A shower can be the perfect way to refresh and invigorate yourself in the morning. It can be the ideal way to wash away the stress of the day and soothe yourself before bed. But if you end up standing up to your ankles in water filled with soap scum and the dirt you’re trying to wash away, it can be downright unpleasant. So why is your shower drain clogged?
There are a variety of factors that can lead to a shower that drains slowly or won’t drain at all. We’ve got some great tips for you on how to prevent shower drain clogs, as well as how to deal with them once they’ve happened.
Most Plumbing Problems Occur Gradually
When your shower stops draining, it’s usually not because one big thing—say, a rubber duck—has gotten suddenly lodged down there. It’s generally because the drain has been narrowing or becoming partially blocked slowly, over a longer period of time. So the way to decrease your odds of a clogged drain is also about small, steady changes.
- Hair: Although it slips easily down the drain, hair is not like other small particles. It won’t break down for years! That means that if it makes it into your plumbing, it will simply stay there. Avoid major clumps of hair by putting a mesh drain cover in your shower. Make sure you clean it out regularly, and the problem will be greatly reduced.
- Soap Scum: Another substance that can gradually accumulate until your shower drain is blocked is soap scum. Simply using that mesh drain cover will help, because it will catch some soap particles, but also because the buildup is greatly accelerated by having plenty of hair in the drain pipes for the soap scum to cling to. Cleaning your shower frequently also helps, so you don’t wash down a lot of soap scum at once.
- Hard Water: Not only will hard water—water that contains a large amount of dissolved minerals—lead to scaly buildup on the inside of your pipes, but it also adds to the soap scum problem! Why? Because hard water prevents soap from lathering properly. You’ll use more of it, and it won’t wash away as easily. If this is a serious problem in your home, talk to your plumber about water-softening options.
Use Safe Home Remedies
Liquid drain cleaner is hazardous. The fumes can severely irritate your eyes, nose, and lungs. The liquid itself will cause chemical burns if it gets on your skin because it’s even more caustic than lye. And it will roughen the inside of your drain pipes, leaving a porous surface that makes it even easier for things like mineral scaling and soap scum to stick and create future clogs.
Instead, use a clean, small plunger to try to dislodge the blockage by thrusting down repeatedly with the bell underwater, creating a seal. This may force any clump far enough down to wash it into your sewer line. If this doesn’t work, a plastic hair-grabbing drain snake or a hand-cranked auger might be able to pull the clump out toward you.
Once you’ve tried these things, if your shower drain is still clogged or slow, it’s time for professional shower drain cleaning in Birmingham, AL. Your plumber can get to the real root of the problem, even if it’s deeply within your drainage system. And then you can go back to having your shower be one of the most relaxing parts of your day.
“Your experience is what matters most!” Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today for help with all your plumbing needs.
