It's embarrassing to see murky and lukewarm water when taking your bath because water drains slowly or doesn't drain at all in your bathroom. In some instances, the standing water may be emitting an unpleasant odor.
Standing water in your bathroom indicates that your shower drain is clogged, and it could be caused by a buildup of soap scum, hair, and excess dirt. As a homeowner, you need to find out the source of the clogged drain to prevent it from happening again. You also need to know whether it is something you can handle or call plumbers from Mr. Rooter Plumbing for professional help.
It is advisable you try unclogging the shower drain using the procedure suggested in this article by professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing.
Steps to unclog the shower drain
We recommend methods of unclogging the shower drain based on their success rates and our most preferred method is the:
Manual procedure
This is the fastest way for shower drain cleaning but it's better for those who can withstand unpleasant smell (pregnant women should not use this method to avoid vomiting).
The manual procedure is done by removing the obstruction, and you need to have the following:
- A flashlight
- Disposable hand glove and
- A needle-nose plier
Procedure
Remove the drain cover and shine a flashlight into the drain. This will enable you to see the clog. If the clog is close to the surface, you can put on the hand glove and get it removed.
However, if it is down the pipe, the needle-nose plier can be used.
Then cover the drain and test it by pouring a lot of water. Hopefully, your drain will be flowing normally. If this method isn't working, then check out the next one.
The boiling water method
This method can clear the blockage and can be used by people who do not have the requirements for the manual unclogging method.
Procedure
Boil water and use a funnel to pour it down the drain. Note, you should not use boiling water to avoid damaging your pipes. Put off your gas/stove after boiling the water and stay for thirty-sixty seconds before using the water.
This method is for clogs that are deep down the pipe, but it has not been proven effective for those trying to clear out a severe blockage.
Unclog the drain with a plunger
You need enough suction for this method to be effective but it's good to give it a try if other methods above aren't working.
Procedure
Add petroleum jelly at the edge of the pad and plunge as many times as possible. This will work out if the blockage is towards the surface of the pipe
The baking soda and vinegar method
This is a natural method that wouldn't cause damages to your plastic pipes and is also effective. You will need.
- A cup of baking soda and vinegar
- Boiled water
Procedure
Try to scoop all the water using a small bucket and pour the baking soda down the drain.
You need to wait for about 10 minutes before pouring the vinegar and within a short time, pour the boiled water down the drain.
Call for professional help
To keep your drains flowing all year round, you need to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to get a professional drain cleaning service. Our service and expert advice will help prevent your drains from frequent clogging.