Hey there Pensacola, Florida homeowners! There’s nothing worse than stepping into the shower only to find yourself standing in a puddle of water that just won’t drain. Not only is it gross, but it can actually cause some real problems in your bathroom. Let’s talk about why this happens and how to unclog shower drains.
Why It’s Bad to Have Standing Water in Your Shower Drain
Look, I know it’s tempting to ignore a slow drain, but there are a lot of reasons why you shouldn’t.
- Attracts Pests: It’s basically an open invitation for mosquitoes and other bugs (yuck!).
- Mold and Mildew Growth: Where there’s standing water, there’s usually mold and mildew following close behind.
- Unpleasant Odors: That funky smell in your bathroom? Yeah, that’s probably from stagnant water.
- Worsening Clog: The longer you wait, the worse it gets – and trust me, you don’t want to deal with a completely blocked drain.
What Causes of Shower Drain Clogs
There are a lot of things that can clog a shower drain. Usually, it’s one of these culprits:
- Hair Buildup: We all shed in the shower – it’s just a fact of life!
- Soap Residue: That fancy soap you’re using, combined with hard water.
- Oils and Body Scrubs: Those luxurious body oils and scrubs (they feel great, but your pipes aren’t fans).
5 Ways to Unclog Shower Drains
If the clogged shower drain is not too serious, you may be able to unclog it yourself using one of these 5 methods.
Method 1: The Kitchen Cabinet Solution: Baking Soda and Vinegar
This is my favorite first-try method because you probably already have everything you need:
- Dump about 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Follow it with a cup of white vinegar.
- Let it fizz for 10-15 minutes (it’s kind of fun to watch!).
- Finish with some boiling water.
Method 2: Break Out the Plunger
Here’s a pro tip: rub some petroleum jelly around the plunger’s edge for a better seal. Then just plunge away! If it’s still draining slowly after a few tries, keep at it.
Method 3: Use a Drain Snake
This is getting into more serious territory. If you’ve never used one before, you might want to call a Service Minds Benjamin Franklin pro – these can damage your pipes if used incorrectly.
But if you’re feeling brave:
- Feed it into the drain until you hit resistance.
- Turn the handle to break up whatever’s in there.
- Pull it back out (warning: what comes up isn’t pretty!).
Method 4: The MacGyver Method: Coat Hanger Hook
No drain snake? No problem! Here’s a quick hack.
- Straighten out a wire hanger
- Make a small hook at one end
- Fish around in there for hair and gunk
- Be prepared to be grossed out!
Method 5: Call in the Pros from Benjamin Franklin
Sometimes you’ve got to know when to fold ’em. If nothing’s working, it’s probably time to call the punctual plumbers at Benjamin Franklin. They’ve got the tools and know-how to handle the tough stuff.
Preventing Future Clogs in Shower Drains
Here are some easy habits that’ll save you headaches down the road.
- Get yourself a hair catcher.
- Run hot water down the drain once a week.
- Keep stuff that doesn’t belong in the drain out of it (seems obvious, but we’ve all dropped things!).
When to DIY vs. When to Call Service Minds Ben Franklin for Help
Here’s the deal: try the DIY stuff first for minor clogs. But if you’re dealing with a stubborn clog that keeps coming back, don’t waste time – call a professional at Ben Franklin. And hey, stay away from those harsh chemical drain cleaners. They might seem like a quick fix, but they can really mess up your pipes.
- DIY for Minor Clogs: Natural solutions like baking soda, vinegar, or plunging can typically address minor clogs. Avoid chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage pipes.
- Call a Plumber for Recurring or Persistent Clogs: When the clog keeps coming back, a Benjamin Franklin plumber can identify and address the root cause, ensuring that your pipes remain clear over the long term.
Most shower clogs aren’t the end of the world, and you can often fix them yourself with these methods. But if you’ve tried everything and that water’s still standing there mocking you, don’t hesitate to call in the Service Minds pros. Sometimes it’s worth paying a bit to get the job done right!