How to Clean Out Shower Drain Trap in Cumbria

Having a blocked shower drain can be a frustrating experience, especially when your daily routine is disrupted by standing water in the shower. Shower drains can become blocked due to hair, soap scum, and mineral buildup (like limescale), which can render it ineffective or even cause it to overflow.

If you are living in Cumbria and dealing with a clogged shower drain, Drainage Cumbria is a drain cleaning company that can help you out. In this post, we will take a closer look at some of the ways to remove a clog in your shower drain, and how to prevent it from happening in the first place.

The Build-up of Hair in Shower Drains

One of the main causes of blocked shower drains is hair, and the build-up of hair can cause a clog over time. Hair can wrap around any number of objects in your pipes, and once it becomes stuck, it will not easily dissolve or dislodge. A good preventative measure is to install a hair catcher over your shower drain to help prevent hair from entering your plumbing system.

How to Remove a Clog in Your Shower Drain

The following are some ways to remove a clog in your shower drain:

1. Use a plunger

If your shower is clogged, a plunger may be enough to clear the blockage. Make sure the shower is filled with enough water to create a vacuum seal around the plunger. Push down on the plunger and then pull it up quickly to create suction, repeating until the blockage is dislodged.

2. Snake the drain

For stubborn clogs, a drain snake may be necessary. A drain snake is a long, flexible metal cable with a coil on one end that spins as you turn it. Insert the snake into the drain and slowly turn the handle. The snake will move through the pipe, dislodging and removing any blockages in its path.

3. Remove and clean the grate cover

Over time, the grate cover can accumulate dirt, soap scum, and hair that can trap water, causing a blockage. Remove the grate cover and clean it with a brush and water. Reattach the grate cover once it is clean.

4. Use vinegar and baking soda

Mix equal parts of vinegar and baking soda and pour the mixture down the shower drain. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes and then flush the drain with hot water. The chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda can help dislodge accumulated hair and soap scum, clearing the blockage.

5. Zip-tie the drain

If your shower drain has been clogged with hair, you can use a Zip tie to remove it. Bend a straightened Zip ties tip and insert it into the drain. Twist it a few times, and you should pull out the accumulated hair.

Preventing a Shower Drain Clog

To prevent a clog from happening again, you should follow these preventative measures:

1. Clean your shower drain regularly

Cleaning your shower drain regularly is a must to avoid clogs. You can either use one of the above methods to clean the drain, or you can use a professional drain cleaning service like Drainage Cumbria to help keep your plumbing system flowing freely.

2. Install a hair catcher

Installing a hair catcher over your shower drain is a great preventative measure. It will catch most of the hair before it enters your plumbing system, which will help prevent further blockages.

3. Don't put objects down your drain

Avoid putting objects down your drain, whether intentionally or accidentally. Even small objects can lodge in your plumbing system and create blockages.

4. Use a cover for the drain

Use a cover for the drain when showering. This will prevent hair, soap scum, and other debris from entering the drain and clogging it.

5. Rinse down with hot water

After you finish showering, rinse down your shower with hot water to wash away any undissolved soap scum and other debris.

Conclusion

A blocked shower drain can be a frustrating experience, but with these tips and preventative measures, you can prevent further blockages and keep your plumbing system flowing freely. If you need help cleaning out a shower drain trap in Cumbria or the surrounding areas, Drainage Cumbria can help. Contact us today for a professional drain cleaning service to save you time and money on costly repairs.