How To Unblock Shower Drain With Plunger In Cumbria

Are you facing difficulty taking a shower because the water won't drain? If yes, then your shower drain may be in need of unblocking. Blocked shower drains can cause standing water or puddles in your shower, making it difficult to take a shower. If you are in Cumbria or the North West England area, Drainage Cumbria is available to assist you with your blocked drain issues. In this guide, we will outline the causes of blocked shower drains, the method to unblock a shower drain with a plunger, and the steps to take before calling a drainage professional.

Causes of Blockages in Shower Drains

Shower drains may become blocked due to various reasons. One of the most typical reasons for blockages in shower drains is hair. When you take a shower, your hair falls out and goes down the drain. Over a while, this can cause a buildup in the drain that may result in blockages. Another reason for blockages is the buildup of mineral deposits or soap scum. These can build-up over time and reduce the flow of water towards the drain.

Method to Unblock a Shower Drain with a Plunger

If you notice that your shower is draining slowly or standing water, then it is time to take action. The first method to try is a plunger. A plunger creates air pressure that can help dislodge obstructing objects and debris. The following are the steps to follow to unblock your shower drain with a plunger:

Step 1: Gather Items

Before starting the process of using a plunger, you need to have a few items ready. These include:

• Plunger
• Rubber gloves
• Bucket
• Clean rag

Step 2: Find the Problem

Remove the shower drain cover and use your hands or a torch to identify why the drain is blocked. If you see any obvious debris that can be quickly removed, do so.

Step 3: Prepare the area

Use a clean rag to seal the overflow drain entrance or other open drain pipes near the shower to ensure that proper air pressure is created.

Step 4: Use Plunger To Unblock

Position the plunger over the shower drain and apply pressure downwards. Press the plunger up and down rapidly to create forceful suction to dislodge an obstructing cause. Do this for several minutes, making sure to go slow initially to avoid splashing dirty water everywhere. After a few initial presses, you can apply more forceful pressure. You will know when the blockage is cleared because the water level will immediately drain.

Step 5: Check Success

After removing the plunger, check the water flow to see if the drainage issue persists. If the water drain well, you have likely solved the problem. In case the water is still standing, repeat the process or try another method.

Step 6: Clean Up

Dispose of water contents in the bucket and clean up the area using a rag. Make sure to wear gloves throughout the process to protect your hands.

Precautions When Using a Plunger

Using a plunger can be messy and complicating if not done correctly. Here are a few precautions to take:

• Always wear gloves to protect your hands from bacteria and nasty smells.
• Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage pipes and worsen the issue.
• Do not overuse force while plunging, or you may cause damage to the pipes.

Although using a plunger for a challenging drainage issue seems simple, it is always wise to stop and call for professional help if you experience issues while plunging your shower drain.

When to Call Drainage Professionals

If you have tried the traditional plunger method and still experience issues with the drain, it might be time to call in drainage experts like Drainage Cumbria. They have tools like a CCTV camera to inspect the drainage system and single out the root of the blockage. Professionals use advanced methods and tools like high-pressure jetting to help fix the issue.

Conclusion

Blocked shower drains are a common occurrence in many households. The primary cause of blockages is hair buildup or the accumulation of minerals and soap scum. Unblocking your shower drain using a plunger can be simple, but it is essential to take precautions to avoid damaging the pipes. If you are in Cumbria or North West England and need reliable help with unblocking any drainage issue, call Drainage Cumbria at 01228 734162, and let our experts help you get your drainage system back to normal.