Sometimes, life throws us small surprises — some good, some not so much. One minute, you might be enjoying a nice, relaxing shower, and the next, you notice water slowly rising around your ankles. It’s not the kind of surprise you want, especially when it hints at a clogged shower drain. Whether it’s a full-on blockage or just slow drainage, a blocked drain can quickly turn your refreshing shower into a frustrating experience. So, what could be blocking your shower drain, and more importantly, how can you fix it?

Let’s review some of the most common causes of clogged shower drains and how to get that water flowing freely again.

Common Causes of a Clogged Shower Drain

Your shower drain can become clogged for several reasons, and some may surprise you. Let’s break down the usual suspects when it comes to clogged shower drains.

Hair Clogs

Hair is probably the most common culprit behind a shower drain clog. Whether it’s from shampooing, shaving, or just the daily fallout, hair easily gets caught in the drain and tangles up with other debris. Over time, these hair clogs can block water flow completely, causing a backed-up shower.

Tip: Installing a shower drain cover can help catch hair before it becomes a problem.

Soap Scum and Residue

While soap cleans your body, it can wreak havoc on your pipes. Soap residue can combine with minerals from hard water to form a sticky, thick buildup. This soap scum clings to your pipes, narrowing the passageway and contributing to clogs. Eventually, you might find yourself standing in ankle-deep water.

To help prevent this, periodically run hot water down the drain to break up any residue.

Other Debris and Foreign Objects

You’d be surprised at what could be blocking your shower drain. Sometimes, it’s the tiny things you don’t even think about — like dirt, dead skin, or bits of plastic from shampoo bottles. In homes with kids, small toys or even jewelry could accidentally slip down the drain and cause a blockage.

If your shower is draining slowly, these smaller items could be adding up, forming a bigger problem over time.

Mineral Build-Up

If your home has hard water, you might face mineral deposits inside your pipes. Over time, these deposits narrow the opening of the pipes, slowing down drainage. Hard water can also cause soap scum to form faster, doubling your chances of a clogged drain.

A natural drain cleaner made with white vinegar and baking soda can help break down these mineral deposits without damaging your pipes.

Tree Roots in Pipes

If you’re still wondering what could be blocking your shower drain, you may want to consider tree roots. In rare cases, roots can actually invade your plumbing system — particularly if you live in an older home. If you’ve tried every DIY method and still can’t get your drain flowing, tree roots could be the hidden culprit. Unfortunately, this usually requires professional intervention.

How to Unclog a Shower Drain

Before you reach for the phone to call a plumber, there are a few methods you can try on your own to clear a clogged shower drain. Most of these involve tools or household items you likely already have.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

This classic DIY solution for how to unclog a shower drain works great for many types of blockages, especially soap scum and minor mineral build-up. Start by pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for about 15 to 30 minutes, then pour boiling water down the drain to flush out the loosened debris. This creates a chemical reaction that can break down blockages.

Drain Snake

For hair clogs, a drain snake or even a straightened wire hanger can be very effective. Just be sure to wear gloves (this part can get gross). Insert the tool into the drain and pull up any trapped hair and other debris. It’s a simple yet effective way to restore water flow.

Plunger

You might think plungers are just for toilets, but they can actually be used on a clogged shower drain, too! Make sure the drain cover is removed, and then create a seal over the drain with your plunger. Give it a few strong plunges to try and dislodge the blockage.

Pour Boiling Water

Sometimes, all your clogged shower drain needs is a little bit of hot water to loosen the build-up. Just be careful when pouring boiling water into PVC pipes, as it could damage them. If your pipes are metal, this method is a quick and easy way to deal with minor soap scum and debris.

When DIY Methods Aren’t Enough

If you’ve tried these methods and you still have a blocked shower drain, it might be time to contact a professional for drain cleaning. Sometimes, the clog is deeper in the system, or there could be more significant plumbing issues at play, like tree roots or severely blocked pipes.

Comfort Now offers professional drain cleaning services and can handle even the most stubborn clogged shower drains. Using advanced tools, our plumbers can efficiently clear your drains without causing damage to your plumbing system. If you’re looking for a plumber in Visalia, CA, or one of the surrounding areas, be assured that we’re here to help.

Leave Shower Drain Clogs Behind

Were you asking, “What could be blocking my shower drain?” If so, hopefully, you now have a better idea of what could be causing you trouble.

Blocked shower drains can be annoying, but with a little know-how and some preventative measures, you can keep them from ruining your day. Whether you’re dealing with a hair clog or something more complicated, Comfort Now has the expertise to resolve the issue. Schedule your service with us today!