The solution to fixing a leaking pipe is not as simple as the solutions we've discussed so far. Each time we attempt clean our showers with traditional cleaners, we are sealing contaminants further into the pores of our grout. This is one of the tools any DIY plumber should have on-hand. We are in the plumbing business and that is the first thing to check. I have seen tile put directly on sheet rock, I have seen people use standard cement board/backer board, not the type specifically for showers (as opposed to a backsplash or non shower tile) if the correct material was used it needs to be installed correctly to prevent moisture getting in to any seems. It worked, but only for 2 days. The dark line at the wall and around the drain are telling you that it's beyond efllourescence. Honestly is time the tile industry starts demanding more guidance and testing not just selling products. We found that the temp wasn't high enough to keep bacteria from growing in the warm water. Pooling ? If the bleach doesn't help try locating a good plumber and let them find the problem. Clogs are a common issue, so it is always smart to consider this possibility when you notice an odor coming from your shower drain. I have installed several showers with flat pebble floors like this and my clients love them because they are comfortable on the feet and have excellent traction for my older clients. You might check you hot water heater as well. :). Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros. Another popular culprit for shower odors is biofilm. One is an alkali the other an acid. I would use diamond lath bent over the shower dam fastened only on the outside and float it with concrete to avoid puncturing the inside of the shower dam with fasteners. My theory is that the smell comes from bacteria or mould sitting it the porous top part of the travertine. Contact The Grout Medic of Dallas-Fort Worth for your obligation-free grout tile repair evaluation. Plug up the drain or duct tape the opening to isolate the drain. We called a professional to come inspect it and he thinks the weeping holes might be clogged. If you have been dealing with a musty shower odor, you likely have shopped for shower cleaners, or even searched the Web for environmentally friendly solutions. If this doesn't work try Magic Eraser. Thank you to everyone who has tried to help. You are going to have to scrub the floor with a stiff brush and rinse the floor thoroughly to remove the residue. If that's not it you can just buy the same grout and put it right back. It will fizz up but will stop. As a tile layer I would walk from that job unless the homeowner changed their mind for the very reasons you are complaining about. I hope your shower doesn't require a reinstall, but best wishes to you with whatever your situation really is. We have one problem bathroom. We have one shower that has a mild odor like this, exactly what you describe, but it's not anywhere else in the house. I used to be a contractor and was raised in the industry. I'd like to clean it so that I can reseal it and I'd like to learn their tricks. Turn the roller cover around to help break the biofilm loose and keep pulling it out, rinsing it off and pushing it back down the drain until you can no longer see any biofilm. Perhaps too , a mold has developed under the grout which would be really unhealthy . And the smell is not like a sewer. Please contact the franchise location for additional information. As with your issue, the smell ONLY occurs when the water has been running for about 8 minutes. Keeping water in the drain totally eliminated the odor. Need to get it fixed, can't handle the smell any longer. Fyi baking soda and vinegar will cause a chemical abrasive reaction that will bubble dont be alarmed. Whether you are dealing with a stubborn clog, a leaky pipe or any other plumbing issue, our licensed plumbers will expertly diagnose the issue and discuss the options for fixing it. Any updates? Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. You would be shocked at the things we have seen. Did you read all of my post? When you first sealed it TWICE what type sealer was used? We moved in a new build about 3 years ago. i have the same floors. Just rinse it off when you are in there showering next time, using a little caution in case you have suds, but there is almost none anyway. let dry for a few days and dehumidify the shower Once fully dry and clean seal with a few coats of impregnator sealer. The moisture problem is from not pre-sloping the concrete under the membrane and/or blocked weep holes. Fortunately, cleaning your P-trap is a simple process and is an excellent way to deodorize a smelly shower drain. @Pete Wells Thank you. In regards to effloressence. I know it isnt good for the grout, but we have to regroup anyway, I wanted to see if this was the problem first. Have you tried running the water cold to rule out the anode rod. Do you have any additional photos? On the second day it did the same but less strong. Are you ready to experience the best grout cleaning in Dallas-Fort Worth? Check with your hardware store and/or plumber and see if they can give you some advise. How to remove popcorn ceiling with asbestos? It's pretty but it's a PAIN! For instance, soap scum can bind with a wad of hair to create a more solid obstruction. remember acids are corrosive and will etch grout and stone. (Safety first! You can fix this issue simply by running the water for a bit. It's something I'd like to do myself. You need an acid to break up that calcium. Any that show the waterproofing? I have also removed the screen and scrubbed and snaked the drain. Well, clean the grout well. Leaks are caused either by perforations in pipes or by loose fittings between runs of piping. My first line of defense before sulfamic acid crystals