When shower drains are used extensively, they usually get clogged. This further leads to standing water or slow drainage. Now using just drain-cleaning liquid can be quite messy and inconvenient to use. Also, they can damage the pipes with overuse. It’s better to know how shower drains work, the root cause of clogged drains, and some easy ways to unclog a shower drain. This simple guide covers it all in full detail. So, without any further ado, let’s begin!
How Do The Shower Drains Work?
Shower drains mainly operate by allowing water to flow from the shower floor into the plumbing system. The drain includes a grate/cover that prevents large debris from entering the pipes. Under this drain, there is a P-trap which is a U-shaped pipe to hold a little water that blocks the sewer gasses from coming upwards into the bathroom. In the end, gravity plays a key role in pulling water down through the pipes and in the sewer or septic system care.
Why Do Shower Drains Get Clogged?
Is your shower drain clogged and you are wondering what may be the cause? We have discussed all of them in detail below.
Hair – One Of The Most Frequent Reasons For Clogging
The root cause of clogged bathtub drain or shower drain is definitely hair. When hair strands are washed in showers, some of them break and get trapped in the drain grate. Not just this, but most of them get tangled with other materials in the pipes. This tangled hair can form a dense layer that can affect the water flow which can lead to slow drainage or even a complete blockage. You may have noticed households with pets or more family members generally experience a clogged tub drain or shower drain.
Mold, Mildew, Or Other Bacteria
We all are aware that a damp and warm environment is the best ground for bacteria or mold growth. Whenever you witness a clogged drain, this water can stagnate in the pipes and become a breeding ground for all these microorganisms. The presence of such bacteria growth can even escalate the clogs by adding to the existing debris. Plus, they make cleaning clogged drains a huge task. Remember, this mold and mildew can add to the unpleasant odors and even lead to several health risks.
How To Unclog A Shower Drain At Home?
Is your shower or bathtub drain clogged? Since many clogs can be cleaned using simple home solutions, it’s time to learn how to unclog a shower drain at home.
1. Boiling Water: This is the simplest solution of all. All you have to do is pour boiling water into the shower drain to dissolve soap scum and other blockages. This method helps to unclog the drain and remove any soap residues or mineral deposits in no time.
2. Manual Removal: To remove any visible or accessible clogs, removing the debris manually is super effective. Just put on your gloves and remove the drain cover to reach into the drain and pull any visible debris.
3. Plunger: A plunger is the best thing to use to fix your clogged shower drain. It creates suction and pressure that breaks the clog and restores proper drainage. You just need to ensure that there is enough water in the shower to cover the plunger’s bell. Also, it’s important to position the plunger over the drain. Now, repeatedly press it down and pull it up sharply to create suction and break the clog for proper drainage.
4. Baking Soda and Vinegar: Is your shower drain clogged with organic material? You can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clear off any blockages by simply allowing the mixture to sit for 15-30 minutes. After that, add hot water to flush the drain. The chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar helps to break down the clog in no time.
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