While taking a morning shower, there’s nothing more unpleasant than getting yourself submerged in a pool of cloudy, soapy, tepid water after you’ve finished. “Standing water” is a term used to describe shower water that discharges slowly or does not drain at all. It is a clear indicator that your bathroom drain is blocked up.
Anything from a minor obstruction in your shower drain to a significant blockage in your primary sewer line could be the cause of a clogged shower drain. You must identify the origin of the jam as quickly as possible so that you can ascertain whether the repair is something you can do yourself or whether you need to call in specialists for plumbing services.
What Causes Drain Blockages?
Narrower shower drain blockages are typically due to an accumulation of soap scum, hair, and dirt, which can be challenging to remove. When it comes to clogging drains, long hair is particularly troublesome, and soap exacerbates the situation by causing hair to cling to the drain walls more readily than it would otherwise.
The flow of water becomes more and more obstructed due to this accumulation over time, eventually resulting in a blockage. A clogged shower drain that refuses to clear despite multiple repair attempts, or several clogs throughout your home, may be a symptom of a more severe obstruction in your primary drainage system that requires professional attention.
Ways to Unclog Shower Drain
To clear or dissolve the clog, try one of the following methods.
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Remove the Clog by Hand
Occasionally, a blockage is immediately evident and easily accessible close to the surface of the water. Wear a pair of gloves and attempt to remove the clog as thoroughly as possible. There are tiny plastic hooks specifically designed for this purpose. (It could be tempting to use a coat hanger in this situation, but be cautious: doing so may cause damage to your sewer.)
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Use a Drain Snake
You can purchase an inexpensive, retractable, and flexible drilling tool at most hardware stores, a drain snake (also known as a plumber’s snake). Using the snake’s hand crank, you will send a metal wire down your drain, which will either split up or remove whatever is causing the obstruction. Disposable plastic models of the drain snake are also available; they do not require any cranking and can even be used to unclog a clogged toilet if necessary. After shower drain snaking, ensure that you clean your device thoroughly.
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Use a Pot of Boiling Water
When no conspicuous obstructions are blocking the sewer, and a drain snake has been ineffective, encounters with boiling water may help dissolve softer build-up, such as soap scum surrounding the edges of the drain opening. Repeat the procedure a second or third time.
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Use a Natural Drain Cleaner
Regular drain cleaners, such as Drano, are not always as effective as they claim to be, and they contain a high concentration of potentially harmful chemicals. Natural homemade cleaners can be as efficient as chemical cleaners when it comes to light clogs. Combine 1 cup of vinegar (preferably white vinegar) and 1 cup of baking soda. Pour boiling water on the drain to release the clog, pour the baking soda vinegar solution down the drain and wait 15 minutes. Clean with additional boiling water as necessary.
If you notice black gunk rising out of your drain or if none of the suggestions above has had any influence on the performance of your gutter, it’s time to contact a professional since you may be dealing with a sewage blockage. Make an appointment with a professional plumber for assistance, as this is a significant issue that may pose a health hazard. If you have several drains and toilets in your household emptying slowly or backing up, you will almost certainly require professional assistance.
Whenever you notice that your shower drain is flowing slower than required, it is best that you check for possible causes of clogs. You can use the methods suggested above but if you don’t notice any significant change, do not hesitate to call in a professional plumber to help you sort out the issue.