is a mixture of 50/50 distilled white vinegar and distilled bottled water plus a few dashs of Dawn dish soap in a spray bottle. A popular option to try which does not require the use of any chemicals is to snake the drain, so we'll focus on how to unclog a shower drain with a snake. What could it be? With all that said there could be an underlying problem with the shower. If water then migrates between the waterproofing and the epoxy/urethane grout it can create mold issues that starts to show in the grout. If the odor doesn't smell like sewage, then you may just be dealing with a dirty P-trap. During that short visit, you will receive a quote for your grout and tile cleaning service, and you can schedule your service immediately. You should never ignore sewage smells in your home. You will need the grout bit separate but it is so easy to use and that tool pays for its self. If you notice your shower is draining slowly or isn't draining at all, then this strongly suggests you are dealing with a clog in the drain. Try cleaning it with a paste made of baking soda and vinegar. It sounds more like sewer gas. have had no real problems but the grout is looking a bit whitish so planning to clean with Simple Green - or something mild ( not acidic!!) Just like with silicone caulking, at some point there is usually some separation where the silicone meets the surface, and it needs to be dug out and redone. It looks like you have a buildup of calcium deposits and efflorescence. If moisture soaks through the tile grout, then it can bring out the sewer smell that you are smelling. Makes the whole house smell after we shower. Did you find the problem? Cementitious grout allows ventilation. Update: The grouting will return to it's normal color. Our grout cleaning system heats simple tap water to about 310F and delivers a blast of steam to every crack and crevice inside your shower. Done!! Shower and toilet have each their own lines? I do not like them, they will be dated soon enough still Ellsworth has a great point about grout selections. If you run the water frequently and you are still getting a sewage smell from your drain, then there may be a problem with your P-trap that calls for an inspection by a plumbing professional who can determine whether it needs to be refitted or replaced. OMG no subfloor or concrete. Why choose The Grout Medic for your grout cleaning in Dallas-Fort Worth? I feel your pain with this type of shower floor! Any photos from during install? And while chemical cleaners and bleach mask the musty shower smell for a while, it quickly returns but there is a solution for smelly shower woes. The shower is rarely used but when it is, the smell appears for a few hours as it dries. What we discovered was the original installer installed the liner with no preslope, then installed the durock on the walls right down tight to the liner and then did the mud bed. The cons are at installation - if you grout too much - you can drown the rocks but they are a flatter surface; you have to grout up to two thirds of the rock but then you get the reflexology treatment! Why You Should Hire a Grout Cleaning Company in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area? . SO, when its ' dried' , the smell will go away. For most drains, this paint roller cover is the perfect size and shape to clean the inside walls of your drain. Apply it generously with a dry cloth, and leave it on for a while. On the first day the smell came back as the water dried. Showers need maintenance and caulks especially colored ones fail. There are several ways you can unclog a shower drain. Now it's just once every week or two, preferably while the shower is dry. The tiles are not porous but they are pitted so some water sits in them close to the surface. I think with all the posts, we have narrowed down to some water problem or mold. To expound upon the answer, it is probably not just mildew youre smelling in your shower. When you think you may be smelling sewer gases leaking from your pipes and you know the P-trap should be containing these smells, call a licensed plumber to come out and diagnose the problem. Houzz nutzt Cookies und hnliche Technologien, um Ihre Benutzererfahrung zu personalisieren, Ihnen relevante Inhalte bereitzustellen und die Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu verbessern. Our house is 1 1/2 years old. We seem to have some unwelcome Mickeys and Minnies in our house. If it's the grout the smell should gone. Do u know what materials were used bf tiling? How do I go about this safely? One other thing I have found often when remodeling/ changing out tile is that the person who installed it may or may not have done the surface prep for the shower well. Yet another completely hacked up improperly constructed and improperly waterproofed shower. One of these issues is leaky pipes. We have a similar smell in the bathroom at work. Professional grout cleaning will make your regular cleaning a snap! I've done this once before. There is no visible mildew. It is not the drain trap. You aren't maintaining tiles you are basically maintaining a 40% grout floor. It wasn't instant, enough water had to pass to wash smell out. He also stated it could be this ..: Thank you all for the comments!!! I've tried sealing the grout 3 times and then used an impregnator on it to stop the pink mold but now I've got a weird orange colored something or other that won't go away. I will be sure I got that correct. What is the best way to get rid of them? You may also want to post at the John Bridge Tile forum: http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1. Perhaps the stone has something to do with it as well . The simple answer to your question is that the musty smell is probably mildew. To remove biofilm from your drain, first, remove the drain cover and