Shower Drain Blocked? Here's When to Call a Plumber

Finding your shower drain blocked first thing in the morning is one sure-fire way of turning your bathroom sanctuary into a disaster. Even the seemingly basic problems it presents such as standing water and stinky smells are more than just a nuisance. They can actually lead to long-term plumbing problems if not fixed.

Blocked drains can occur for a variety of reasons, all of which can restrict water flow. While you can certainly fix a blocked shower using some basic clogged drain DIY remedies like baking soda and vinegar or boiling water, more stubborn shower drain clogs may need professional attention.

Ultimately, knowing when to call a plumber to unclog a shower drain will save you from expensive repairs and a whole heap of avoidable hassle. Let’s find out when that moment might be.

Common Causes of a Blocked Shower Drain

So what are the most common causes behind a blocked shower drain? As it happens, more often than not it is a combination of everyday materials that make their way down the drain opening and build up over time.

Hair clogs are one of the biggest offenders, particularly in homes with long haired people. Strands of hair slip past the shower drain cover and get tangled in the pipes. Soap residue can harden and stick to the sides of the drain pipe and restrict water flow. Dirt, skin flakes and other debris from daily showers can also contribute to stubborn blockages.

It’s important to remember shower drain clogs like these don’t happen overnight – they typically accumulate over time. Regular cleaning, using a drain cover and being mindful of what goes down your drain can help prevent shower drain blockages from becoming a recurring problem.

DIY’s to Fix a Clogged Shower Drain

When you have a clogged shower drain, there are several DIY methods you can attempt to clear the blockage. Before you wave the proverbial white flag and call a plumber try these out first:

• Hot water: Pour hot (not boiling) water down the drain to dissolve soap scum and loosen minor blockages. Be aware that if you pour boiling water you risk damaging the pipes (especially PVC pipes).
• Baking soda and vinegar: Mix these two ingredients to break down hair and grease, then rinse with hot water. It often acts as an effective natural drain cleaner.
• Plunger: Make suction with a standard plunger (not a toilet plunger) to dislodge the blockage. Make sure it’s a tight seal for best results.
• Wire coat hanger: Got a spare wire hanger in your wardrobe? Most (if not all) of us do. Straighten a hanger out leaving just the hook. Feed the coat hanger hook end first down the drain opening to fish out visible obstructions like hair clogs.
• Drain snake: For deeper and more stubborn blockages that are beyond the reach of the above measures, consider using a drain snake.

“What about chemical drain cleaners?” I hear you ask. While they may deliver faster results, the potential for damage to your pipes makes them an absolute last-resort DIY option.

Simple and effective, these methods will save you time and trouble when you find your shower drain blocked. Unless…

When DIY Methods Don’t Fix Blocked Drains

Sometimes even your best efforts and all the hot water or white vinegar in the world can’t fix a blocked shower drain.

If water won’t drain, unpleasant odours linger, or you’re constantly dealing with the same blockage, it’s a sign that DIY strategies might not be enough. Stubborn shower drain blockages can mean an obstruction further down the drainage system or even damage to the drain pipe itself. In these situations, using harsh chemical cleaners or the wrong tools (like a wire coat hanger) can damage PVC pipes or make the problem worse.

If you notice these signs, call a licensed plumber to safely clear the blockage so your shower drains properly without further problems.

DIY Risks with Blocked Drains

DIY methods can certainly help clear a clogged shower drain. However, they come with risks if you don’t approach the task with care. Here are the common pitfalls to watch out for if you try to clear a clogged shower drain yourself:

• Pipe damage: Overuse of harsh chemical cleaners, or using the wrong tools like a wire hanger, can crack or erode PVC pipes.
• Making blockages worse: Pushing debris further down the drain with a plunger or drain snake can make the problem harder to fix.
• Chemical burns: Failing to wear rubber gloves while using commercial drain cleaners can cause skin irritation or burns.
• Pipe corrosion: Frequent use of boiling water can gradually damage certain types of pipes.

DIY processes can work in many situations, but knowing the risks will help you make better choices. When in doubt, call a professional plumber who can properly protect and restore your shower drainage system.

When to Call a Licensed Plumber

Knowing when to call a professional plumber is crucial for avoiding further issues with a blocked shower drain. It’s also a legal requirement, particularly if clearing a blockage involves repairing plumbing fixtures. If DIY methods fail or the blockage keeps recurring, it may signal a deeper problem in the drainage system.

Persistent standing water, unpleasant smells, or reduced water flow are all signs that you need the expertise of a professional, licensed plumber. They use advanced tools, like a plumber’s snake, high-pressure water jetting, and CCTV inspections, to locate and resolve blockages efficiently.

That valuable expertise guarantees an effective fix to the problem, all without damaging PVC pipes or drainage systems. It provides a lasting, long-term solution and prevents recurring issues with your shower drain.

How to Prevent Future Shower Drain Blockages

If you don’t intend to find your shower drain blocked again any time soon, which is absolutely a good intention to have, then it’s best to put some effective preventative measures in place.

Preventing future shower drain blockages is considerably easier than fixing them after they occur. One of the easiest measures to start with is to install a shower drain cover. They’re designed to catch hair and other debris before they go down the drain. You need to keep them clean though for them to do their job effectively.

Regularly clean the drain with natural methods like pouring hot water or using a vinegar and baking soda solution to dissolve soap scum and prevent build-up. Don’t let chunks of soap and other debris make their way down the drain opening as these can cause clogs. For extra protection brush your hair before showering to minimise hair clogs.

Preventative maintenance and being mindful of what goes into your drain are essential to keeping your drainage system running smoothly and avoiding future shower drain blockages.

Keep Your Shower Drains Clear

Finding your shower drain blocked can ruin your day. But with the right approach, you can keep your drains flowing.

Several DIY methods can effectively fix many blockages, like pouring hot water or a baking soda and vinegar solution down the drain opening, or using a plunger or drain snake.

However, some situations will inevitably require professional help. Persistent clogs, stinky smells and reduced water flow are signs it’s time to call a plumber. Maintenance like using a shower drain cover and pouring boiling water to prevent build-up can minimise future problems. And if you need to use chemical cleaners, always remember to wear gloves for your own protection.

Protect your drainage system now and save yourself from costly repairs later. Don’t let shower drain blockages linger; act fast to get your bathroom back to normal.

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