If your bathroom smells like sewage, the answer probably lies in your shower drain. The issue could be anything from a leak or a clogged drain, to a P-trap problem.

Leaks tend to occur if you have damaged valves or deteriorating pipes. To fix this issue, you’ll need to secure any worn-down joints and replace rusty parts of your pipe.

To remove a clog in your drain, we suggest yanking the gunk out with a drain snake with a hook at the end. You can also pour boiling water down the drain to dissolve the grime.

Those who need something stronger can use a chemical treatment. However, follow the product instructions closely to avoid accidentally eroding the drain lining.

The P-trap is a pipe found underneath your shower. Its main job is to store a certain amount of water to keep the sewer line gas from getting into your shower and drainage system.

If you’re smelling sewage, it’s likely because your P-trap is not carrying enough water. You may need to call a professional to evaluate if it needs replacing or adjusting.

If a professional says the P-trap only needs to be cleaned, pour half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of distilled white vinegar down the drain and cover it with a stopper.

A bubbly reaction should break up grime so that you can rinse it away.