Is there supposed to be standing water in a shower drain pipe?

Author: Sydni Torp MD  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Standing water attracts insects like dragonflies, mosquitoes, and flies, contributing to disease and grime. Mold and mildew thrive in dirty standing water, making your bathroom an unsafe environment. The shower or tub will start to smell bad. The clog will worsen, and the shower will completely stop draining.

Should there be standing water in a shower drain pipe?

Yes it is normal to have standing water in your shower drain. Just like sink drains, shower drains have p-traps to hold water to act as a barrier to keep smelly sewer gas from coming back into your home. There are shower drains designed to help catch the hair so it doesnâÂÂt build up in the p-trap.

Should I be able to see water in the shower drain?

Every shower has a ``P-trap'' that is in a way similar to what you see under sinks. It's important for the p-trap to be there to stop sewer smells from coming up and out of your plumbing system. It's completely normal to see some standing water down the shower drain.

Why does water stay in the shower drain?

The most common causes of a blocked shower drain are hair, soap scum, and dead skin.

Why is there standing water in the drain?

Standing water is a sign that a clog is so severe that no water can seep through it. In these cases, do-it-yourself drain cleaning and prevention solutions are welcome sights. We here at the TubShroom Company have made it our mission to protect every drain in the world from clogs.

DON'T LIVE with SLOW DRAINS - Make Your Shower Drain like New In 2 Minutes

Why won't water go down my shower drain?

Soap scum, skin, and long hair are the main culprits that lead to a slow or clogged shower drain.

How to get rid of standing water in shower drain?

How to Unclog a Shower Drain with Standing Water: 5 Methods
  1. Combine Baking Soda and Vinegar. Baking soda, a cup of vinegar, and boiled water are a perfect home remedy for clearing a clog. ...
  2. Use a Plunger. ...
  3. Try a Drain Snake. ...
  4. Use a Coat Hanger. ...
  5. Call Your Local Expert Plumber.

Is standing water in a sewer line normal?

If sewage or dirty water is coming out of your home's sewer line cleanout, or if there is water standing around the cleanout pipe, this confirms you have a main sewer line clog.

Is it normal to see water in outside drain?

There are a number of different reasons why outside drains may have water in them. These may include surface water or debris. If your outside drains seem to be constantly backed up, it may be time to consider some preventative measures to keep them clear.

Why is there water coming out of my drain pipe?

Water coming out of drains often occurs from a blockage in some part of the plumbing system. From the traps to the vent pipes, clogs will often stop water from properly flowing within drains. This leads to water coming back up from the drain and can cause major plumbing and health issues.

How often should you clean a shower drain?

Most experts recommend cleaning your shower drain every month or two. However, if you have a lot of people using your shower on a regular basis (such as in a family home), you may need to clean it more often. Some signs that it's time to clean your shower drain include: Water draining more slowly than usual.

What does a shower p-trap look like?

P-traps, named after their shape, contain a u-shaped bend that filters wastewater as it enters a plumbing system. The trap is connected to a sink, bathtub, and shower with a J-bend on one end and exits into your drainage system. The J-bend is the section of the p-trap that resembles the letter J.

Should there be standing water in washer drain pipe?

If the Water is Staying in the Washing Machine

The issue probably lies with the washer. This problem could be traced to the drain tube (which comes out of the machine), the lid switch or the drain pump (an internal issue).

Why does my shower drain smell but not blocked?

In conclusion, sewage gasses, biofilm accumulation, bacterial development, and P-trap drying up can all be responsible for the foul odour emanating from a shower drain that appears to be unclogged.

How much water should be in a drain trap?

The purpose of a p-trap is to trap water and prevent insects and sewer gasses from escaping out of the drain. If dry, the p-trap cannot perform its function correctly. To eliminate odors coming from a dry p-trap, pour half a gallon of water into the trap to restore the barrier.

Is standing water in shower drain normal?

Standing water in your shower is more than just an inconvenience. It's a symptom of underlying issues that can escalate into major problems if not addressed fast. Standing water in the tub is a breeding ground for mold, mildew and bacteria.

Should water sit in drain pipe?

Sewer Drain Should Hold Water

For example a toilet pan has water in its bowl always this is to prevent foul smells entering the building. Other examples could be the J trap or shower drain these are also designed to hold water during normal operation.

How do you know if your main drain is clogged?

10 Signs Your Sewer Line Is Clogged
  • Multiple Fixtures Are Clogged. ...
  • Flushing the Toilet Causes Water to Come Up Elsewhere. ...
  • Water Draining From Your Washing Machine Causes an Overflow in Other Locations. ...
  • Drainage at the Cleanout. ...
  • Slow-Draining Sinks or Toilets. ...
  • Frequent Plunging. ...
  • Bubbles in Your Toilet Water. ...
  • Dark Water.

How do you clear a standing shower drain?

First, if you have metal pipes, pour boiling water down the drain. Then remove hair from the drain. If that doesn't work, use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. If the clog persists, use a plunger, plumber's snake or chemical drain opener.

Why is there water coming up from my shower drain?

The terrifying image of dirty water backing up into your shower is typically caused by a blockage in the plumbing system of your house. If any of your drain pipes from your toilet, bathroom sink, dishwasher, or washing machine are clogged, water may be directed to your shower.

How do you fix standing water in a drain?

First, remove all stagnant water from the sink. Replace it with hot water until it is halfway full, and it generates a seal around your drain. Place the sink plunger over the drain and start pumping up and down swiftly. Remove the plunger, observe if the water flows, and repeat the procedure until water flows freely.

How to unclog a shower drain with standing water?

If you have standing water in your shower drain, try using a drain snake or a plumber's snake. Insert the snake into the drain opening and push it through the blockage. Twist and pull to clear the clog. Alternatively, you can use a plunger to create suction and clear the clogs.

Should a shower trap be full of water?

You might be wondering: Should there be water in the trap shower? You might be surprised, but the answer is yes. Shower waste traps are designed in a way to always have a little water sitting in the shower tray in order to prevent any malodorous gasses from the sewer to enter your bathroom.

Why isn't the water going down the drain?

If the water in your sink isn't draining well, you've got a slow running drain. This is most often caused by strands of hair, soap scum and other debris catching onto the drain parts in your plumbing system. Over time, this buildup gradually blocks and then stops the water flow.

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