Bathroom Drain Clogs: How to Clear and Prevent Them the Right Way
Taking a shower or bath is supposed to be a refreshing experience. The last thing you want is for dirty water to stay in tub as you’re washing yourself, but that’s exactly what happens when the drain develops a clog from hair and soap scum. Fortunately, taking care of these blockages is usually fairly easy.
Most Common Reasons for Clogs in Tubs and Showers
It’s actually quite common for shower and tub drains to clog because of all the hair and soap scum that goes into them. If your home has hard water, this can increase the risk of blockages. The minerals in the water like to stick to the inside of the pipes, narrowing the drain opening and making the water drain slowly.
How to Clear a Stubborn Drain Clog
The first thing you’ll want to do to clear the clog is remove as much of the stuck hair as you can. To do this, put on a pair of rubber gloves and stick your finger into the drain as far as you can. Once you pull out the hair, throw it in the trash so it doesn’t accidentally get washed back into the drain.
Next, use a plunger to create suction to remove other debris still stuck in the drain. You’ll use it just like you do for a toilet clog. Simply place the plunger over the drain opening and push up and down. Plunging usually works really well for clogs that are the result of hair and soap scum buildup.
If removing the stuck hair and using a plunger don’t resolve the clog, you’ll need to call a plumber. They have special tools, like drain snakes, that reach far into the drain line (up to 100 feet) to clear out stubborn blockages. If necessary, they’ll even use a motorized auger to break apart tough clogs.
As a last resort, the plumber may recommend hydrojetting. This form of drain cleaning has a specialized nozzle on it that sends high-pressure water into the drain to scour away grease, soap scum, mineral deposits, and other debris.
Preventing Future Drain Clogs
One of the best ways to prevent future clogs in tubs and showers is to install a drain screen to catch hair before it has a chance to enter the plumbing system. Just make sure to clean the screen after each shower so water doesn’t start to back up around your feet. You’ll also want to schedule annual plumbing maintenance so a plumber can inspect every drain to see which ones need professional cleaning.
Most clogs in showers and tubs start out small, which is the best time to address them. If you find yourself dealing with a blockage that keeps returning, calling a plumber is the smartest move. When you need drain cleaning services in Hartford, CT, contact Tony Marzano Plumbing & Heating.
