A blocked shower drain can be a frustrating problem. When water starts to accumulate in your shower, it could be caused by a variety of factors, but the good news is that many shower drain blockages can be resolved easily using everyday household items. One of the most common causes of a blocked shower drain is hair and soap scum build-up. By paying attention to the regular cleaning of your shower drain, specifically the shower drain cover, you can prevent blockages from happening.
How do you know if your drain is clogged?
Recognizing a clogged drain can be tricky, but there are some signs to look out for. One of the most obvious signs of a clogged drain is slow drainage. If you notice that the water in your shower is not draining as quickly as it normally does, it could be an indication that your drain is blocked. As the blockage becomes more severe, water will take longer to drain and may even begin to accumulate in the bottom of the shower tray.
It’s important to address clogged drains as soon as possible to avoid potential damage to your property. A clogged drain can be caused by a variety of factors, such as hair, soap scum, and other debris that can accumulate over time. However, it can also be caused by bigger issues such as broken pipes inside the wall or floor. If left unresolved, clogged drains can lead to flooding, mold, and other serious problems. It’s best to call a professional plumber to diagnose and repair any problems with your shower drain.
Here are five easy ways to unblock a shower drain:
1) Use fingers, tweezers, or pliers to remove objects
When it comes to shower drain cleaning, long hair can be a major culprit. On average, a person sheds 150 to 200 strands of hair per shower. This build-up of hair can cause clogged drains and prevent water from draining efficiently.
To remove hair from a clogged shower drain, you can use a pair of tweezers or long-nose pliers to extract it bit by bit. However, a more effective solution is to prevent hair from clogging the drain in the first place. A hair catcher, a device that sits over the drain grid, can effectively catch the stray hair while allowing water to flow through the drain. After showering, simply empty the contents of the hair catcher into the household rubbish.
2) Use a drain snake
When it comes to unclogging shower drains, a drain snake can be a helpful tool. A hand-cranked drain snake, also known as an auger, can create a hole in the blockage to allow water to escape. However, this method is not a long-term solution, and you may need to use it at intervals.
For a more thorough cleaning of your shower drain, it’s best to call a professional plumber. They have the right equipment, such as motorized drain snakes, to clean the interior of the pipes and ensure a smooth water flow. With professional cleaning, you can enjoy a clog-free shower drain for years to come.
3) Use boiling water
One simple method to try before calling a professional plumber is pouring boiling water down the drain. The heat from the boiling water can help break down and dissolve the particles causing the blockage. This method is particularly effective for removing soap scum and sediment build-up. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this method may not be effective for all types of blockages, such as those caused by tree roots or broken pipes. Additionally, if the blockage is caused by hair, it may only provide temporary relief and the blockage may reoccur. To ensure long-term results, it’s best to call a professional plumber who can diagnose and repair any underlying issues with your shower drain. They have the right equipment, such as motorized drain snakes, to clean the interior of the pipes and ensure a smooth water flow. With professional cleaning, you can enjoy a clog-free shower drain for years to come.
4) Vinegar and bicarbonate of soda solution
One natural and cost-effective method for unclogging shower drains is by using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. To create the mixture, simply mix ½ a cup of vinegar and ¾ of a cup of bicarbonate of soda, and pour it down the drain. The chemical reaction caused by the vinegar and baking soda will start breaking down and dissolving the gunk in the drain. To ensure that the gunk is flushed away, follow up with a jug of boiling water. This method is particularly effective for removing soap scum and sediment build-up. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this method may not be effective for all types of blockages, such as those caused by tree roots or broken pipes. Additionally, if the blockage is caused by hair, it may only provide temporary relief and the blockage may reoccur. To ensure long-term results, it’s best to call a professional plumber who can diagnose and repair any underlying issues with your shower drain. They have the right equipment, such as motorized drain snakes, to clean the interior of the pipes and ensure a smooth water flow. With professional cleaning, you can enjoy a clog-free shower drain for years to come.
5) Call your plumber
It would help if you had a plumber on speed dial for the times when water starts streaming down the walls. The quicker you can get professional help, the less clean-up there will be and the risk of serious damage to the property will be reduced.
How to prevent clogs in the first place
Preventing clogs in your shower drain is essential to avoid costly repairs and ensure smooth water flow. One of the best ways to prevent blockages is by regularly cleaning and removing hair, soap scum and debris from the pipes. A simple way to do this is by using a hair catcher, a device that sits over the drain grid and catches the stray hair while allowing water to flow through the drain. Another effective way is to use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, which can break down and dissolve the gunk in the drain.
Additionally, it’s crucial to be mindful of what is going down the drain. Children, in particular, have a tendency to see what will disappear down the drain, and items such as lego pieces, wet wipes, jewellery, body lotion, and face cream can cause blockages in the drain. It’s best to supervise children when they are in the shower and educate them about what should and should not go down the drain. By taking these simple steps, you can prevent clogs and enjoy a clog-free shower drain for years to come.
Chemical drain cleaners
A word of warning about chemical drain cleaners. While it might be tempting to pour a chemical solution down the drain, avoid using harsh chemicals like caustic soda to unblock a drain.
Firstly, the chemicals can eat through the pipes over time, whether PVC, copper, steel or iron. If you have a septic system, it will upset the bacteria and enzymes that assist in breaking down the sewage.
If the shower drain is blocked and none of the four steps we suggested has worked, call HPG Solutions today. Using advanced drain cameras and equipment, we can locate and clear the source of the blockage efficiently and safely.