The Ultimate Guide to Solving Shower and Bathroom Drain Blockages and Plumbing Issues

Clogged shower drains and bathroom plumbing problems form some of the most common household issues around the world. They are so common due to how frequently they’re used. This makes plumbers one of the most sought-after handymen in every locality.

Bathroom drain blockages are so inconveniencing in many ways that one can hardly go a day without fixing them. A blocked shower drain exposes you to health risks and pest infestation. Not to mention the possible smell that may accompany backed-up sewage. In some cases, blocked drains may even cause structural damage to your home.

To be free from these experiences, you need the right skills and tools for clearing drains. Before we go into the how and what to use, let us take a look at some common causes of bathroom plumbing problems.

Common Causes of Clogged Shower Drains and Bathroom Plumbing Issues

Clogged drains are mostly caused by the following:

Hair Buildup

Hair buildup is the most common cause of shower drain clogs. It could be human hair or that of pets. The strands that fall from your head or body fall into the drain and gather into a cluster that traps soap scum. That cluster grows over time and totally blocks the flow of water, causing problems.

Soap Scum and Residue

Soap scum forms as a result of the interaction between the minerals in your water and the fats in your soap. Scum can get sticky, coating the walls of your drains. This reduces the available pathway for water and allows dirt to stick more to your pipes. Clogs get harder and more stubborn to remove with time because of this.

Mineral Deposits from Hard Water

The reason hard water is called such is that it carries other elements that are not oxygen and hydrogen. Those elements are not strongly bonded to the water molecules and will settle in pipes. The accumulation of those mineral deposits is what eventually becomes a problem.

In some cases, those minerals harden and go from just lining the walls of the pipe to full-blown growths. The result, of course, is poor wastewater flow.

If you live in areas such as Perth and Sydney, you will most likely experience this problem. Adelaide also has a hard water problem. You can’t live in these areas without knowing how to manage hard water.

Small Objects or Debris

Certain materials have no business going down the drain in the first place. Materials such as bits of plastic, dropped jewellery, caps of toothpaste and skincare products, etc., when dropped into the drain will clog it. When these items get stuck in joints or pipe bends, they can obstruct the flow of water.

Poor Pipe Design or Old Plumbing

Shower drain and bathroom plumbing issues can also be a result of the type of pipes used and how they were fitted. If your pipe is too old and is corroding, it could trap hair and the like, causing an eventual blockage. If the piping is also badly fitted, then you’ll also have a problem.

Signs of a Clogged Shower Drain or Bathroom Plumbing

If you’re observant, you may notice it in time before it finally blocks water flow. But if you’re not, you only notice it when water doesn’t flow out. The following are signs that your shower drain or bathroom piping is clogged:

• Slow-draining Water
  As dirt-like hair and soap scum build up in the pipes, water drainage becomes more difficult. Little puddles can be noticed on the shower tub or bathroom floor. The water will drain, but after a longer period than usual.
• Gurgling Sounds from the Drain
  Gurgling sounds heard when water goes down the drain are an indication of a blockage. The noise is a result of trapped air in the drain, which is in turn a result of blockage. Bubbles from the drain opening may also be a sign that there is a blockage in the drain.
• Unpleasant Odours
  If you open your bathroom and the smell takes you aback, that’s a sign. It means all the wastewater from your shower drain or your toilet pipes is floating around somewhere in the drains instead of flowing into the sewers as it should.
• Water Pooled on the Bathroom Floor
  If you have your bath in the morning before work and when you get back home, you can still see the bathwater in a pool on the bathroom floor, the only explanation for this is that your drain is blocked. In this case, you need emergency repair to fix the problem so you don’t suffer pest infestation or deal with bacterial growth.
• Backflow Issues
  This is a severe case of blockage where water flows back up from the drain into the bathroom. As water flows back from the drain, it brings along dirty water and debris into the bathroom. This usually leads to bad odours plaguing the bathroom.

