We were cleaning the bathroom one day and had both the vanity facets turned on at the same time. We heard a gurgling sound and then noticed a fowl smell. We opened the shower door and noticed water coming up. In it contained black sandy-like grit and other material that floated on the surface.

The water and debris just sat there and would not go down the drain. We were horrified as to what in the world would cause that to happen and we were left wondering what the heck we were seeing. Was this normal drain gunk or raw sewage?

I attempted to plunge it with very little results, next I tried liquid plumber foam and then later more plunging. Nothing really helped. The water would go down a bit but would soon come right back moments later.

I resorted to my Shop-Vac to remove the excess water and debris. I then tried turning on the sink faucets with just hot water to see what would happen. Once again the water came up the shower drain, however this time I was sucking it out as it came up. I noticed large grayish chunks of floating debris pouring up from the drain and into the end of Shop-Vac hose. At last the drain cleared and water went rushing down. Problem solved? I thought so but not entirely.

The drain continues to run freely however when the shower is turned on and water enters the drain the smell is still present. We have tried bleach and it seems to work for a day or so only to have the smell return. I am worried that I was able to remove only a portion of whatever it was and the rest is still down... patiently waiting.

Can someone please enlighten me as to why this back-up happened when the vanity faucets were turned on, what the smell could be from and is it normal to have black grit and grayish chunky floaters in your shower drain pipes. Also why is the smell still present when the water is turned on.

How I can resolve this once and for good?

MANY THANKS IN ADVANCE. - KD

To get rid of your smell and clean out your shower drain at the same time youi should start by snaking the drain to remove the built up sludge.
Most bad odors in bathroom drains come from rotting hair mixed with grease from the soap( your gray floaters). Try this. Remove the two screws holding the strainer. (TIP; put the screws in the soap dish before they get lost down the drain.) Shine a light down there and with a bent coathanger fish out any hair that may be hiding down there. For your shower, Now work your snake past the trap and about 10 feet beyond. Pull t5hesnake out and pour a 1/2 gal. of bleach down into the trap and let it set over night. Next morning flush the mess down with 2 large pans of boiling water, (this is important). The bleach will dissolve the hair and make it slippery and the boiling water will melt the grease and get the mess out of your drain. Smell better now? Cheers TOM

Thanks for the speedy reply...

Is this a hand powered type snake or one that attaches to a drill? I have neither at the moment so I will need to pick one up.

Thanks KD

Thanks for the speedy reply...

Is this a hand powered type snake or one that attaches to a drill? I have neither at the moment so I will need to pick one up.

Thanks KD
It could be a cheap hand held one for this job.but a powered one is always better. You have less then 15 feet to snake and the toughest bit will be getting past the bend of the trap. Good luck, Tom

Thanks Tom

I will certainly give that a try. KD :)