In your shower, a silent threat lurks beneath your feet. No, it’s not a new pest but rather the insidious build-up in your drains. A German study reveals that 82% of sampled sites harbour antibiotic-resistant bacteria, thriving in the warm, nutrient-rich environment of our plumbing. These microbes, fed by dead skin and organic products, pose a significant threat as they develop resistance to even the strongest antibiotics.
Why is this alarming? As these superbugs multiply, they infiltrate the food chain, with genes like MCR-1 and NDM-1 spreading resistance across bacterial species. This could lead to a public health crisis, as antibiotic-resistant infections are on the rise, claiming 35,000 lives in 2019 in the U.S. alone and projected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050.
To combat this danger, it’s crucial to prevent hair clogs in shower drains, a breeding ground for these bacteria. In this blog, we’ll explore effective strategies to keep your shower clog-free. Maintaining a clear drain not only reduces bacterial growth but also ensures better hygiene and prevents costly plumbing issues. Let’s take action to protect our homes and health.
Do You Know Why The Problem Is Happening?
Hair clogs in shower drains can lead to costly plumbing issues and water damage. Let’s dive into the common causes and impacts of clogged shower drains.
Common Causes
Hair Accumulation
Loose hairs and excess hair from showering often end up in your shower drain. Over time, these loose strands form hair clogs, especially if you neglect to remove loose hair before it goes down the drain.
A simple way to prevent hair buildup is to brush your hair before showering and use a hair catcher or drain cover.
Soap Scum
Soap residue combines with dirt and stray hairs, creating a stubborn clog. This soap scum can mix with other debris, leading to a hair drain clog that prevents water from draining properly. Regularly clean your shower drains to prevent clogs from forming.
Impact
Ignoring hair drain clogs can lead to slow-draining water or, worse, a stopped drain altogether. Clogged shower drains can cause standing water, leading to potential water damage in your tub and surrounding areas. The cost of repairs can be significant if you have to call a plumber to address severe plumbing issues.
Effective Prevention Strategies
Preventing hair clogs in your shower drain is essential for avoiding plumbing issues. Here are some practical strategies to keep your shower drains clear.
Regular Cleaning
Maintaining a clean shower drain is crucial to preventing hair drain clogs. Make it a habit to clean your drain regularly to avoid slow-draining water and clogged shower drains.
Use rubber gloves to remove visible debris and hair clogging the pipes. For an existing clog, a drain snake or bent wire can effectively pull out hair and other debris.
Regular cleaning prevents your drain from becoming completely blocked, which could require a plumber.
Drain Covers
Using a drain cover is one of the most effective ways to prevent hair from clogging your drain. These covers catch loose hair before it enters the pipes.
Available at home improvement stores and your local hardware store, drain covers come in various designs to fit different drains. Regularly empty the hair catcher to prevent buildup.
Brushing Hair Before Showering
Before showering, brush your hair to reduce the amount of loose hair that ends up in the tub. This simple step can significantly decrease how much hair goes down the drain, minimising the risk of hair drain clogs. Use a hair brush and discard the hair in the trash, not the drain.
Homemade Solutions
DIY methods like using hot water or vinegar and baking soda mix can help keep your drains clear. Pour boiling water down the drain about five minutes before showering to break down soap scum and dirt.
A solution of white vinegar and baking soda can also dissolve stubborn hair and debris. Let the mixture sit for a while, then flush with warm water to ensure it clears the drain.
Additional Tips
Use a shower cap to catch loose hair, especially if you have long hair. After showering, use a fabric softener sheet or paper towel to wipe away any hair from the drain cover.
A used fabric softener sheet can be surprisingly effective at picking up stray hairs. If you notice water stopped draining altogether, consider using a drain cleaner from your local hardware store to clear tough clogs before they worsen.
Professional Solutions
When persistent clogs become too challenging to handle on your own, it may be time to consider professional plumbing services. Here’s when to call a plumber and how they can help.
Plumbing Services
If you’ve tried using hot water, baking soda, and white vinegar, but your clogged shower drain persists, it might be necessary to call in a professional. A plumber can effectively address stubborn hair drain clogs and clogged drains that DIY methods can’t resolve.
When water stops running down the drain or if you notice slow draining water despite regular cleaning, a professional assessment is crucial. Persistent clogs can lead to bacteria buildup and potential damage to your pipes, making timely intervention essential.
