Nothing could be worse than standing ankle-deep in a pool of murky, dirty, lukewarm water during your morning shower. Standing water is shower water that drains slowly or does not flow at all, and it is an obvious sign that your shower drain is clogged. In this article, you’ll learn the “quick fixes” you can use to keep your drain flowing smoothly. Keep reading!
The Reason Behind Shower Clogs
A drain gets clogged for many reasons, but a physical obstruction is usually to blame. In the case of shower drains, the gradual accumulation of hair, lint, or shampoo residuals are the usual culprits. Most of the time, the obstruction is on the surface level and can be removed easily by hand. In worst cases, the obstruction is far deeper into the pipeline. If it comes to this, you should probably dial in a plumber.
That being said, here are five simple techniques to unclog your shower drain.
1. Pour Boiling Water
Boiling water is an excellent initial step since the water temperature helps break up the soap scum and grime buildup more effectively, allowing it to be washed away correctly. This should keep obstructions at bay if done once a week.
2. Use Your Fingers
Your hands may be the appropriate solution if the grime stopping your drain is evident on the surface. Get yourself some rubber gloves and remove the materials obstructing the drain. There are also small plastic hooks explicitly designed for this reason. (It may be tempting to use a wire coat hanger here, but do so at your own risk.)
3. Use a Drain Snake
A drain snake, often known as a plumber’s snake, is retractable, flexible drilling equipment available at home improvement stores. Using the snake’s hand crank, you’ll shoot a metal wire down your drain to either break up or pull out whatever is obstructing it. Disposable plastic snakes are also available—no cranking required, and they may even be used to unclog a toilet. After using your drain snake, make sure you clean it.
4. Use a Plunger
Using a plunger to remove hair clogs can be pretty effective. Lining the plunger seal with petroleum jelly will improve air suction, making the plunger more effective. Regular plunger usage will prevent hair buildup, but the best way to prevent hair blockages is to simply remove hair stuck in the drain cover after each shower.
5. Try Commercial Drain Cleaners When All Else Fails
When all else fails to unclog a shower drain, use industrial drain cleaners. Before putting drain cleaner into the drain, put on gloves and remove all available dirt and hair. If the clog persists after one application, try plunging the drain. For tough obstructions, it may take several applications over a few days to unclog the shower drain. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and keep drain-cleaning products out of reach of children and pets.
Conclusion
While routine maintenance can help prevent blockages to some extent, professional drain cleaning is sometimes the best method to maintain your drains in good condition. If your shower drain continues to clog, it could be a symptom of a blockage in your main sewer line, which can cause significant damage to your home and sewer system if left ignored.
If you’re looking for quality plumbing services in Columbiana, AL, you’ve come to the right place! Professor Plum is a veteran-run company fully licensed, insured, and bonded with over 20 years of experience. Get in touch with us and get a quote today!