clean it. and it only shows up in this shower and not in the other two showers nor at the other points of hot water use? Pour over the grouting and leave to rest. To help this, you will need to use some Simple Green disinfectant and pour it down your mud pan, which will clean the terrible smell you are smelling. And maybe it really will need to be redone. If all other tests lead nowhere a weephole, There have been many cases of builders sealing dead animals into the dry wall / behind baths and shower trays / under stairs etc etcAfter a year and a half the smell of a dead bird would probably have gone awaya dead cat, not so much ;-). I looked on the 'net for similar problems and I came across a contractor on some website that described an identical odor and said that he discovered that it was something in the grout. If they did, it didn't wrap the curb and go under the wall board. My point is hopefully it is lack of grout sealing and not mold developing behind/ under tile. I want to remove my popcorn ceiling, but it has asbestos in it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Business Hours: Monday Friday: 8am 5pm. I have installed river rock tiles in a number of showers and had no problems with them. So many experts on here, but so little knowledge. I bought one recently and have used it with my current bath remodel for so many thingslove it. The first picture shows the shower ready for pre-slope and waterproofing - there is blocking between the studs and the 2x4 dam is in place. Bittersweet- I love the magic eraser it truly is magic I had to scrape on the side of my car and I used the magic eraser and it disappeared! It sounds like your smelling sulfur , I may be in your water . Unfortunately, in some cases, bathroom odors may be due to more serious issues that require professional help. I do tile work. Hi guys. That is something that has some possibilities. 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Oh I'm not seeing any hate with the comments just helpful suggestions or am I missing something? I love this! He stated that it could also possibly be a leak running down behind the tile, and getting into the shower pan ,where its collecting and then more and more water will get into the shower pan and then the smell will come up, due to it being stagnant water, underneath the tile.. spray it on heavy, as it is wet coat the whole shebang with a good dusting of baking soda. The floor feels solid, the walls feel solid. I went away for a while, can't recall how long, and when I returned, it was already drained out. Plumber said it isn't sewer gas because our trap looks good and you can always see water in the trap. I found this website with a post about a similar problem as mine: http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=76307, 15 Gorgeous Bohemian Inspired Decor Items To Make For Yourself. If shower pan floors are not install correctly the water could be pooling under the concrete and is unable to drain. Now cover the drain with a stopper or a plate and let the chemical reaction go to work, cleaning the inside of the drain, including the P-trap, and frothing up. . If water gets saturated into the base of the shower, then there should be some gravel around it so the water can soak through and go down into the drain pipe. In this tutorial, we learn how to get rid of that smell coming from your shower with Bob Schmidt. I agree with Diane! This is a likely culprit if you are noticing bathroom smells in a newly built or renovated house. As stated you may likely have multiple issues. Even new homes can experience funky shower smells. May be disipating in the hot water tank and as the shower runs and fresh water runs into the tank you can smell the sulfer.. try shorter showers. pan grading, weep holes etc . I have the sulfur smell in only one of my bathrooms for 17 years, now. @Tom see my reply/ discussion with @shelbybella and do u think what we are suggesting is possible? Just level it with grout. The shower smells terrible. It is completly possible for you to do yourself, if it is mold then I would recommend getting help if you don't want to redo the shower yourself, i recommend one of the companies like Home Service Pro or Angies list. This should clear out any grime or debris clinging to the inside of your P-trap and causing odors. The tiles have not been re-sealed for a few years. This is driving us crazy! This biofilm has a pinkish or orangy tone. Trudy is right, it's the anode rod in your water heaterNOT sewer gas, which does not smell like sulfurtry running only the cold water the length of time it takes for the odor to develop, if no odor develops, you have your answer! I believe it starts just as water is starting to evaporate. If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. We have stopped using it, closed the doors and leave the window open. The rinsing I was doing ensures that any dirty water and shampoo from people using the shower is fully removed. Mine were perfectly fine until I sprayed a bleach based mildew remover on it and forgot to rinse it. If you want us to conduct a check-up of your plumbing system, request one today. The Grout Medic of Dallas-Fort Worth will literally blast away the musty smell in your shower by getting to the source of the problem. The time between resealing is directly proportional to the amount the shower is used. It won't last. So I did both the trap clean with the paint roller and then a couple of weeks later I tried the mud pan soak. There are scattered voids in the wall grout. I'll check with the County about the water but we have an excellent water system. They should be able to fix the issue so you can breathe easy in your bathroom. @Shelby @ The Weathered Barn Studio Does your boyfriend know of a website that would be good to connect with contractors that clean