Why Your Drain Smells Bad—and How to Fix It

A bad smell coming from a sink, shower, or bathtub drain is more than a nuisance—it’s often a sign that something is stuck in the drain line or that sewer gas is escaping. In many homes, the odor can be traced to common causes such as organic buildup, grease, a clogged trap, or a dry plumbing “P-trap.”

Because the smell’s source can differ by fixture, the most effective fixes depend on where the odor appears and how quickly it returns after cleaning.