What Could Be Clogging Your Shower Drain?

A clogged drain is one of the most common household plumbing problems.

But what are the causes of blocked drains?

When it comes to clogged kitchen sink drains, grease is often to blame. In fact, 47% of sewer overflows in the US occur due to fat and oil buildups.

However, there are plenty of ways your shower drain can become clogged as well. And when it happens, it can cause problems for your entire household.

Let’s take a quick look at a few possible culprits of a clogged shower drain.

Hair

Though it’s unlikely you notice it, some of your hair makes it’s way down the drain every time you shower. In fact, it’s normal to lose up to 100 hairs per day.

Wet hair can easily stick to your pipes, and it will harden as it dries. Over time, this hair attaches itself to everything else that goes down the drain, including dead skin cells.

To avoid hair clogs in the future, buy a drain protector. This is a small filter that goes over your drain and prevents hair from building up in your pipes.

Soap Scum

Soap, shampoo, and conditioner help keep you clean and smelling good. However, they can eventually contribute to clogging your drain as well.

When you shower, soap residue gets washed down the drain, and some of it sticks to the sides of your pipes. If too much soap and shampoo residue build up, the opening becomes narrower. As a result, you’ll begin to notice your shower draining a lot slower than usual.

Hard Water

If your skin feels dry when you hop out of the shower, you may be dealing with hard water. Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals such as magnesium and calcium. Keep an eye out for other signs such as a pungent smell or bad taste.

Hard water has a bad habit of clogging up shower heads. But it can eventually clog your drain too. These mineral deposits build up gradually, similar to how plaque accumulates in an artery.

Consider getting a water softener to prevent this issue from occurring in the future. But don’t rely on over-the-counter drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes.

Trash and Debris

If you don’t have a drain protector, many items can fall down your shower drain. Anything from toothpaste caps to toys can get lodged in your pipes. Often times, this occurs when you don’t even notice it, especially if you have children.

Unclogging Your Shower Drain

You may feel tempted to try a DIY solution, such as pouring vinegar and baking soda down your drain. However, if there’s a serious clog or a broken pipe, the DIY approach won’t fix it. Neither will over-the-counter drain cleaners.

If you have a plunger lying around, give that a try. You can also use a pipe snake. But the most effective way to resolve the issue quickly and safely is to contact a professional.

Are you ready to hire a plumber for your home? If so, make sure to check out our list of essential questions to ask a plumber.