Introduction to Blocked Shower Drains
A blocked shower drain can rapidly evolve from a minor inconvenience to a significant household issue. When drains clog, they hinder proper water drainage, creating pooling in the shower base. Unchecked, slow drainage can lead to an accumulation of soap scum, hair, and debris, resulting in unpleasant odours and conducive conditions for bacteria and mould.
Frequently, hair strands that wash down and tangle in your pipes are the primary reason for blockages. Deposits from soap residue and hard water minerals can adhere to drain walls, gradually forming a clog. Blockages can also arise from larger obstructions, such as toys, personal care products, or tree roots that infiltrate the drain.
Mortdale Plumbing skillfully handles blocked shower drains across Mortdale and Sydney. We’ll identify the cause of your blocked drain, eliminate the obstruction, and restore free-flowing drainage.
Our plumbers are adept at clearing shower drains using specialised augers, high-pressure water jets, and other advanced tools.
Left unaddressed, your clogged shower drain can lead to water damage and mould growth around your shower enclosure. Contact us early for professional assistance to prevent emergency situations and unclog your shower drain. Reach out today—without a call-out fee—for advice on addressing blocked shower drains and prevention strategies.
What Causes Shower Drains to Clog?
Common causes of clogged shower drains include:
- Hair: Strands that wash into the drain can accumulate and cause blockages over time.
- Soap scum: Coating from soap, shampoo, and other products can slow down drainage.
- Hard water deposits: Mineral reactions with soap scum can constrict pipes by sticking to them.
- Debris: Accumulated substances like sand, dirt, and dead skin can restrict water flow.
- Dropped items: Objects like hygiene products or jewellery can become lodged and obstruct the drain.
Long hair especially poses issues as it can entrap other debris, forming dense blockages. A combination of hair soap scum is a common culprit in shower drain blockages.
Being vigilant about what goes down the drain can prevent and unclog shower blockages. You’ll find incorporating tools like a drain cover catcher into your routine use can help with drain maintenance by catching grease or food waste, thus minimising blockages.
If you suspect your blocked shower drain is caused by a stubborn hair clog or other debris buildup, Attempt to unblock your shower on your own using DIY treatments first before calling a plumber. But for severe or recurring clogs, make sure to call plumber - we can clear deeper blockages and diagnose issues to stop them coming back.
Signs You Have a Blocked Shower Drain
Identifying a clogged shower drain is straightforward with these clear signs:
- Slow drainage or water pooling in the shower basin is a clear sign of a shower drain blockage. If water takes longer than usual to go down the drain, leading to standing water around your feet, you may need to fix clogged shower drain.
- Gurgling sounds - Listen for gurgling noises when the shower is running. This happens when air bubbles get trapped in a partially blocked drain.
- Unpleasant odours - A blocked drain can quickly cause foul smells from built-up grime and bacteria. A musty or rotten egg odour points to a clog.
- Lower water pressure - Weaker shower spray force may indicate a partial drain blockage hindering water flow.
Early detection and unclogging of your shower drain can prevent stress from water overflow and plumbing damage. If you spot these warning signs, Take steps to clear the clog right away or get touch us for professional drain cleaning services.
Our team efficiently tackles the root cause of blocked drains. Allowing water to pool for too long can lead to water damage or worse, a burst pipe or mould growth. At Mortdale Plumbing, we would advise you to act swiftly at the first sign of trouble before it escalates.
Don’t dismiss gurgling drains or slow-draining water - these are unmistakable indicators that it’s time to address a drain clog. Our team has the high-powered tools and expertise to deal with a blocked shower from even the toughest clogs, ensuring it drains freely again.
DIY Methods to Unclog Your Shower Drain
To get rid of minor clogs and unblock your shower, there are a few DIY methods to try before calling a plumber:
Boiling Water
Pouring boiling water down the drain can help dissolve soap residue, hair, and other debris that may clog your drain. Pour a cup of hot water down drain slowly, approximately 1-2 litres, and allow it to work for 5-10 minutes. This is only a temporary solution but can clear out mild clogs within a few minutes.
Repeat as needed.
Plunger
Alternatively, use a sink plunger or a flanged rubber plunger, which are designed for shower drains, while wearing rubber gloves. Place it firmly over the drain opening and plunge up and down rapidly 10-15 times to help dislodge the clog. Cover the overflow holes with a damp cloth if present.
Drain Snake or Wire Coat Hanger
A small drain snake or straightened wire coat hanger can be used to remove hair and other blockages in the drain clogs. Insert the tool slowly and gently twist to catch and extract blockages from the drain. Use caution not to scratch your pipes.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour a solution of baking soda followed by hot white vinegar down the drain.
Cover and pour cup of baking soda down your drain, then let it sit for a quarter of an hour. The soda vinegar chemical reaction can break down organic matter, just let sit the mixture for a while. Rinse with half cup of boiling water after the vinegar baking soda mix. Avoid overuse as it could lead to a clogged drain from corroded metal pipes.
Limiting the use of commercial drain cleaners is advised as excessive use can damage pipes. We would greatly suggest getting professional help for severe or recurring clogs. We have the tools and expertise to fix blocked areas and get your shower drain working again.
Using a Plunger
One of the most effective DIY methods for unclogging a blocked shower drain is using a plunger. Here are some tips to learn how unblock a shower drain using a plunger properly:
- Select the appropriate plunger that fits snugly over the drain. Use a flanged force cup plunger designed specifically for sinks and tubs rather than a flat toilet plunger. Knowing how to effectively unblock showers, the flanged edge helps create a tight seal.
- Ensure you prepare the area and properly remove the drain cover to use water down drain unclogging methods effectively. Remove any drain covers or stoppers, and plug the overflow holes with a damp cloth if present. You want a tight seal over the drain opening when plunging.
