How to Clean Your Bathroom Shower Drain in Cumbria

Introduction

Blocked drains are a common problem that can occur in any household, and it's especially true for showers. Over time, soap scum, hair, and other debris can build up in your bathroom shower drain and cause blockages. When this happens, your shower water will no longer drain correctly, and you may notice that the water level in your shower is standing deep. If left untreated, blocked drains can cause significant issues and may even cause damage to your plumbing. In this guide, we'll discuss the methods and steps necessary to clean your bathroom shower drain and keep it running smoothly.

About Drainage Cumbria

Drainage Cumbria is a drain cleaning company based in Cumbria, serving the North West of England. Our professional team has extensive experience in unblocking drains and resolving plumbing issues of all kinds. We have a range of state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to provide fast and efficient drain cleaning services. Our aim is to help our customers in overcoming their plumbing challenges and improve the health and safety of their homes.

Initial Steps: Check for Blockage and Accessible Surface

Before starting to unblock the drain, it's useful to determine what is causing the blockage. Typically, the blockage is made up of soap scum, hair, and other debris. In some cases, the blockage may be caused by limescale, which can be caused by hard water. Identifying the cause of the blockage can help you choose the most suitable method for removing it.

The first step is to check if the surface around the shower drain is accessible. If the drain is covered by a shower mat or a non-removable drain cover, you will need to remove it to get access to the drain.

Method 1: Chemicals that can be used for cleaning

There are many chemicals available on the market that can be used to unblock a shower drain. These include drain cleaners, which typically contain caustic soda or sulfuric acid. However, these chemicals can be harsh and dangerous, and they can cause damage to your plumbing if used incorrectly. So, it's necessary to follow the instructions carefully.

To use a drain cleaner, you'll need to pour a small amount of the solution into the drain and leave it to work for a specific time (usually between 15 minutes- 1 hour). After leaving the cleaner for the specified amount of time, pour hot water down the drain to flush out the solution and debris.

Note: Chemicals should only be used as a last resort, and they should be used with caution. Always wear protective gloves and ventilate the area appropriately. Do not use these chemicals if you have PVC pipes, since they can melt the pipes.

Method 2: Use a Snake

Another method that can be used to unblock a shower drain is by using a snake. This is a long, flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain to remove the blockage. Snakes are available from most hardware stores and are relatively simple to use.

To use a snake, insert the end of the snake into the drain and twist it around to identify the blockage. Once you've found the blockage, continue to twist the snake until it grasps onto the debris. Pull the snake back out and dispose of the debris in a suitable manner.

Note: When using a snake, be gentle to avoid damaging the pipes.

Method 3: Remove Hair by Hand

Hair is one of the most common causes of blockages in shower drains. To remove hair, use a pair of gloves and pull it out of the drain by hand. This may produce visible results, and it's a simple and cost-effective method.

Conclusion

Cleaning your bathroom shower drain is essential to keep your plumbing working effectively. There are many methods that you can use to unblock your shower drain, and the most suitable technique depends on the cause of the blockage. At Drainage Cumbria, we have the necessary experience, equipment, and specialists to provide immediate solutions to all your plumbing needs. If you have a blocked drain, do not hesitate to get in touch with us by phone or email.

Resources

1. Drainage Cumbria. (n.d.). Drain Cleaning Directory. https://drainagecumbria.uk/.
2. How to Unblock a Shower Drain. (n.d.). Wikihow. https://www.wikihow.com/Unblock-a-Shower-Drain