Why Is My Shower Drain Clogged?

Do you notice water slowly inching up around your ankles every time you take a shower? There’s no denying you have a blockage somewhere in your plumbing system, but how long can you leave it that way?

Why is my shower drain clogged? You’ll get various answers from plumbing professionals like Superior Sewer Solutions, a leading sewer service in Jefferson City, MO. As a start, here are some common reasons for clogged shower drains and ways to fix blocked pipes.

Short-Term vs. Chronic Clogs in Shower Pipes

In some cases, a minor clog in your plumbing or septic system could be creating a backup. Sometimes, that’s due to hair buildup, a problem with growing mineral deposits, or faulty plumbing fixtures.

How do you tell whether it is a temporary problem or not? Check out these common reasons behind clogs in shower drainpipes.

Organic Materials Going Down the Shower Drain

Every time you shower or bathe, hair, shampoo, and soap residue travel through your drain and into the pipes. Clumps of hair can restrict water flow, while soap scum buildup may eventually send the water back up the pipe. Even tree roots penetrating an underground pipe in the yard could form these blockages, so it’s important to locate the source of the problem.

Foreign Objects Clogging Pipes Connected to the Shower

Are there foreign objects clogging your shower’s pipes? These temporary clogs could be due to items like children’s toys, jewelry, and toothbrushes that fall through the shower drain.

Poor Ventilation in the Plumbing Network

Why is my shower drain clogged? If this is happening frequently, it could be a larger plumbing issue like blocked vent pipes that prevent drainage. A professional can inspect your plumbing system to rule out issues.

How To Unclog a Shower Drain

Depending on the reason behind the drain blockage, you may be able to clear the obstruction and restore the flow of the wastewater with relative ease. Before calling a professional, you might try to clear the clog yourself with the following methods.

Plunge the Drain

Most people break out the plunger when the toilet clogs, but this is equally useful in sink and shower drains. It’s important to use the right size plunger for the job to create a tight seal around the drain. Pumping the handle downward in a repetitive motion often creates enough pressure to force small objects or clogs through the pipes.

Try a Home Remedy

Some minor clogs can be freed by the fizzing reaction of mixing baking soda and vinegar. Here is how to try this home remedy:

1. Run hot water into the clogged drain for 1-minute.
2. Pour ½ to 1 cup of baking soda down the drain.
3. Pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain.
4. Cover the drain with a plug, plunger, or washcloth to trap the pressure and increase the natural foaming reaction. Wait approximately 30 minutes for the clog to clear.
5. Flush with hot water to see if the clog has been cleared.

Use a Plumbing Snake

Plumbing snakes are often used when a clog is too big for a plunger or chemicals to solve. Plumbing snakes can be used on a tub, shower, or sink to free up the clog. Do not use a typical plumbing snake on a toilet. Toilets are made of porcelain and can be damaged with a typical plumbing snake.

Steps for using a plumbing snake:

1. Remove the p-trap. A p-trap is the curved piping under the sink or tub. The p-trap is designed to capture solids that may clog your drain line. Once removed, inspect the p-trap and clear any obstructions which might solve your problem quickly.
2. Uncoil the snake down the drainpipe by rotating the handle at a constant pace. You will feel pressure on the snake line once you hit the clog.
3. Gently wiggle the snake line back and forth to break up the obstruction. If the snake gets stuck, continue to rotate the snake back and forth while thoughtfully pulling on the line.
4. Once you feel the clog has been dislodged, remove the snake and reinstall the p-trap.
5. Test the drain to confirm if the clog has been successfully removed.

Call the Pros

When you have given it your best shot and the clog persists, it’s time to call Superior Sewer Solutions. Our team of experts have all the fancy equipment to quickly identify the problem and permanently remove it from your pipes.

Tips for Preventing Clogged Shower Drains

The best way to fix a clogged shower drain is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are three ways to prevent your shower drain from clogging.

Use/Clean your Shower Drain Strainer

A simple and inexpensive way to prevent clogs is to use a mesh drain strainer or basket to catch hair before it enters the drain. Once the strainer is in place, you will need to clean it periodically for the best results.

Let the Water Run

Excessive soap scum can form a layer of sticky residue in your drainpipe which can lead to clogs. Using just enough soap to create a lather without overdoing it can help maintain your pipes. Additionally, turning the water to hot and letting it run for a few minutes at the end of your shower will help flush the pipes and the sticky residue. 

Regularly Flush the Shower Pipe

Beyond baking soda and vinegar, even just the occasional jug of boiling water can flush the pipes of mineral deposits and other clogs. Still, be mindful of your piping material, as you don’t want to use boiling water on PVC pipes that could warp the material and permanently damage the pipes. This is the same reason that plumbers advise against using chemical drain cleaners, as these can corrode pipes and lead to costly repairs. 

Let Our Plumbing Professionals Clear Your Clogged Shower Drain

If you are dealing with persistent drainage issues, it’s time to  contact our residential septic services for fast drain cleaning and pipe maintenance from the experts.

Call Superior Sewer Solutions at (573) 301-0141 to request immediate service in Cole County, Missouri.