Not only can a clogged shower drain be rather inconvenient, but if left unattended, they can also present a variety of significant health risks. However, there’s no need to worry.
To clear a clogged shower drain, you can employ a variety of techniques. So pay attention as we discuss the do’s and dont’s of clearing a blocked shower drain.
What to Do If Your Shower Drain Is Blocked
Here are a few things you may do if you find yourself caught with a blocked shower drain.
The Plunger
A plunger is a simple and effective tool to use when dealing with a blocked drain in your bathroom. Pour some water onto the shower floor before using the plunger. Place the plunger over the drain and immediately push down and draw up in succession. This works to create pressure which can help to dislodge the blockage.
Hair and Debris Removal
Two of the most frequent causes of clogged shower drains are hair and soap scum. Therefore, it is a good idea to clear the area around your drain as much as you can if you see a buildup of either to prevent any more obstructions. For this, a drain snake can be useful, although it is advisable to use caution when doing so.
Home Treatments
Cleaning a clogged shower drain at home using baking soda and vinegar can be both efficient and environmentally friendly. Pour a cup of baking soda and a cup of water down the drain to do this. Then, flush it down the drain with hot (but not boiling) water after letting it sit for 30 minutes.
Licensed Plumber
The best thing you can do when dealing with a blocked shower drain is to call in the specialists. They will have all the equipment and expertise required to resolve the issue and make sure it doesn’t recur right away.
Managing a Blocked Shower Drain: What Not to Do
Now that you are aware of what you are capable of, it is crucial to recognise what you must not do. When attempting to clear a clogged shower drain, people frequently make a number of costly blunders that can be avoided. So, here’s how to prevent any such issues.
Drain Cleaners With Chemicals
Chemical drain cleaners are frequently overly aggressive and might eventually harm your pipes. They might not even be successful at clearing your drain of clogs, and they can be unsafe to handle.
Steaming Water
Even though using hot water to unclog a drain can seem like a smart idea, it actually has the opposite effect. PVC pipes may become softened by hot water and eventually deform or even burst.
Wire Hooks
Although a wire hanger would appear to be a useful tool for unclogging a shower drain, it can really cause significant damage. For instance, the wire may etch into the interior of your pipes, resulting in more issues down the road.
Avoid the issue
Whatever you choose to do or not do, it is imperative that you don’t completely disregard the issue. A clogged drain can quickly get worse if ignored, eventually creating more serious issues. Dealing with the issue as soon as possible may help you prevent having to make more expensive repairs later.
How to Handle a Blocked Drain
The best thing you can do is put some preventative measures in place to make sure it doesn’t even get to that. Dealing with a blocked shower drain may be a real pain. But if you encounter a blocked drain, be aware that there are several solutions available.
Call our team at Baloo Plumbing on 0426 502 997 if they don’t work. Our blocked drain technicians have the best equipment and training to ensure they can solve the issue.
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