The shower drain is one of the spaces in a home that gets neglected. Using your shower to rinse off a long day should come without any worries, including sewer or water backup. Preventing shower drain clogs will help keep your entire plumbing system in functioning order. This guide shares the top tips for preventing shower drain clogs and keeping your shower clean and clear.
Why Preventing Shower Drain Clogs Is Crucial
Blocked drains can cause backup or overflow that is damaging to your plumbing and your health. A plumbing system that is full of backup or minerals can’t function properly. You will find that you need to make more frequent repairs when your shower drains are clogged.
Shower drains that are clogged can lead to standing water, foul odors, and bacteria growth. A clogged shower drain can also prevent you from using your shower effectively. When drains are clogged, it will be almost impossible for debris to exit the shower. Keeping the drain clear will prevent unpleasant surprises.
1- Use A Drain Cover
The best way you can go about preventing shower drain clogs is by installing a drain cover. This drain stopper will prevent hair and other debris from getting into the drain and causing clogs. Hair is the most common cause of drain clogs because it can wrap around other small items. Soap also clings to hair and causes a large blockage in shower drains.
You will also need to clean out the cover so that water and soap can go down the drain. Luckily, these covers can be easily cleaned and make it easier to remove hair from your shower.
2- Regularly Clean Your Drain
Preventing drain clogs is only possible when you regularly clean debris out of all your drains. Even if you have water backup in other areas of the home, cleaning all drains will help keep your plumbing system clear.
You can also flush all your drains by following this simple process. Fill up your tub and basins with warm water, open all the drains, and flush the toilet simultaneously. This will help break up some of the build-up in your drains.
3- Install A Water Softener
Hard water buildup is another common cause of drain problems. If you have a high mineral count in your water, installing a softener can provide multiple benefits, including preventing shower drain clogs. A water softener will help limit hard water build-up in shower drains, sinks, and washers. Investing in a water softener will save you money on expensive plumbing repairs down the line.
4- Avoid Oily And Greasy Products
Preventing shower drain clogs is often easier than clearing them. Oil and grease cling together and pick up other small debris. When water carries these products into your drain they settle at the bottom of your drain and solidify. Try utilizing products that are less oily if you experience drain clogs frequently.
5- Keep Undissolvable Items Out Of Your Shower Drain
Smaller items should never be dropped down your drain. Accidents can happen, but keeping undissolvable and non-flushable items out of your shower drains helps prevent plumbing damage. Here are some items that should never be put down a shower drain:
- Dental floss
- Plastic wrappers
- Hair ties
- Food
- Cat litter
- Medication
- Cotten balls
- Tampons or other hygiene products
- Toys
6- Use Natural Cleaning Solutions
Some commercial cleaners can cause more issues in your drains than they solve. Dumping these chemicals down your shower drain may cause damage to your pipes or add to the clog.
Utilizing the natural cleaning method of baking soda and vinegar is a safe way to break up clogs. Boiling water can also help remove clogs without damaging your plumbing. When in doubt, consult with a professional plumber to learn more about what chemicals can hurt your system.
7- Call In A Professional
For homeowners who experience frequent drain clogs, talking to a professional could help you prevent more of them in the future. Our experts at Drain X can help inspect your plumbing system and determine what may be causing your problems. We can suggest the proper drain cleaning products or other solutions for your specific home. Not all pipes and system setups are the same, so following tips on the internet may not work for you.
Drain X offers drain cleaning and sewer cleaning services for homes and businesses. Our team has been in the industry for over 25 years which gives us an edge over other plumbing companies in the area. Serving Weber, Box Elder, Davis, Morgan, and Salt Lake County, Drain X is the top choice for all your drain needs.
Follow Us