It’s always a worry – not to mention a severe downer – when you step out of the shower and discover that your entire bathroom is foot-deep in warm water. Unfortunately, it’s much more common than you might think, as the shower drain has to tackle all hair mixed with soap mixed with skin mixed with shampoo and conditioner – and every other type of shower scum. You could call the plumber right now, but don’t do that until you’ve learned how to unblock a shower drain.
So, how should you tackle that hopelessly blocked shower drain, exactly? Well, it does depend on what the culprit is:
1. Hair?
One of the most common causes of a blocked shower drain is hair. Whether from washing your hair or general body grooming, strands of hair can easily accumulate in your drain, forming clumps that restrict water flow. Over time, hair can combine with soap scum and other debris, creating a tough blockage.
How To Deal With It:
- Manual Removal: Use a drain cover to catch hair before it goes down. Use a drain snake or hook to pull out the hair if the drain is blocked.
- Homemade Solutions: Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water. This can help dissolve any residue that has formed around the hair.
2. Object?
Sometimes, foreign objects like jewellery, razors, or plastic wrappers can accidentally end up in the drain, leading to a blockage. These objects not only block water flow but can also trap other debris, making the problem worse.
How To Deal With It:
- Use a Drain Guard: Install a drain guard to prevent small items from falling into the drain.
- Manual Retrieval: If you can see the object in the drain, use pliers or tweezers to retrieve it. For items deeper down, a plumber’s snake can help fish them out.
3. Sediment?
If you live in an area with hard water, your shower drain may be prone to mineral buildup. The minerals in hard water can stick to the insides of your pipes, leading to slow drainage or a complete blockage over time.
How To Deal With It:
- Use a Water Softener: Installing a water softener system can help reduce mineral deposits in your pipes, preventing future blockages.
- Vinegar Treatment: Pouring a mixture of vinegar and water down the drain can help dissolve existing mineral build-up. You can also try flushing with natural drain cleaners, like a mix of boiling water, baking soda, salt, and white vinegar. If that fails, try a commercial drain cleaner.
It could also be rust, in which case you may need the blocked drain plumbers of Ezy-Plumb to examine it with a CCTV drain camera.
4. Broken Pipe?
It’s just a fact that your plumbing pipes – like you – get older. Unfortunately, that can mean corrosion, degradation or actual pipe breakages, which ramps up the likelihood of a blockage or even worse.
Be aware that any significant plumbing work will require the help of a fully licensed plumber, even if you think you might be able to replace a damaged section of pipe.
5. Installation?
Another common cause of a blocked shower is installation problems, particularly if you’ve tried DIY or just completed renovations like an extra bathroom.
Fix Your Blocked Shower With Ezy-Plumb
If you’ve tried these DIY solutions and the blockage persists, it may be time to call in a professional. Our fully licensed and highly experienced Melbourne Bayside plumbers will rush to your place with a fully stocked van and all the best equipment and know-how to solve your problems. Give Ezy-Plumb a shout today. Regular drain maintenance can prevent future blockages and keep your shower running smoothly.
