A clogged shower drain sounds like a small inconvenience, but it can become problematic if left untreated. If your shower drain is running slowly or you have standing water in the shower, it's evident that it has clogged up. Additionally, a sewage-like smell inside the bathroom could be a sign of a clogged shower drain. However, it can be easily fixed with the right approach, either by DIY or with the help of a professional. In this blog, we discuss various methods to unclog shower drains and ways to prevent them with the correct tools.
Reasons for Shower Drain Clog
A clogged shower drain is an issue that creates an unpleasant odor. Hence, working on its root cause is as essential as unclogging the drain. Here are some reasons that can cause the shower drain to clog.
Hair build-up: During the shower, a few strands of hair get collected over time. When combined with soap and other debris, it can clog the drain. This is the primary reason that blocks the shower drain.
Mineral accumulation: A hard water supply contains many minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals accumulate over time, making the pipe smaller from the inside, causing the water to begin to drain slowly.
Soap and shampoo remnants: Every soap and shampoo leaves its remnants behind, which, when combined with other elements, causes a shower drain to clog up.
Foreign elements: This is the most common reason for a shower drain to clog. Different objects such as small toys, jewellery, or hygiene products can accidentally end up in the drain, causing hindrance in the water drainage.
Intrusive tree roots: Tree roots naturally look for water sources. If there are underground pipes carrying water, roots may find their way into the drain. This can lead to blockages and can be a threat to the plumbing system.
Necessary Tools to Collect
Here are some most necessary tools that can help homeowners or professionals unclog the shower drain.
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Plunger
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Drain Snake
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Vinegar and Baking Soda
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Boiled water
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Chemical cleaners ( optional, can prefer natural remedies)
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Bucket or bin ( to dispose of extracted debris or dirty water)
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Wire Coat hanger ( to remove visible clogs)
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Gloves and tweezers
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Toothbrush
How to Unclog a Shower Drain?
Here are some methods and steps to unclog shower drains. Either of the following ways could be the right approach to unclog your bathroom's shower drain.
1. Remove Visible Debris
Begin by manually removing any hair or debris collected in the drain. Wear gloves and use tweezers to easily reach the drain and clear the blockage. This can offer immediate relaxation if the shower is not able to drain properly.
2. Consider Using Drain Snake
Clogs can be further down the drain and may not clear easily hence, use a drain snake or a toothbrush to clear the clog. Insert the tool into the shower drain and twist it around to break up or pull out the blockages. This could also be an ideal method to remove the hair when the clog is deeply situated in the drain.
3. Use a Boiling Water Flush
After removing all the debris, flush the drain with hot water. Ensure to slowly pour the boiling water into the drain. This can loosen the soap scum and grease build up.
4. Mixture of Baking Soda and Vinegar
A mixture of baking soda and vinegar is considered a natural alternative that can safely and effectively clear minor clogs. To create a mixture, pour ½ cup of baking soda into the clogged shower drain, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Wait till the mixture begins to bubble and fizz for around 30 minutes. Afterwards, flush the drain with hot water. This method can remove the sewer smell inside the bathroom.
5. Consider Using a Plunger
A plunger can be an effective choice for a deeper situated clog. Just ensure to have an adequate amount of water around the drain to cover the plunger. Afterwards, use quick and forceful motions to create suction. This will help in loosening the clogged debris in the drain. Lastly, flush it out.
6. Chemical Drain Cleaners
A chemical drain cleaner can be trusted to clear whatever is clogged in the drain. This is an alternate option if natural methods don't work out. There are various types of shower drain cleaners available in the market. However, use them only when necessary, as regular and excessive use can damage the pipework.
Hire a Professional
DIY is indeed a good option to remove minor clogs. However, homeowners end up creating more issues due to the use of chemical drain cleaners or de-clogging products. Additionally, some people feel disgusted or grossed out because of the sewer smell when unclogging a shower drain. Thus, it's a wise choice to refer to a professional or expert to do the cleaning for you. They will get rid of clogs with their professional equipment and training. You can also ask for recommendations to prevent clogs and keep the drains safe and clean.
How to Prevent Clogs?
The following are some ways to prevent clogs in the future.
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Keep a drain screen or tub strainer over the shower drain to hold loose hair strands. Empty it regularly and clean it before using it again.
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Once a week, try pouring a kettle of boiling water in small amounts into the drain. It dislodges materials like grease, soap, and debris before they form a clog.
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Once a month, prepare a mixture of ⅓ cup of vinegar and ⅓ cup of baking soda. Then, pour the mixture into a drain.
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Ensure not to pour dirty mop water or other wastewater containing dirt and debris into the shower drain.
Conclusion
Unclogging a shower drain is an easy task that homeowners can perform with the use of the correct tools and approaches. You have options from natural remedies to chemical cleaners that can help you clean a shower drain clog. However, ensure to reach out to a professional or expert if the shower drain clog is stubborn and occurs repeatedly. Additionally, regular maintenance can prevent future clogging issues and ensure the shower drain remains safe and clean.