, contact a licensed plumber in Pompano Beach or a water specialist for testing.
Step 5: Look for Leaks or Damage
In rare cases, the sulfur odor comes from hidden leaks. A broken or corroded sewer pipe behind walls or under the floor can release gases.
Signs of a bigger issue:
- Smell doesn’t go away after cleaning
- Wet spots on the walls or floor
- Mold or mildew odors, along with a sulfur smell
If you suspect this, call a licensed plumber right away.
How to Prevent the Smell from Coming Back?
Prevention is easier than repeated cleaning. Follow these quick maintenance tips to avoid that rotten egg smell in the shower:
- Run water in unused showers at least once a week.
- Clean hair and soap scum from drains regularly.
- Flush drains with hot water and baking soda monthly.
- Have your water heater checked yearly.
- Inspect roof vents after storms or heavy leaf fall.
These small habits help keep your bathroom fresh and safe. If the smell persists, call professionals like Priscilla’s Plumbing Company to address the problem.
Ask Priscilla For Plumbing Help!
If the smell continues after cleaning or spreads to multiple fixtures, you may have a deeper plumbing or water contamination issue. Priscilla’s Plumbing offers 24/7 plumbing services in Pompano Beach and nearby areas, including Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, and Margate.
We’re a licensed and certified team, known for reliable, affordable solutions that fix the problem permanently. Call 954-787-2052 or book online for a fast, expert inspection.
FAQs
Q1. Why does my shower in Pompano Beach smell like rotten eggs?
The smell usually comes from hydrogen sulfide gas. It can happen when your shower drain has bacterial buildup, the P-trap is dry, or your water heater reacts with minerals in the water.
Q2. My shower water smells like sulfur only when it’s hot. Why?
That’s often caused by the water heater. The anode rod inside may react with sulfates in the water, creating a rotten egg smell. Replacing the rod usually solves it.
Q3. How do I know if the smell is from the water or the drain?
Fill a glass of water from the shower and smell it outside. Then try the same from the kitchen sink. If both smell, the water is the problem. If only one smells, it’s the drain.
Q4. What can I try before calling a plumber?
First, pour water into the drain to refill the P-trap. Next, clean the drain with baking soda and vinegar or a drain snake. If the smell stays, check the roof vent for blockages.
Q5. When should I call a plumber in Pompano Beach?
If the smell doesn’t go away after cleaning and testing, or if you notice leaks, mold, or bad odors all over the house, it’s time to call a plumber from Priscilla’s Plumbing. They can check vents, pipes, and water safety.
