A slow-draining shower is so much more than an annoyance; it’s a clear indicator that you have a blockage somewhere within your plumbing system. For homeowners, slow drains are a common issue that, if ignored, can escalate from a simple clog to a costly plumbing emergency.
When your shower starts draining sluggishly, don’t ignore the problem. It won’t solve itself. Read further to understand the common culprit behind slow drainage, how you can prevent future issues, and when it’s time to call our professional team for fast, reliable drain cleaning services.
Why Shower Drains Clog
Your home’s shower drain gets used a lot, and many substances make their way down the drain. Some of the most common clogged-drain culprits are hair, soap scum, and sediment buildup. Let’s explore how these materials affect your household shower drains.
Everyone loses strands of hair when they take a shower. When human hair sheds, it becomes sticky when wet. Although you might think it flows down the drain, the chances of it catching on any rough surface or curve inside the drainpipe are high. A few strands won’t do much damage, but over time, strands accumulate and twist together, forming a web that collects other debris like soap. Pretty soon, you have a large, soapy hairball in your drains, making it difficult for water to flow through.
In addition to hair, body products can clog your drains as well. Shaving cream, shampoo, conditioner, and body soaps often contain fats, oils, and grease. After months and years of daily usage, the residue from soap and other shower products becomes sticky, causing a thick layer of grime to form inside the pipes and narrowing the space for water to pass. If hair is the net that captures debris, soap is the adhesive that holds everything in place, making the clog nearly impenetrable.
Many homes have hard water that can cause mineral and sediment buildup. But you don’t need hard water for buildup to occur. While hair and soap scum are the main players, over the years of use, tiny particles like sand, dirt carried in on your body, and minerals from hard water can contribute to the internal buildup. These sediments settle in the pipe’s bends and traps, mixing with the soap and hair to create a tough, solid mass that eventually halts drainage entirely.
Prevention Is the Best Defense Against Clogs
The good news is that preventing a slow drain is much easier than fixing a full-blown blockage. By changing a few small habits, you can greatly extend the life of your drains and avoid the hassle of professional intervention.
Here are some things you can do to decrease the chances of a massive drain clog:
- Use a drain screen or hair catcher over your shower drain
- Switch to soap and shampoo products that have fewer fatty ingredients
- Schedule regular professional drain cleaning services
Why You Need Professional Drain Cleaning in Albany
While some people use chemical drain cleaners to remedy drain clogs when plunging doesn’t work, we strongly advise against them. These harsh chemicals rarely remove the entire clog, and they can corrode your pipes over time, especially in homes with older plumbing systems. The last thing you want is a damaging leak and expensive pipe replacement.
You Have a Complete Stoppage
It’s time to call a professional when the water stops draining completely. A complete stoppage requires specialized tools, like a professional plumbing snake or hydro-jetting equipment, to safely clear the line without damaging your pipes.
You Have a Recurring Clog
If you clear a clog only for it to return a month or so later, the blockage is likely deep in your main drain line, an issue that requires professional diagnostic tools.
You Hear Gurgling Noises
Sounds like gurgling or bubbling coming from other drains or toilets is a sign that the clog is affecting your main sewer line, which is a serious issue that demands immediate attention.
When your shower drain starts giving you trouble, don’t let a minor issue turn into a major crisis. Rely on our professional plumbers at Linn Benton Plumbing. We specialize in safe, effective drain cleaning services, from simple shower clogs to complex sewer line issues. We also offer other crucial plumbing solutions, including water heater installation and toilet repair. Contact Linn Benton Plumbing today for more information!
