6 REASONS YOUR SHOWER DRAIN CLOGS AND HOW A PLUMBER CAN HELP

Ever stepped into your shower and found yourself standing in ankle-deep water? It’s a frustrating and common experience for many homeowners. If you’re dealing with a perpetually clogged shower drain, you’re not alone. Understanding the root causes can help prevent this issue and knowing when to call a professional can save you hassle and expense. Here are six reasons why your shower drain keeps getting clogged and how a plumber can help.

1. Hair Buildup

Hair is one of the most common culprits behind clogged shower drains. Each time you shower, loose strands of hair get washed down the drain. Over time, these strands accumulate and form a tangled mess that obstructs water flow. While drain screens can catch some hair, they often miss the finer strands.

Prevention Tip: Install a high-quality drain cover to catch hair before it goes down the drain. Clean it regularly to ensure its effectiveness.

How a Plumber Can Help: If hair clogs have already taken hold, professional plumbers can use specialised tools to remove the buildup and restore proper drainage.

2. Soap Scum And Mineral Deposits

Soap is a cleaning agent, but when combined with hard water minerals, it can create a stubborn residue known as soap scum. This residue clings to the walls of your pipes, contributing to blockages. Additionally, mineral deposits from hard water can build up over time, narrowing your pipes and restricting water flow.

Prevention Tip: Use liquid soap instead of bar soap and consider installing a water softener to reduce mineral deposits.

How a Plumber Can Help: A plumber can descale your pipes and remove soap scum and mineral buildup using advanced cleaning techniques.

3. Dirt And Sand

If you come home from the beach or a muddy hike, dirt and sand can end up in your shower drain. These particles can settle in the pipes and eventually cause significant blockages.

Prevention Tip: Rinse off outside or in a different area before using your shower to keep dirt and sand out of the drain.

How a Plumber Can Help: A plumber can thoroughly clean and flush your drain system to remove stubborn clogs caused by dirt and sand.

4. Grease And Oil

Although it might seem unlikely, oils from bath products and natural body oils can contribute to clogged drains. These oils can solidify in your pipes, trapping other debris and causing blockages.

Prevention Tip: Limit the use of oil-based bath products and periodically flush your drains with hot water to help dissolve any accumulated grease.

How a Plumber Can Help: Professional plumbers can use hydro jetting to clear out grease and oil buildup in your pipes.

5. Foreign Objects

Sometimes, small items like jewellery, razor caps or toys can accidentally end up in the shower drain. These foreign objects can create immediate and persistent blockages that are difficult to remove.

Prevention Tip: Be cautious with small items around the shower. Installing a drain cover can also help prevent such items from slipping down the drain.

How a Plumber Can Help: If something has already gone down the drain, plumbers can retrieve it using specialised equipment, ensuring your pipes remain clear.

6. Tree Roots

In severe cases, tree roots can invade your plumbing system in search of moisture, leading to serious blockages and pipe damage. If your shower drain clogs persist and you notice other drainage issues around your home, tree roots could be the culprit.

Prevention Tip: Regular inspections and maintenance can catch early signs of root intrusion. Avoid planting trees too close to your plumbing lines.

How a Plumber Can Help: A plumber can perform video inspections to identify root intrusion and provide solutions such as root removal and pipe repair to prevent further damage.

Prevent Future Clogs With Our Plumbing Maintenance Services

While minor clogs can be fixed with DIY methods, persistent or severe blockages need professional help. If basic remedies fail or multiple drains back up, call the experts. At Cuttle Plumbing, we offer comprehensive plumbing services to clear your drains and provide regular maintenance. Whether you need a skilled plumber for immediate issues or ongoing plumbing maintenance in Armidale, our team is here to help. Don’t let a clogged drain disrupt your routine. Contact us today and let us handle the problem swiftly and efficiently.