Advanced Tools
Professionals use advanced tools and techniques to clear drains effectively. One common tool is the drain snake, which can reach deep into pipes to pull out debris and break up tough hair clogs. Unlike basic home methods, these tools can handle extensive blockages caused by dirt and hair buildup.
In addition to mechanical tools, plumbers may use powerful drain cleaners and hydrojetting techniques. Hydrojetting involves using high-pressure water to flush and wash away clogs, ensuring the pipes are clear of dirt and bacteria. This method is particularly effective for severe blockages that hot water or boiling water alone can’t resolve.
Maintenance Tips
Keeping your shower drain clear is key to avoiding clogs. Here are some routine checks and eco-friendly solutions to maintain clean drains.
Routine Checks
Perform regular checks to ensure your drain is free from debris and functioning properly. Start by running hot water down the drain to help dissolve any minor buildup.
If you notice a hair drain clog forming, it’s essential to address it promptly. Check for signs of a clogged shower drain, such as slow drainage or standing water.
To prevent a clogged drain, remove any visible hair or debris from the drain cover. Drain regularly by using a simple mixture of hot water and a gentle, eco-friendly cleaner to flush out potential blockages. This routine helps keep the water running smoothly and reduces the risk of a hair clog.
Eco-Friendly Products
Incorporating eco-friendly products into your maintenance routine is an excellent way to keep drains clean without harsh chemicals. Consider using natural drain cleaners that rely on enzymes to break down organic matter. These products effectively prevent hair buildup and maintain clear pipes without damaging the environment.
An option mentioned a while ago is to create your own cleaner using baking soda and vinegar. Regularly pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain.
Let it sit for a while before flushing it with hot water. This method not only clears minor clogs but also freshens the drain naturally.
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your shower drain remains clear and free from persistent clogs. Regular checks and eco-friendly products offer effective ways to prevent hair and other debris from causing issues.
Signs of Serious Blockages
If your shower drain is still slow or completely blocked after trying these methods, it may indicate a more serious issue. Look out for persistent standing water or a complete inability for water to run down the drain.
Unpleasant odours and gurgling sounds can also signal deeper blockages. These issues often require professional attention to prevent damage to your plumbing system.
If you notice these signs, it’s time to call a professional plumber to assess and resolve the problem effectively.
Keeping Your Bathroom Safe and Functional
Health and Safety
Maintaining a clear shower drain is crucial for health and safety. A clogged shower drain can trap moisture, creating an ideal environment for mould and bacteria to thrive.
This can lead to unpleasant odours and potential health issues, such as respiratory problems or allergies.
Cost Efficiency
Preventing clogs not only benefits your health but also your wallet. Regular maintenance and quick action on minor clogs can save you from costly plumbing repairs.
Over time, persistent blockages can damage pipes, leading to expensive fixes or replacements. Investing a little time in prevention now can lead to significant savings in the future, keeping your bathroom both safe and cost-effective.
Your Go-To Solution for Blocked Shower Drains
By consistently implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of hair clogs disrupting your shower routine. Regular drain maintenance, coupled with the use of hair traps and careful hair management, will keep your shower flowing smoothly.
However, if you find yourself dealing with a stubborn clog despite your best efforts, it’s time to call in the professionals. Fixed Today offers expert Blocked Shower services designed to tackle even the most challenging clogs efficiently and effectively.
Our team of skilled plumbers is equipped with the latest tools and techniques to restore your shower to optimal condition. Don’t let a clogged drain ruin your day – call Fixed Today for reliable and prompt plumbing solutions.
FAQ
How do I keep my hair from getting stuck in the drain?
Preventing hair clogs starts before you even step into the shower. Brush your hair thoroughly to remove loose strands. Once in, use a drain cover or hair catcher to trap hair. Cleaning these regularly is essential.
How do you keep hair out of a long shower drain?
Long drains can be trickier, but the same principles apply. Use a drain cover designed for larger drains, or consider multiple covers. Regular cleaning and flushing with hot water also help.
Why does my hair always clog the drain?
Hair is naturally prone to clumping and can easily build up in drains. Other factors like water pressure and pipe condition can influence clogging. Consistent prevention is key.
How do I get rid of hair build-up in my shower drain?
For existing clogs, use a plumber’s snake or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water. If the problem persists, call a professional plumber.
Remember, prevention is better than cure. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the chances of a hair-raising shower drain clog.