Essential Tools and Supplies for Unblocking Drains

Unclogging a drain may be simple or extensive. It could be done with your everyday tools or specialised tools in more serious cases. For effective drain clearing, you will need the right equipment to save effort and time. This equipment includes:

• Plunger
  The plunger is usually the first-line tool choice for clearing bathroom drain blockages. Plungers work by creating a pressure difference between them and the open space, which forces the blockage to find an escape route. Cup plungers are for tubs and sinks, while flange plungers are for toilets. Whichever one you have or are using, make sure that yours has no spaces for air to pass through once you place it on the surface of the drain. That’s the only way it would be able to create the needed pressure and suction to clear the drain.
• Drain Snake or Auger
  For a deeper reach, the drain cleaner or auger is needed. The long and flexible design of the auger allows it to be fed into the drain to hook, push through or break apart any blockages. It is available in two types: the manual auger and the powered auger.The manual one is used in smaller jobs, while the powered one is employed in clearing stubborn or more extensive clogs. Augers easily remove soap scum and entangled hairs from shower drains.
• Wet/dry Vacuum
  A wet/dry vacuum isn’t just for cleaning up spills; it can be a powerful tool in unclogging drains. By setting it to “wet” mode and sealing the hose over the drain opening, you can suck the clog out. This method is best for clogs near the surface or after you’ve already loosened the blockage with another tool. Just remember to empty the vacuum afterwards and clean it thoroughly.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar
  This is used in clearing scum and mineral deposits from the drain. It is an alternative to harsh chemicals used in drain cleaning. The fizzing effect of the combination of baking soda and cleaning vinegar breaks up soap scum and other such buildups, like grease and mineral deposits. It is used for mild clogs or as a routine cleaning for your drains.
• Protective Gloves and Safety Goggles
  You could be exposing yourself to bacteria or cuts from rough particles when you clear your drain. That is why you should wear your safety gloves before undertaking a drain cleaning task. Your hands and eyes will be protected in the event of a splash.

DIY Methods to Clear Shower Drain Blockages

Not all drain blockages are so serious that you would have to call a plumber. Sometimes you just need a little push or pull to clear the pipe, and you’re good to go. This saves you money and time. Here are a few DIY ideas for clearing a drain at home:

Removing Visible Debris by Hand

Sometimes all you need is just a little cleaning on the drain opening. Hair and other debris caught on the drain cover can prevent the outflow of water. Simply use your hand to run over the opening and see what you’ve got. You could also use a small brush to insert into the drain in case the blockage is a bit down the pipe.

Using Boiling Water to Loosen Buildup

One easy but effective way of clearing up your drain is by pouring hot water into it. This dissolves the mineral buildups from hard water as well as scum. This way, you improve water flow without paying a dime.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

As explained earlier, baking soda and cleaning vinegar are powerful DIY drain cleaning agents. Simply pour the mixture into your drain and add some water to carry it along. The reaction of the mixture is effective in dissolving mineral deposits and soap scum.

Plunger Technique

The use of a plunger is the most common method of clearing shower drain blockages. All you need to do is place the plunger over the opening of the drain and ensure it seals it completely. Then start pushing in and out using the handle. As you push and pull on the handle, the pressure created forces the blockage open. If you try the plunger and it doesn’t work, then you need a more advanced tool like a drain snake.

Drain Snake or Auger Method

You might think that this is a tool only meant to be used by professional plumbers. That is not true. You can use a snake drain to clear your drain in a matter of minutes. It is your next line of action if the previous methods fail, and in many cases, it does the job. To use a snake drain effectively, do the following:

• Put the end of the snake into the drain and loosen the auger by turning the handle on the drum. Once loosened, the snake goes into the drain on its own
• Keep pushing the snake until you hit a resistance, which indicates a clog. Sometimes, the snake might hit a bend and get stuck. Apply pressure while turning it sideways, and once it passes, it keeps sliding in freely until it hits the clog.
• Once the auger hits the blockage, apply pressure and spin it so the tip gets entangled with the clog. It can disintegrate the blockage, or the debris comes out with the auger. The latter is more sustainable as you would be sure the clog won’t get stuck along the pipe.
• Once you’ve pushed in the blockage or pulled it out, run water through the drain for some minutes to clear off any debris and confirm that the drain is clear.

