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.

• 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.)

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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.

How to Prevent Shower Clogs

The best step you can take towards preventing shower clogs is by giving your plumbing system frequent attention. It may require more time and effort to deal with clogged shower drains and it may  eventually require a professional plumber’s attention.

It’s essential to prevent shower clogging because when you don’t it may become unnecessarily expensive to unclog. Additionally, when it’s clogged you’re at risk of contracting skin diseases due to the bacteria found in wastewater. You can prevent shower clogs by taking the following measures:

• Add Mesh Drain Screens to Prevent Clogs in Shower

The most straightforward method of preventing shower clogs lies in minimizing the level of gunk that enters the drain.

Hair causes the majority of clogged drains. As a result, try to brush your hair right before getting into the shower. Loose hairs will get trapped in the brush, and you can throw it away rather than flowing down the drain as you shampoo.

Professional plumbers at Cheap Plumber Toronto also suggest installing a mesh sewer screen at the bottom of each shower and bathtub drain.

The plumbers will install a small device, also known as a hair catcher, in your drain, which collects stray hairs and other debris before they have a chance to enter your plumbing system. You’ll have to clear it once or twice a month (or more frequently if you’re a heavy shedder), but it’s a minor consequence of having a shower drain that doesn’t clog.

• Flushing the Drain Regularly Can Prevent Shower Clogs

A hair catcher serves to prevent the majority of debris from getting into your plumbing system. It will not, however, prevent oil from seeping through the pipe. The residue left behind by body oils, shower lotions, and hair conditioners can quickly accumulate and clog the drainage system.

Weekly flushing of your shower drain can help keep it from becoming clogged.

Bring a huge pot of water to a boil, then pour half of it down the sink drain. Wait approximately five minutes before pouring the remaining liquid. If you perform this simple drainage maintenance task, it will assist in loosening any gunk that may be lingering in your sewer pipes.

• Natural Solutions to Keep Shower Drains Clear

If you want to take additional measures to ensure that your plumbing is free of obstructions, it is unnecessary to use harsh chemicals because you most likely have the remedy in your pantry.

Baking soda and vinegar are natural plumbing solutions that you can use to keep your shower drain from clogging.

Pour one and a half cups of baking soda down the sink’s waste disposal. After that, pour one-half cup of white distilled vinegar down the drain and close the drain. Allow the mixture to sit for approximately 30 minutes before flushing with hot water.

When the two natural ingredients come together, they create a chemical reaction that foams up and agitates the pipes, clearing away soap scum and particles from your drainage system. As a bonus, this also aids in the removal of lingering odors from the drain.

Perform this simple drainage maintenance every few months or when you recognize slow drainage or scents coming from your drains and pipes.

A clogged shower drain is something that no one enjoys handling. Try to resolve the problem on your own first, but if you are unsuccessful, don’t become discouraged; instead, contact an expert who will complete the work quickly and efficiently.