A shower drain clog can be partial or complete, but by taking note of its symptoms, you would know what is coming for you and be able to call for help.

1. Slow Draining

If after turning off the faucet there is still water in the shower or the water is draining slowly, that is a clear sign that your shower drain is clogged or is about to become clogged.

2. Bad Smell

When a bad smell starts coming from your shower drain, that is a sign that the drain is blocked and it is likely caused by clogging of debris on the internal walls of the pipes.

3. Gurgling Sound

When you keep hearing a gurgling sound in the shower drain several minutes after taking a shower, the chances are that the water used has difficulty going down the drain.

You should act fast when you notice any of the signs above because a severely clogged shower drain can cause bathroom flooding or water seeping through shower joints, which will result in severe damage.

Shower drain clogging can be minor or severe. Due to regular use of the shower by everyone in a household, the drain will be subjected to a massive build-up of dirt, soap scum, and hair. If most people in a house keep long hair, the shower drain will frequently be clogged by hair. Long hair and soap are a horrible combination that worsens clog issues in the bathroom. Over time, the drain will become smaller as soap scum continues to build up and hair strand keeps trapping debris and dirt; the result will be terrible.

When you experience multiple clogs frequently despite several repair jobs, call an expert to examine your entire plumbing system; that is a sign of a more severe clog in the main sewer line. Contact Urban Piping for a full examination of your home and a comprehensive solution.

Prevention is always the best strategy to keep your shower drain running smoothly and efficiently. If you take specific steps regularly, you would be able to have fewer occurrences of the clogged shower drain. The tips that will be provided here are best suited for smaller drains or blockages; they are not suitable for the main sewer line because they could aggravate the damage over time.

However, if you want to clear or unclog your shower drain, here are the steps you can take.

1. Pour Boiling Water

The temperature of the boiling water breaks down the build-up caused by soap scum and dirt. So, pour about 8 liters of boiling water down the drain. It should be able to wash away the dirt build-up and prevent a clogged shower drain.

2. Use a Plunger

Push a plunger into the shower drain to release clogs caused by strands of hair. With an excellent plunging skill and air suction, you would be able to clear the build-up and free your drain of clogs. If you notice several strands of hair after every shower, ensure to remove hair trapped in the drain cover before it builds up and become a serious clog.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar Mix

If the clog in the shower drain it deeper than what a plunger can clear, you can apply the baking soda and vinegar mix. They are natural products without any adverse effects. To use this mix, open the drain cover and pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Wait for about five minutes before pouring a cup of vinegar. Cover the drain and leave the mixture for about two to four hours to dissolve the clog. To complete the procedure, pour about 5 liters of boiling water into the drain.

4. Chemical Products

We do not recommend using drain-cleaning chemicals, although they are effective and fast; over time, they will have adverse effects on the overall health of everyone in the house due to high toxicity. When the clog is tougher than you can clear, call professionals.