Wet/Dry Vacuum Suction Method

Shop vacs or wet/dry vacuum cleaners can also be used to unclog a drain in a matter of minutes. First, plug in the vacuum and place the hose over the drain. Hose extensions may be required to either reach the drain or provide you with the required seal over the drain opening.

Ensuring that the hose fits perfectly over the drain opening is important for suction to happen. Next, turn on the cleaner and hold on to the hose, maintaining steady contact with the drain opening. Leave it for a few minutes, then turn it off and open it to check whether there is dirt. Turn on the water and see if the drain is clear.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Contact a professional plumber if you have tried all the DIY methods already outlined. They have better skills, experience and tools which ensure that the job gets done regardless of how serious it might be.

In some cases, however, you cannot attempt DIY fixes. These cases include:

• Persistent or Recurring Clogs
  Clearing a particular shower drain more often than usual is a sign of an underlying issue. By hiring a plumber, they will open up the drain and get to the root cause of the problem.
• Multiple Drains Clogging at once
  If more than one drain in your home becomes clogged at the same time, it could be a sign of a blockage in your main sewer line. This is not a project to be undertaken yourself and needs to be handled immediately by professionals.
• Damaged Pipes
  If your pipe is visibly cracked or collapsed, you need professional assistance to fix it. Professional plumbers can use specialised cameras and equipment to locate and repair damage that is not visible.
• Sewage Odour or Backup
  Water flowing back into your bathroom is never a good sign. It is inconvenient in many ways and should not be neglected. This means you need to fix the problem as fast as you can by contacting fast and professional plumbing services such as Plumber Sydney.

Cost Considerations for Plumbing Services

Having an idea about the potential plumbing service cost can prepare you and protect you from unexpected bills. Although you can’t exactly say how much it costs to clean a drain in Australia, you could at least know what you might be expected to pay.

Typically, drain cleaning jobs in Australia cost about AU$150 to AU$300, depending on a number of factors. These factors include:

• Severity and location of blockage
• Type of equipment required (hydro-jetting, for example, or CCTV inspection)
• Call-out charge for after-hours
• Distance travelled if the plumber is not close to your property
• The plumbing company that you contacted

Considering these factors, the cost of cleaning a stubborn clog where specialised tools will be utilised may cost up to AU$500 or more.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

Drain blockages can sometimes be expensive to clear. So it’s best you prevent it from happening at all. You can achieve this through a few inexpensive and easy ways. Here are some effective tips to ensure that shower drain blockages are avoided.

• Installing a Drain Cover or Hair Catcher
  A drain cover or hair catcher helps to reduce the amount of hair and other debris that goes into your drain. It eliminates frequent clogging as well as improves your water flow.
• Regular Cleaning Schedule
  Regular cleaning of your shower drain prevents unexpected clogs. You can perform the cleaning by pouring a mixture of baking soda and cleaning vinegar or any mild chemical into the drain and allowing it to sit for a while before flushing it with water. It helps to prevent any soap scum or bacterial growth in pipes.
• Flushing Drains with Hot Water
  One effective way of cleaning drains of soap scum or grease is by pouring hot water into the drain from time to time. You can do this weekly or monthly, depending on how often you use your bathroom and the tendency for the accumulation of such materials. The water doesn’t have to be boiling to avoid damage to pipes. You just need it to be hot enough to achieve the desired outcome.
• Don’t Use Harsh Chemical Cleaners
  Instead, use natural cleaners like the famous baking soda and vinegar mixture to clean your drains. If you rely too much on harsh chemical drain cleaners, you will be dealing with a burst sewage pipe down the line because the chemicals in those cleaners wear down the pipes over time.
• Checking for Early Signs of Clogs
  Watch out for early signs of bathroom drain blockage, like slow drains and gurgling sounds. Once observed, get your drain cleared before it becomes a bigger problem.

Conclusion

You can experience bathroom drain blockages at any time. If you don’t want to be taken by surprise, you need to have preventive measures that will help you have a clear drain every time. If the drain eventually gets clogged, try some DIY methods first and see if you can clear it yourself, but if the clog persists, then you should hire professional plumbers in your location. If you’re in Sydney and environs, you can contact Plumber Sydney for a fast and reliable response at a reduced price.