Blocked Shower Drain? Follow These Steps
Is your shower drain blocked? We have you covered with our guide on why your shower drain gets blocked and how to clear the clog by yourself!
Don’t you find it annoying when the shower drain in your bathroom becomes blocked? Besides being gross, it can seriously mess up your morning routine.
Just imagine you’re showering early in the morning, and halfway through, you notice the water is not draining. So, now you’re in a fix - do you keep showering or clear the clog?
The very thought of such a situation may make people uncomfortable. After all, who would want to dabble in waste bathwater accumulated around the drain? Luckily, we know some solutions to clear the blockage quickly and easily.
That is what we have discussed in this brief guide. So, read on if you want to keep showering in peace in the mornings!
An accumulation of oil, grease, or hair typically causes a shower drain blockage. Whatever the cause, clogged shower drains will always mean the water will be slow to drain. It may also make odd gurgling noises and give off repulsive odours.
Fortunately, the solutions we have discussed below can help clear any blockages. As long as you follow the steps we have provided for each method, you can get the job done without a hitch.
A plunger is a simple yet effective tool for clearing blockages from your drains. It acts like a suction pump that dislodges any materials stuck in the drain. To remove the shower drain blockage with a plunger, you can follow the steps below:
If the drain is cleared, the water around the plunger will quickly drain away. But if the blockage persists, you can follow any of the other methods described below.
Pour boiling water to remove the oil and grease build-up from the shower drain. And the water flow can effectively wash away loose hairs from the drain pipe. If you want to clear out a shower drain this way, do as follows:
You can repeat the steps if the blockage is not cleared first. From our experience, you can clear out the blockage if you do it several times. But if it doesn’t, then you can follow the next method.
When too much hair is in the shower drain, you can clear it with a pressurised water jet. There are specialised machines that produce high-pressure water jets. But if you want to go the DIY route, you can do it with a narrow nozzle attached to the end of a water pipe. Whichever you choose, you can follow these steps:
The high-pressure water flow will be sufficient to break down challenging clogs or hair in the shower drain.
You can use a mix of vinegar and baking soda to clear a clogged shower drain. They can easily dissolve the hair, oil and grease in the pipes. All you need to do is follow the steps:
The baking soda and vinegar create a fizzing effect in the drain, dissolving most of the clog. The warm water at the end washes away the remaining loose debris. However, if the blockage is more stubborn, you can replace the vinegar and baking soda with more potent chemical agents.
A drain snake or drain auger is a plumbing tool for removing blockages from drains. It consists of an elongated plastic or metal wire. You can purchase a professional drain snake or make a DIY snake with some spare wire. Once you have it, you can clear the blockage by following these simple steps.
This method has a reasonably high success rate at clearing most drain blockages. However, you should be careful not to poke the snake too much, as it might scratch or damage the inner lining of the drain.
Those were a few simple methods to clear out shower drain blockages. They sound easy enough to do on your own, don’t they?
Of course, in case of significant blockages caused by tree roots or damaged pipelines, you must call a plumber. Such an issue will require extensive repairs, which a qualified professional can best handle.
We suggest you resolve the clogged shower drain problems as soon as possible. That way, you can prevent the problem from complicating things any further. WP Plumbing in Melbourne is always here for emergency assistance with a blocked drain. From blocked shower drains to pipe relining, our team are equipped to help with it all! So, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
A clogged shower drain often results in slow water drainage or standing water in the shower. You may also notice unpleasant odours coming from the drain opening. If water backs up during your shower or takes a long time to drain afterwards, it’s likely you have a blocked shower drain.
Remember to always ensure proper water flow after attempting these methods.
While commercial drain cleaners can be effective, they should be used cautiously. These products often contain harsh chemicals that can damage pipes, especially with frequent use. They may also be harmful to the environment. It’s generally better to try natural methods or mechanical solutions first. If you do use a commercial cleaner, follow the instructions carefully and avoid overuse.
A plumber’s snake (also known as a drain auger) is useful when simpler methods fail to clear the blockage. It’s particularly effective for clogs located deeper in the pipe. To use it:
If you’re uncomfortable using a plumber’s snake, it might be time to call a professional plumber.
Prevention is key to maintaining clear shower drains:
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of dealing with a clogged shower drain in the future.
Shower drain maintenance is essential for preventing build-up, unpleasant odours, and potential blockages. Learn how frequently you should be cleaning your shower drain and the best methods to keep it clear and functioning properly.
Take control of stormwater drain blockages with our expert DIY tips. Prevent flooding and maintain clear drains by learning how to remove obstructions and implement preventative measures against common blockage causes.
Are you dealing with a smelly, unsightly problem in your home? Find out why sewage is coming up through your drains and what you can do to fix it! Learn helpful solutions from our blog – get your home back to normal in no time!
