A blocked shower drain is unsightly, and strange odours may accompany it. In most instances, clumps of hair seem to be the obvious culprit. Indeed, hair build-up has been cited as one of the most common reasons for a blocked drain.
However, dust, debris, soap, and long-term negligence are equally responsible for causing this inconvenience. For instance, if you use traditional bars of soap, you may notice that it leaves a greasy residue in the soap dish. Similarly, when the soap is washed off, the sediments may stick to the plughole and trap any dirt trying to pass through.
Even without the film of soap gunk, dirt build-up is common. Especially if you bathe pets in the shower or wash down regularly after laborious tasks like gardening. In addition, once drainage issues begin, there is a common tendency to ignore them. Apart from delaying the inevitable, this only allows more dirt to collect and aggravates the problem.
The Solution:
More often than not, people turn to home remedies to fix their blocked shower drains. For example, using baking soda and vinegar is a popular method. However, even though these might provide a temporary solution, they often fail to address the root cause of the problem. It is not uncommon for individuals to remove the shower drain cover and pour baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar, in hopes of dissolving the blockage.
Even worse, they might resort to pushing down the dirt through the plumbing system, which can lead to more severe issues. Commercial drain cleaners are another go-to solution, but they can be harsh on pipes and the environment.
It is a sure sign to ring a trusted plumber whenever you find frequent clogs or the water has begun to drain slowly. Generally, a specialist will inspect the pipes with a suitable gadget, such as a waterproof endoscope camera, to locate the source of the shower drain blockages. Once the recorded footage is analysed, proper action can be taken.
Depending on the extent of the damage, unblocking and removing deterrents, such as lime deposits and hair clumps, can be a tedious process. Therefore, you are strongly advised to leave the hard work to experienced plumbers equipped with the necessary skills, tools, and technology.
