How to prevent your shower drain from blocking

We had a call-out recently for a blocked shower drain in Bracknell, Berkshire. This is a problem for many homeowners, causing slow-running, tepid water that pools and is very unhygienic. Unfortunately, when it comes to your shower drains, hair is the worst enemy and can certainly cause a whole host of problems, the main problem being blockages. To help you out, below is a list of methods you can use to prevent your shower drain from clogging.

Prevent your shower drain from blocking:

Use a drain cover

Perhaps the best way to prevent your shower drain from clogging is to use a drain cover. Not only is this a great solution to preventing blocked drains, it is also a simple and inexpensive solution. There are many drain covers you can buy in all shapes and sizes, made from silicone, plastic, and stainless steel. A drain cover works by catching hair and other debris washed into your drains, helping prevent blockages that can be expensive to fix.

Avoid oil and grease traps

Whether it’s oil or grease, it’s not good for your shower. Many people use oil-based hair products, which can leave a greasy residue that causes buildup in the pipes. A build-up of oil and grease in your shower drain can be very expensive to fix. So, as much as you might enjoy soaking in scented body oil or washing your hair with expensive oil-based products, it may be worth saving by using oily products on your hair and body until after you’ve showered, rather than rinsing them down the drain.

Keep the shower running

After you’ve showered, it can be tempting to switch off your shower straight away. However, to avoid blockages, a handy tip is to keep the hot water running in your shower for a few extra minutes. This can help flush out any leftover sediment in your drain pipes so that it doesn’t have a chance to stick and build up.

Store a bottle of vinegar in your bathroom

Vinegar is something you should always keep a bottle of in the cupboard. Along with its variety of uses for cleaning around the home, vinegar is a cheap and easy way to keep your drains clean and clear. Simply pour one bottle of white vinegar down your shower drain once every three months and let it sit for 10 minutes or so before flushing it through with hot water – this should do the trick!

Add boiling water

A great technique for keeping your drains clean and clear is to pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain once a week. This is an effective method for avoiding buildup of grease, dirt, debris, and grime.

The benefits of baking soda

Another great way to keep your shower drains clear is by using baking soda. This is a great alternative to vinegar if you don’t like the smell. Baking soda is a brilliant cleaning product and can be poured down your drain, followed by hot water. This will help break down blockages and absorb any nasty odours.

Use drain cleaner

If the blockages in your shower drain have become really bad, it is worth considering purchasing chemical-strength drain cleaner from the store. One shot of liquid drain cleaner is a great option for those blocked shower drains that leave you standing in a puddle of soapy water.

Preventing blocked drains

Blocked shower drains can be caused by any number of things, such as pet hair, soap scum, dirt, and more. And all of these things can have a significant effect on the durability and smooth running of your drainage system. Once drainage problems have begun and blockages have occurred, the problems can often worsen over time. The best method is always prevention and, hopefully, the advice in this article has been helpful and given you some good ideas on how to prevent blockages in your shower.

If you still have issues with blocked drains backing up into your shower…

Call ASL on 0800 181 684