Is Your Shower Drain Clogged?

Almost everyone has experienced a clogged shower drain at some point. Aside from being an annoyance, blocked shower drains can cause leaks and pipe damage, so it’s in your best interest to get rid of them as quickly as possible. Today, the team at Pride Services is here to talk about what to do when your shower drain is clogged. 

Signs You Have a Clogged Shower Drain

Below are some of the most common signs that you have a clogged shower drain. 

Slow Drainage

The number one sign of a clogged drain is slow water drainage. Water should drain out of your shower fast enough that it doesn’t start to collect in puddles on the floor. If water levels rise above your toes or ankles when showing, you most likely have a clogged drain. 

Bad Smells

Another common sign of clogged drains is bad smells. Even if the drain is not entirely blocked, clogs trap water and other debris, producing a foul odor that seeps into your rooms. Bad smells could be from rotting hair, skin cells, sewer backup, or gasses. 

Water Backflow

In some cases, a clogged drain can cause water to back up into the shower from the drain. If you notice that the water backup is discolored or brown, it could be a sign that you have a more significant issue with your sewer main or septic tank.

3 Methods to Fix a Clogged Shower Drain 

Fortunately, you have lots of DIY options if your shower drain is clogged. You will want to wear rubber gloves and proper eye protection for all these methods. 

Boiling Water

The simplest method is to pour boiling water down the drain. Boiling water is hot enough that it should break apart buildup and residue. Bring a kettle of water to boil on the stove and slowly pour it down the drain in spurts. Do not use boiling water if you have PVC pipes because it could weaken the joints and cause leaks. 

Once you empty the kettle, wait for about 20 minutes, then test the drain. If the blockage is still there, you can try again with another pot of boiling water or try one of the other methods on this list. 

Baking Soda/Vinegar

Baking soda plus vinegar is a popular home cleaning combination for all kinds of messes. The two substances combine to create a dense foam that eats through organic waste and buildup, like soap scum and shower drain clogs from hair and skin cells. 

Star by mixing a cup of baking soda with a cup of vinegar into a mixing cup. Once the mixture starts to bubble and fizz, slowly pour it down the shower drain. You may want to remove the drain cover to get a better pour. 

Leave the mixture alone for an hour or two, then flush the drain using hot water from the shower. If the drain is still clogged, repeat the procedure until it’s gone. You may need to apply a baking soda and vinegar mixture multiple times to break apart all the drain clogs. 

Drain Snake or Coat Hanger

Another option is to use a drain snake to remove the clog manually. This method is a good choice because you don’t need any household or chemical cleaners to do it. If you don’t have a drain snake, you can use a wire coat hanger. 

Take the grate off the drain and slide the drain snake into the pipe. You will feel some resistance when you meet the clog, so push until the end of the wire breaks through. 

Slowly pull the drain snake back out to catch any larger clogs of hair and skin cells. Once the drain is clear, flush it with hot water to test that you have successfully unclogged the shower drain. Repeat these steps until the snake or wire hanger comes out clean.

Contact Pride Services Today!

Pride Services believes that quality plumbing and heating services should be available to all for a reasonable and affordable price. We dedicate ourselves to serving our community and always go the extra mile to do a superior job. When you work with us, you can rest assured knowing you are in the hands of experts who have your best interest in mind. Contact Pride Services today for your drain cleaning services.

Published: Dec 30, 2022