Common Shower Clog Culprits and Tips to Help!
Nothing kills the vibe of your shower more than water pooling at your feet. If you find that the water is slow to drain during or after your shower, it might be time to address some issues that can cause those annoying clogs.
In today’s blog, let’s chat about some common culprits of the shower drain and how to get the water draining quickly.
Hair
It’s likely not a surprise that in many cases hair build up is the problem. With each shower, hair makes its way down the drain, which can cause water to stay in the tub. While some strands will make their way down, others will begin to clump together, leading to a draining problem.
Soap scum
Over time, soap scum gradually accumulates in shower drains, causing them to drain more slowly. While most of it can flow down without causing clogs, hair can get trapped and soap scum starts to build up on it. This leads to a worsening situation as the hair then clings to the accumulated soap scum.
Debris
Debris such as parts of razors, bottle caps, plastic shrink-wrap from packaging, lint, threads, and even bath toys can all find their way to your shower drain. If your drain is left uncovered, this debris can easily drop in without you noticing. A seemingly insignificant clear plastic cap or piece of shrink-wrap could obstruct your drain, leading to slow water flow.
Dirt and skin
Cleaning your shower may not be the most enjoyable task, but it helps eliminate dirt and skin cells that go down the drain. While these residues are less likely to cause a clog on their own, they can contribute to blockages initiated by soap scum, hair, or other debris. So be sure to keep your drains clean!
Mineral buildup
Mineral buildup might not affect everyone, but if you're in an area with hard water, you’re probably familiar with the scaly residue it leaves behind. This buildup can coat your shower walls and shower heads, and eventually make its way to the drain, potentially leading to clogs over time.
Tips to help:
Use a drain cover or hair catcher to avoid hair from making its way down the drain.
Use a plumbing snake instead of harmful cleaners, which can do damage to your pipes.
Clean your drain weekly to stay on top of excess and build up.
Flush your pipes monthly with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.
Run the water for a few extra minutes after your shower.
Experiencing a clog? You might be able to fix it yourself. Sometimes, a plunger or a drain snake can work wonders to clear minor blockages. However, if plumbing issues persist and water isn't draining as it should, it may be time to reach out to a professional.
The Action Plumbing team is ready to ensure your shower operates smoothly and effectively, providing expert solutions for all your plumbing needs. Don’t hesitate to call us for assistance!