5 Tips to Prevent Your Shower Drain from Getting Clogged
Magnificent Plumbing Logo

Enquire Now

Enquire Now

    Prevent your Shower Drain

    September 16, 2024

    A daily shower is a refreshing escape and a moment of relaxation, but when your shower drain clogs, it can quickly turn into a frustrating experience. Clogged drains pile water around your feet and cause major damage to your bathroom. Luckily, there are some effective ways to avoid all this hassle and keep your shower drain flowing smoothly. Here are five sure-fire tips that will help you prevent annoying clogs in the first place:

    1. Avoid Oil and Grease

    You may not think of oil and grease when it comes to a clogged shower drain, but these are major culprits of blockages in your pipes. Although we consider these substances mainly in our kitchen sinks, they can also be found in your shower. The natural oils from the skin and hair, combined with the buildup of shampoos, conditioners, and body washes, will, over time, collect in your drains and clog them. Apply these products in moderation and try not to let excessive oil or grease go down your drain. Always rinse well after using any product containing oil so that there may be a minimal amount of it that could build up.

    2. Rinse It Out Daily

    Preventative measures against blockages are always easier than fixing the problem after it has set in. Get into the routine of cleaning your drain each day to minimize buildup. Remove the obvious hair and debris from the drain cover after your shower, letting hot water run for a few minutes to flush out any remaining residue. This force of water may help dislodge and clear any minor blockage and will keep your drain much cleaner longer.

    3. Use a Drain Cover

    Hair is one of the most common items that block up shower drains. As you’re showering, hair falls off your body and can build up inside the drain before causing a blockage after some time. One of the easiest solutions to this problem requires a shower drain cover. These come in different materials, such as stainless steel or silicone, and catch hair and other particles before they enter the drain. Just clean the cover every once in a while so it can continue catching hair effectively.

    4. Make Use of Natural Solutions

    Minor clogs can be serviced and maintained much more safely with natural solutions. White vinegar is one of those classy choices to clean your drain. Use about half a bottle of vinegar in the drain and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, with hot water, rinse off. Vinegar is acidic, which will work well in dissolving buildup and deodorizing the drain. If the smell of vinegar is not to your liking, try using baking soda. The baking soda and a handful of hot water can be poured down the drain to help dislodge grease and residue. These methods are nontoxic and harmless yet provide drain cleaning services.

    5. Call for Professional Help

    When you feel that your shower drains clog up fairly frequently, it may be time to call a professional to assist you. These may be serious issues inside your plumbing system, like blockages or broken sewer lines. At this point, we are experienced in providing thorough checking, advanced cleaning solutions, and the actual root cause of the problem. Contact professional services like deep drain cleaning and rooter service will keep your plumbing system operating correctly and prevent any clogs from building up in the future.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. How often should I clean my shower drain?

    It is recommended to clean your shower drain daily by removing visible debris and running hot water. This will help prevent the occurrence of blockages with hair and residue.

    2. Can I use chemical cleaners to unclog drains?

    While effective, most are very harsh on your plumbing and present an environmental hazard. Let natural solutions be attempted first. If the clog is still there, seek a professional plumber before using chemical cleaners.

    3. What do I do if my shower drain remains clogged after trying various natural remedies?

    If the blockage isn’t cleared using natural remedies, it’s more serious than a slight build-up. In these cases, it’s best to call a professional plumber equipped with machinery and techniques to assess and treat the issue.

    4. Can shower covers stop all types of blockages?

    These drain covers are nice for catching hair and debris, but you may need to pick them based on your shower type. Ensure that the cover fits appropriately and is adapted to the size and shape of your drain.

    5. How can I stop clogs from happening in the future?

    The key is constant maintenance. Clean your drain regularly, use drain covers, don’t pour oily and greasy substances down the drain, and use natural solution recipes to clean your gutters now and then. If you are having too frequent issues, you can get professional help, as there could be some other severe issues in the plumbing.

    If you follow these tips and deal with issues quickly, your shower drain will maintain its good state while you prevent clogs all the time.