A blocked shower drain can be an issue that requires an immediate solution. At Ottawa Plumbing Services, we will assist you with resolving a clogged shower drain or any other drain blockage issue.
Find out what you can test at home, but be aware that prolonged or severe blockages require professional attention.
What Are the Signs That You Are Suffering from a Blocked Shower Drain?
1: Slow Drain
You have a blocked shower drain when it does not drain as fast. That is because a poorly functioning shower drain can’t cope with the demands of a shower head. That is sure to inundate your bathroom.
2: Puddles of Water
If you’ve noticed that water is accumulating around your shower drain, it could be due to a blocked drain. If the moisture cannot escape the drainage, it’s likely to go to another place.
The pressure could be too much for the pipe, causing it to leak or rupture. Observing water pools in the shower’s basin could indicate that it has already spilled out of your plumbing.
3: The Bad Smell
The smelly drains are typically an indication of soap scum accumulation and hair already decaying in the gutter. In rare instances, you could detect the scent of sulfur gas or sewage from your shower.
It could be a sign of an issue with the main sewer line, and you must contact a plumber right away when this happens.
What Are the Most Effective Ways to Clear the Drain of a Shower?
1: Visible Blockages Should Be Manually Removed
It’s common for shower drains to get filled with hair that naturally sheds after washing your hair. You can stop hair from clogging the drain by cleaning out hair accumulated after every shower.
If you don’t have this habit and are attempting to figure out how to unclog the drain, make an effort to remove any hair clumps you notice.
This step is vital because of two reasons.
1: In some instances, you might be fortunate enough to have it completely solved the issue.
2: If you discover yourself frustrated when you try to pull out the hair clump, you may not want to take the next step. Please consider contacting Ottawa Plumbing Services to resolve the issue.
2: Remove the Drain
If removing all the hair that gets easily removed isn’t enough to solve the issue, you may need to take the drain apart.
Sometimes, this is all you have to do to bring your shower in perfect condition. If your drain gets equipped with an inbuilt filter, follow the manufacturer’s directions on removing and cleaning it before reinstalling it. If unsure, equipment must get purchased to clear blockages close to the drain.
People with a knack for the house can remove the drain, clean it mechanically, and then put it back together.
3: Find a Natural Way to Unblock Your Drain
Baking soda, or a mixture made of vinegar and baking soda, can effectively remove mild conditions. It is the first thing to do pouring boiling water into the drain. The following step is to add baking soda mixed with one cup of vinegar or water. Then let it stand for at least 5-10 mins.
Lastly, pour a final stream of hot water down the drain once more. This homemade solution is gentle compared to the highly aggressive commercially available drain cleaners, which can cause more harm to pipes over time.
4: Make Use of a Plumber’s Snake
The plumber’s snake is a flexible and retractable tool you can purchase at the local hardware store. Using its hand crank, you can run a metal wire through the drain; you’ll break the wire or clear the blockage.
Alternatively, models of snakes made of plastic are also available and do not require hand cranking. The tool can also get used to clean toilet bowls. Ensure you tend each time you use the toilet to ensure proper hygiene.
5: Use a Plunger
For a plunger to clear a blocked shower drain, take off the drain cover, then place the rubber cup on top of the opening to drain. The shower should be filled with enough water to fill the plunger’s bottom and then plunge using powerful upward and downward movements.
Take the plunger up to check how much water drains quickly. It typically takes six plunges to empty the drain. Repeat the procedure if needed.
6: Hire a Plumber for the Dirty Work
If your DIY home remedies have not been successful so far, it could be because the issue is found deep within the pipes.
In this instance, the issue is far beyond DIY, so it’s time to contact an expert plumber to identify and fix it.
Ottawa Plumbing Services is your first port of call when you have a blocked drain and need it resolved permanently and quickly. Get in touch with us by phone on (613) 317-1682, including outside of business hours, for urgent call-outs. You can email us at info@ottawaplumbingservice.com as well.
