As much as many household problems annoy us, they raise our plumbing bills too. One of the very common is clogged shower drains. This situation is responsible for ruining the relaxing shower time. However, don’t be scared. A common problem has many solutions. A little caution and preventive measures are all it needs to keep your shower drain flowing smoothly. Prevention is a small step that goes a long way toward a clear shower drain and an enjoyable experience.
If you are experiencing regular clogged shower drains, call EZ Plumbing USA for immediate services
The comprehensive guide elaborates on the causes of the clogged shower drain and their prevention through tips and tricks. Let us begin with understanding the cause.
Causes of Clogged Shower Drains
Getting to the root cause helps to address the issue effectively. Let's see how many causes you know well.
Hair Accumulation
Loose strands of hair generally combine with soap scum and other debris to form a sticky mass that clings on. This causes blockage or slow drains and bad odors.
Soap Scum
You can always notice the residue a soap scum leaves. This scum keeps building inside the drainpipe and restricts the water flow, causing slow drain.
Grease and Oils
Washing oils off your body combines with soap and other materials that create a gunk-like mixture, ultimately blocking the drain.
Hard water deposits include mineral deposits from the water supply in your area. This deposition decreases the diameter and creates clogs.
Foreign objects
Accidentally, one might drop small pieces of jewelry, bottle caps, or children's toys, which also block the drains.
Old Pipes
The development of rust in pipes or corrosion inside them is common in aging pipes, which makes the surface rough. This traps debris more easily, which leads to clogging.
From here you can gather that the only solution to shower drain blockage is to take preventive measures and practice good showering habits.
Prevent Clogged Shower Drains
Prevention measures are regular maintenance steps and in the case of drains should be followed daily. It is very inconvenient to tolerate the sight of clogged drains, let alone standing ankle-deep in dirty water. This kind of solution carries only prevention as its solution.
Here are the details of tips and tricks for preventing clogged shower drains:
Install a Drain Cover
It is one of the most effective steps for clogged shower drains. Hair catchers or drain covers are affordable devices for trapping hair and debris before they enter the drain.
Regularly Clean the Drain
Remove the accumulated debris daily to allow a smooth flow of water. Debris keeps accumulating despite the drain cover. Use of bent wire hangers can help you reach deep and remove blockages.
Use a Plunger
The use of a plunger helps in clearing minor clogs. Ensure there is enough water to cover the plunger's rubber cup, create a seal, and push and pull vigorously.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
The combination of equal parts of baking soda and vinegar is a natural and eco-friendly one. Pouring this mixture down the drain and letting it sit for 15-minutes, followed by flushing with hot water, will break down soap scum, clearing the blockage.
Boiling Water
The purpose of using boiling water is to dissolve grease and push away soap scum. Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain once a week to clear the drain.
Drain Snake
It is a convenient tool for removing hair and debris deep inside the pipe. Lower it down the drain, rotate it a few times and pull out the obstructions.
Be aware of What You Wash off
It should be in your knowledge what is going down the drain. Instead of washing off oils, wipe them before taking a shower.
Clean Your Showerhead
Clogging of the shower head is due to mineral deposits, which slow the water flow. Unscrew and remove the showerhead. Keep the showerhead in a mixture of equal parts of vinegar and water. This mixture dissolves the deposits.
Thorough Drain Cleaning by a Professional
If clogs happen too often in your drains, then it is time to call a professional for thorough cleaning. Tools, chemicals, and technical experience would help with the tough blockages.
Preventative Maintenance
Before clogs become sewer backups, address them in time. Make a maintenance checklist to be checked one day from your week. This proactiveness will save you time and money in the long run.
Long-Term Prevention Strategies for Clogging Shower Drain
Now that you know how to deal with current clogs and prevent new ones, let's discuss long-term strategies to keep your shower drain trouble-free.
Use a Mesh Filter
A mesh filter installation over the shower drain is a great help. These have fine filters that hold the smallest particles to ensure the drain remains, free from debris.
Switch to Liquid Soap
Liquid soaps create less soap scum than solid soap bars. This change would reduce the residue build-up in your pipes.
Brush Hair Before Showering
It is a practice worth preventing clogs. Brushing hair before getting in the shower removes loose hair and reduces the chances of it going to the drain.
Install a Water Softener
A hard water supply is treated by installation of water softener in your water tanks. This device will reduce mineral deposition and prevent clogging.
Regularly Inspect and Maintain Pipes
Having a regular inspection is a good practice. Professional assistance will identify potential issues that might become bigger.
Make Your Household Members
Ensure good practices by all the members of the house. Teach them to prevent foreign objects going down the drain and being mindful of what goes down.
Consider Professional Hydro-Jetting
Hydro-jetting allows a deep cleaning of your pipes. This high-pressure water method can remove stubborn clogs and build up, leaving your pipe almost as good as new.
Conclusion
EZ Plumbing USA provides One of the Best Services for Bathroom Plumbing in San Diego.
Do not let clogged shower drains be a regular nuisance.
Understand the causes and effects, and make your shower experience pleasant. By following the given preventive measures and incorporating good shower habits into your routine, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of clogging.