Why Does My Shower Keep Clogging?

There’s nothing worse than water pooling around your feet when you’re trying to take a shower. The good news is that there are several reasons why this happens and some DIY methods to prevent it from recurring. However, if your drain keeps clogging, it’s best to contact plumbing services in Calgary to let a professional take over. Here are some reasons why your shower drain keeps clogging and what to do about it.

Why Is Your Shower Drain Clogged?

The main reason why shower drains clog is due to a buildup of dirt, hair or soap scum. If you have long hair, you may find that your drain clogs more easily. In addition, soap can worsen the problem by causing hair to stick to the drain walls rather than allowing it to pass through. This buildup of hair prevents water from flowing through, therefore resulting in a blockage. If you find that your shower drain continually clogs despite efforts to unclog it, you may have a more serious blockage in your main sewer line. In this case, contacting plumbing services in Calgary is the best way to address this problem.

How Can You Prevent Your Shower Drain From Clogging?

There are several steps that you can take to prevent your shower drain from clogging. While these solutions can keep the problem at bay in the short term, a plumbing professional may be required for more serious blockages.

One of the most effective solutions to unclog your shower drain is to pour boiling water down it. The hot temperature of the water breaks up the soap scum and dirt so that it can be washed away. Using this solution about once a week should be enough to prevent further blockages from occurring.

If you have a small blockage, you can also use a plunger to release the hair. Lining the plunger’s seal with petroleum jelly can also create better air suction. While using this trick on a regular basis can prevent hair buildup, the best way that you can stop hair from clogging your drain is to install a drain cover and remove hair caught inside after each shower.

A more serious blockage may require more than just a plunger or boiling water. In this case, creating a solution of baking soda and vinegar is a natural way to dissolve hair instead of using chemicals. First, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. After a few minutes, add a cup of vinegar. Be sure to wait a few hours to give the mixture adequate time to dissolve the blockage, and then use boiling water to rinse the drain.

Although drain-cleaning chemicals can help unclog your drain, they can cause extensive damage to your pipes and shower fittings. In addition, they can be hazardous to your health and the environment. Therefore, it’s best to only use this method as a last resort. 

How Can Plumbing Services in Calgary Help?

Although these DIY methods can be helpful in solving mild to moderate drain blockages, the quickest and most effective way to prevent future blockages from occurring is to contact a professional. In addition, severe blockages may indicate a problem with your main sewer line, which can cause serious damage to your home if left unaddressed.
At Handyman Connection, we’re your number one source for all of your plumbing needs. Our team of skilled and dedicated handymen aims for 100% satisfaction with every job that we complete, guaranteeing that you’re happy with the results. In addition, all of our craftsmen have passed an extensive background check, giving you the confidence that your problem is in the right hands. Call Handyman Connection today to learn more about our plumbing services.