Nothing feels better than a long, hot shower to start and end your day.
When your shower drain’s constantly flooding, it can get pretty complicated. Not only is it a hassle, but a clogged drain could wreak havoc on your bathroom, even causing significant structural damage if ignored.
If your shower drains slowly, you can seek out the help of a professional plumber. There can be several reasons for a shower blockage — from collected soap scum that prevents water from flowing down the clogged drain to hair, chemicals, or clogs, resulting in standing water.
When dealing with clogs in your shower drain, it is best to speak to a professional. Let’s discuss some of the most common reasons (and quick fixes) for shower blockages.
Reasons Why You Have Blocked Shower Drains
Have you ever gotten out of the shower only to find a pool of murky water and soap flooding around your feet? Not only can this be unhygienic, but it can also be annoying. You may also notice mineral build-up on your shower head. Using a plunger to unclog minor clogs might work in the short term; however, sometimes, you require professional help.
Luckily, shower drain clogs aren’t uncommon and usually aren’t hard to sort out. You might give some DIY fixes a go but don’t hesitate to ring a professional if things get tricky. Plumbers can pinpoint the root of the clog and tackle a whole range of possible issues that could be causing it.
So, let’s look at some of the most common drainage issues that cause clogs in the shower — and give advice on how to resolve a clogged drain.
1. Soap Scum Deposit
We all use soap and body wash in the shower. It’s part of the daily routine, right? But using these products over time can leave soap scum building up in the drain. It’s sneaky stuff, clinging to the drain cover, pipe walls, and even the bathroom floor.
Soap scum often binds to other things like hair and oils, causing build-up that can be difficult to clean. Unless you regularly snake your drain, the bathroom has a high chance of blockage and flooding.
How To Fix It?
One of the first things you can do is remove the drain cover and snake the drain line. This should remove most of the build-up and help unclog the drainage line. You can also pour boiling water down the drain to melt and loosen up the deposit. After this, use the plumber’s snake through the gutter again or pour water to clear the pipes.
If all else fails, you could call an expert for help.
2. Hair
Hair is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to clogging pipes and causing shower floods. Try as you might, some hair always finds its way into the drain. Although you can attempt to clear it by hand, typically, homeowners miss some, leading to blockages.
Over time, hair mixed with other cleansing products and natural body oils causes major blockages, resulting in shower flooding.
How To Fix It?
Buying a shower snake can be a good start if you want to solve the problem yourself. Furthermore, always use a drain cover to trap most of the hair and prevent it from clogging the shower drain.
If the blockage is too tricky to manipulate, it is best to call a plumbing service for help. Make it a priority to regularly get your bathroom and shower drain cleaned by an expert. Regular maintenance can significantly reduce frequently occurring blockages and clogs.
3. Dirt And Pollutants
We get it — you shower to wash off the day’s dirt and grime. But while you’re rinsing off, remember that cleaning the shower itself afterwards is important too. Skipping out on regular cleaning and maintenance often leads to those unavoidable clogs.
You can usually clear a blocked shower by using a shower snake. However, severe blockage requires emergency services. It is imperative to contact a good emergency plumbing service that can assist you at any time.
These services come in handy when you suddenly face clogs or blockages in your bathroom. Experts are equipped with the right tools: chemicals, manual cleaners, or other repair methods.
How To Notice The Signs Of A Blocked Toilet
First and foremost, it is imperative to observe warning signs of a blocked toilet or a shower that isn’t draining correctly. So, what kind of sign should you look out for? Take a look at this list:
- Standing water in the shower
- The bathtub drain is getting clogged
- Clog in pipes
- Water draining slowly
While these issues can happen to anyone, it is vital to look out for them and resolve the case as soon as possible. Finding a solution for these issues is imperative, and we recommend calling the best plumbing company for regular maintenance and repair.
How To Resolve A Clog
When it comes to clearing a blocked shower drain, you’ve got a few tricks up your sleeve. If you’re up for a bit of DIY, check out these handy tips below.
1. Baking Soda And Vinegar Solution
Just about every DIY enthusiast raves about how vinegar and baking soda is a game-changing combo. Mix up a cup each, stir well, and pour it down the drain. Let it work its magic for a few minutes, then rinse with boiling water to clear away soaps, oils, and other gunk.
2. Chemicals
If pouring boiling water or a wire coat hanger doesn’t work, you might want to turn to a chemical cleaner for severe clogging issues. Cleaning chemicals are readily available in the market. However, ensure that you research well beforehand to purchase one that is safe to use at home. And don’t forget to wear protective gloves when using these harsh chemicals.
Specific serious plumbing issues require expert help, so don’t hesitate to contact a good plumbing company in your local area.
How To Prevent Costly Repairs
Regular maintenance is essential to keep everything up and running in the house. You can prevent costly repairs and replacements by taking a few crucial steps. Here’s what you can do:
- Always use a drain cover to trap hair, scum, and other natural residues
- Use a plunger to clear a clog as soon as it occurs (To get a better seal, put some petroleum jelly around the rim of the plunger)
- Opt for regular plumbing services
- Avoid pouring oily substances down your drain
- Use boiling water to loosen scum and grime
- Use a chemical cleaner when necessary
- Look out for any sign of a clog
When Should You Ask For An Expert?
Now that you know some of the best DIY tips (hot water, inserting a drain snake into your drain opening to reach the blockage, putting enough suction to draw out the clogging, etc.) on preventing a clog or flood in the bathroom, you might be wondering when it’s best to ask for expert advice.
A plumbing emergency may arise when the blockages in your home toilets have gotten out of hand. You may also see a slow-draining bathtub or drain that requires immediate attention.
Another thing to watch out for is odd smells from the drain. While a certain amount of smell is natural, ensure no pungent odours from the drains. These may be signs of severe issues in the drain pipes or main sewer line and require the help of professionals for drain cleaning.
You can find the best experts in your city by using online forums, asking friends and family for references, or looking at posts on social media or websites. Ensure you always have an emergency plumbing company that can provide services at all hours of the day or night.
Fixing Your Flooded Shower
Dealing with plumbing problems like flooded showers can be daunting; however, it doesn’t have to be impossible.
It is essential to look for signs of blockages to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Never hesitate to ask for expert help when necessary. Following specific small steps can go a long way, so ensure you regularly clean and maintain the area to avoid a clogged shower drain.
That’s all! Until then, take care.