and/or rehab travertine. How to keep sofa cushions from sliding out. Our Motorhome water that comes in through a special white hose from the site water connection has a bad odor. But in the meantime, if you haven't already, you could try the internet-famous equal parts mix of vinegar and blue Dawn dish liquid. Leaky pipes in your bathroom walls or under the shower will allow sewer gases also known as hydrogen sulfide to escape, so you may notice the shower drain smells like rotten eggs or sewage. You even develop a layer of biofilm on your teeth, known as plaque, in between brushes. TIA, Your help with this Kitchen Layout, please : ). This bacteria is held together by a glue-like substance that feels slimy to the touch and clings to surfaces like river rocks, birdbaths, showers and more. The good news is that a smelly shower is usually an easy problem to identify and fix. Tom, I see that this post is from five years ago, but I sure hope you still check this forum. It's even safe on glass :). Looks more like that is what the real color of the grout is, and the other areas are waterlogged darker, and having issues drying out because of the pan having the pre slope improperly done and the weep holes to the drain blocked. No visible problems, we elected to tear out bottom half of shower and redo. The bathroom is between two childrens rooms. I started my plan of dampening the tiles every day for 5 days. By the 4th day there was no more smell. I think I was told to run hot water, I see another poster said cold water, well. One way to loosen and remove the residue is with Muriatic Acid diluted in water. I'm on same page with u and hope he resolves the issue. We have an under the kitchen sink filter. Had the same problem at our church (sounds like anyway). A clog that includes a harsh cleaning product or other corrosive substances can allow these substances to sit and essentially eat through your pipe. This will cause the efflorescence to keep on coming back because the salt from the concrete keeps rising to the surface. You can try putting a cup of Clorox to a gallon of water down the drain. Does the water heater sevice all your showers and sinks or are they individually heated? Problem with the Schluter band wagon is a lot of the products are sold as incomplete systems whereas the waterproofing co does not sell the thinset or related products so installers start to mix and match and make up their own instructions. Tundra hit the nail on the head. That has to be redone. One common type that often finds its way into showers has been nicknamed pink mold, though it is not really a mold it is biofilm that contains the bacteria Serratia marcescens, shortened to S. marcescens. Thanks for your input on the issue, hoping he gets his issue resolved. This is what I use to get rid of soap buildup in the grout lines. So I didn't get as far as pressure spraying it or re-sealing it. In addition to cleaning your grout and tile, our grout cleaning service includes grout sealing, which will help deter water and contaminants from seeping into the pores of your grout. Is there a way to put the duct tape on that would work better to hold the liquid (I put the sticky side against the drain cap), or is this just an indication of how porous my grout is? Sorry for over comments.we also don't know if the shower pan (floor under tile) was done correctly, Grout needs to be revealed ever 5 or so years. In some cases, it gets mistaken for mold. Or possibly is the smell from sewer odor? Good luck. You should call someone about having your water tested . Go over to the John Bridge Tile Forum if you want real answers from proven experts. There is never a need to panic when you can pick up the phone and trust Mr. Rooter to swiftly take care of the problem. I can't speak to the water line but I think it will need to be checked and it is one or the other. After reading about bacteria on liquid latex and bacteria that could get behind cracks in grout, we tried pouring bleach and water down the drain and in the entire floor of the shower stall after a shower. This vapor blast will loosen and eliminate mold, mildew, and other contaminants to rid your shower of that musty smell youve been trying to tackle on your own. @Tom A rhetorical question here: why is it that this odor only occurs in this shower whereas we have two other showers plus three sinks that regularly draw hot water and no odor whatsoever and we've been in this house for 23 years and my water heater is only four years old. If anything else happens I'll post it here. let set an hour or so. later spritz more of the solution on and scrub with a hard nylon brush and wipe it all out with minimal water and rags. We turned up the temp and it solved the problem. The three plumbers that assessed the situation for us couldnt figure out why the smell only starts after 7 minutes of running water. Would Gold Granite stone cleaner work? Even if you diligently clean your bathroom, you may not think about the parts of your bathroom you cannot see. Biofilm can build up on your shower and inside your shower drain, leading to musty, unpleasant odors. It is not used as frequently as the others. We have the same issue in our tiled shower. Simply pour approximately 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by about 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar. If its just this ONE shower, then definitely an isolated issue. If you remove a small section of grout in 1 or 2 spots you can see if smell is worse. If the smell still exists, you know the smell is coming from somewhere else. Your problem is lack of regular maintenance. Sounds like sulfer in the water to me too. Water with too much sulphur also smells like rotten eggs. For certain types of metal pipes, leaks from perforations could develop over time due to corrosion.