Plunging Shower Drain Made It Worse: How to Fix the Problem

Oleh Denise Conroy June 16, 2023 Post a Comment

There's nothing more frustrating than a shower drain that won't unclog. You've tried everything you can think of, from plunging to using chemicals, but the problem only seems to get worse. If you're dealing with this issue, you're not alone. A lot of people face this problem and don't know what to do about it.

In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know about a plunging shower drain that made it worse. We'll discuss why your shower drain is clogged, what you should and shouldn't do when trying to unclog it, and how to prevent future clogs. Follow these tips, and you'll be able to enjoy a fully functioning shower in no time.

Why Is Your Shower Drain Clogged?

The first step in fixing a clogged shower drain is understanding why it's clogged in the first place. Several factors could contribute to a clogged shower drain, including:

Hair buildup: Hair is one of the most common causes of a clogged shower drain. When you shower, loose hair falls out and goes down the drain, eventually building up and creating a blockage.
Soap scum: Soap scum can accumulate over time and cause clogs. This is especially true if you use bar soap, which tends to leave more residue behind.
Mineral buildup: If you have hard water, minerals such as calcium and magnesium can build up in your pipes and cause blockages.
Foreign objects: Sometimes, foreign objects like toys or jewelry can accidentally fall down the drain and cause a clog.

What Should You Do When Trying to Unclog Your Shower Drain?

If you've tried plunging your shower drain and it only made the problem worse, don't panic. There are still several things you can try before calling in a professional plumber. Here are some dos and don'ts when trying to unclog your shower drain:

Dos

Use a drain snake: A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that can help dislodge clogs. You can purchase one at most hardware stores.
Try baking soda and vinegar: Baking soda and vinegar can create a chemical reaction that may help break up clogs. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then run hot water down the drain.
Consider using an enzyme cleaner: Enzyme cleaners use natural enzymes to break down organic material like hair and soap scum. They're safe for pipes and can be effective at unclogging drains.

Don'ts

Use chemicals: Chemical drain cleaners can be harsh and damaging to pipes. They also pose a risk to your health if ingested or inhaled.
Keep plunging: If plunging isn't working, continuing to do so will only make the problem worse.
Ignore the problem: Ignoring a clogged shower drain will only lead to bigger problems down the road. It's best to address the issue as soon as possible.

How to Prevent Future Clogs

Preventing future clogs is just as important as fixing the current one. Here are some tips to help keep your shower drain from clogging again:

Install a drain cover: A drain cover can catch hair and other debris before it goes down the drain.
Clean your drain regularly: Use a drain snake or pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain once a month to prevent buildup.
Avoid using bar soap: Liquid soap is less likely to leave behind residue than bar soap.
Use a water softener: If you have hard water, installing a water softener can help prevent mineral buildup.

Dealing with a clogged shower drain can be frustrating, but it's not impossible to fix. If plunging your drain only made the problem worse, try using a drain snake, baking soda and vinegar, or an enzyme cleaner instead. And once you've fixed the problem, remember to take steps to prevent future clogs, such as installing a drain cover or cleaning your drain regularly. By following these tips, you'll be able to enjoy a fully functioning shower without any clogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners on my shower drain?

A: No, it's not safe to use chemical drain cleaners on your shower drain. They can be harsh and damaging to pipes, and they pose a risk to your health if ingested or inhaled.

Q2: What should I do if my shower drain is still clogged after using a drain snake?

A: If your shower drain is still clogged after using a drain snake, try using baking soda and vinegar or an enzyme cleaner instead.

Q3: How often should I clean my shower drain to prevent clogs?

A: It's a good idea to clean your shower drain once a month to prevent buildup.

Q4: Can I use a plunger to unclog my shower drain?

A: Yes, you can use a plunger to unclog your shower drain. However, if plunging isn't working, continuing to do so will only make the problem worse.

Q5: How can I tell if my shower drain is clogged?

A: If your shower drain is slow to drain or not draining at all, it's likely clogged.

Q6: Why is my shower drain clogged with hair?

A: Hair is one of the most common causes of a clogged shower drain. When you shower, loose hair falls out and goes down the drain, eventually building up and creating a blockage.

Q7: Can I prevent clogs by using liquid soap instead of bar soap?

A: Yes, using liquid soap is less likely to leave behind residue than bar soap, which can help prevent clogs.

Q8: What should I do if a foreign object falls down my shower drain?

A: If a foreign object falls down your shower drain, try using a drain snake to dislodge it. If that doesn't work, you may need to call in a professional plumber.

Q9: How can I prevent mineral buildup in my shower drain?

A: If you have hard water, installing a water softener can help prevent mineral buildup in your shower drain.

Q10: Why do I keep getting clogs in my shower drain?

A: There could be several reasons why you keep getting clogs in your shower drain, including hair buildup, soap scum, mineral buildup, or foreign objects. By taking steps to prevent these issues, you can reduce the likelihood of future clogs.