- Pour down enough water to fill the drain. Fill the shower basin with a few inches of water down the drain to facilitate better flow when learning how to unclog a shower drain. The water acts to seal the drain opening so that plunging can build up even more pressure.
- Position the plunger. Place the plunger firmly over the drain opening, pressing down to form an airtight seal around the edges.
- Plunge vigorously. Work the plunger up and down rapidly 10-15 times, and if the clog persists, it might be time to call a plumber. This will help dislodge the clog.
- Repeat as needed. Lift the plunger to break the seal and allow water to escape, then plunge again. Persistence is key!
Plunging is one thing you can do; it applies pressure to drive the clogged up matter from the drain, effectively removing hair, soap scum and loose debris. Take care not to scratch enamel surfaces. Call a professional plumber if DIY efforts are still unsuccessful.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While there are several DIY methods you can employ, there are times when it’s best to call in a professional to deal with blocked drains.
If you’ve tried home remedies without success, you might need professional help to fix blocked shower clogs. Continued DIY efforts could end up damaging your plumbing.
When grappling with stubborn recurring clogs, find out how fix the problem by having a pro diagnose the root cause for a lasting solution. Persistent or severe blockages may indicate a deeper issue requiring repair.
Mortdale Plumbing has specialised high-power drain cleaning equipment like hydro-jetting machines that can clear even the toughest blockages commercial plungers can’t. We would employ drain cameras to inspect pipes and identify any damage or sources of recurring clogs.
Equipped with professional plumbing services, we are ready to promptly and effectively resolve various shower drain blockages. Contact us at 1300 349 338 or jobs@mortdaleplumbingservices.com.au to schedule an appointment. We serve customers across Mortdale, the Gold Coast, and greater Sydney.
Don’t struggle with a chronically slow or clogged shower drain; get in touch with our professionals for assistance. Our expertise and professional-grade tools can get your drains cleared and your water flowing freely again.
How Plumbers Unclog Shower Drains
Professional plumbers have specialised tools and expertise to effectively clear blocked shower drains. Here are some of the methods plumbers may use:
Drain Augers/Snakes
Plumbers often use mechanical drain augers or snakes to extract clogs. These are wire coil tools that plunge deep into the drain pipe to hook, grab and extract debris and hair. Powered electric versions help clean longer blockages.
High-Pressure Water Jetting
In most cases, hydro-jetting employs highly pressurised water blasted through the pipes of water systems to dislodge stubborn blockages. Average residential water pressure levels are often insufficient, so professional-grade jetting wands are required.
Chemical Drain Cleaners
Industrial-strength chemical cleaners are more effective than household solutions. Caustic soda, sulfamic acid or enzyme cleaners break down organic matter. Plumbers have the training to use these chemicals safely.
Drain Cameras
Small waterproof cameras can be snaked down pipes to provide a video inspection allowing plumbers to diagnose issues. This helps identify sources of recurring clogs that may require repair.
A blocked shower drain can prove a challenge for DIY methods, and if measures fall short, calling a plumber from Mortdale Plumbing becomes the sensible option. Our very professional licenced local plumbers have the specialised equipment, and experience with typical plumbing systems in Mortdale to get your shower drain flowing freely again.
Preventing Future Shower Drain Clogs
Preventing clogged shower drains starts with making simple adjustments, such as setting the right hot water system temperatures, managing your hair, and cleaning routines:
- Install a hair catcher drain cover to collect hair before it enters the hot water systems. Clean the hair strainer regularly.
- Brush or comb hair before showering to remove loose strands that might go down your drain.
- Limit hair and soap buildup by wiping down the shower walls and floor regularly to maintain a clean shower. Target soap scum with a squeegee or vinegar solution.
- Just make sure to prevent shampoo, conditioner and soap residue from flowing directly down the drain. Make sure to rinse hair and body away from down your shower drain for best maintenance.
- Clean the drain weekly by deciding to pour boiling water down drain to melt grease and clear debris.
- Employ a drain snake monthly to clean drain conduits of accumulated hair and maintain unobstructed pipes.
Routine maintenance, including regular cleaning of hair catchers and wiping away soap scum, is key to preventing blockages. We also advise against pouring grease or oil down any drain in your home.
For recurring clogs or for deep cleanings, rely on the drain cleaning expertise of Mortdale Plumbing. We can clean drains thoroughly, clean your pipes and get your shower drain flowing freely.
Don’t wait until you have a blocked drain crisis. Contact us today on 1300 349 338 for professional drain cleaning services to keep your shower running smoothly.
Conclusion
Maintaining a blockage-free shower drain is vital to prevent leaks, water damage, and odours.
While mild clogs can often be cleared with simple DIY methods like plungers, boiling water, or baking soda and vinegar, severe or recurring blockages require a professional plumber. At Mortdale Plumbing, Our licenced technicians do an excellent job in unblocking shower drains, equipped with advanced tools and expertise to resolve any clog swiftly and effectively.
For issues with persistently slow or obstructed shower drains, reach out to your local plumbing professionals. We serve Mortdale and across Sydney, ready to get your water flowing freely again. Trust us to provide reliable solutions for unclogging blocked drains.
Leveraging years of experience, we effectively resolve various shower drain obstructions and mitigate future clogging risks through proactive maintenance.
This guide aims to equip homeowners with knowledge of common clogged shower drain causes, DIY remedies for minor clogs, and guidance on when to enlist professional help. Don’t live with the inconvenience of a blocked shower drain or risk water damage - our professional high pressure jetting, augering and camera inspections can solve shower drainage issues for the long term. Get in touch today on 1300 349 338 - we’re here to help renew free-flowing water to your shower.
