You turn on the shower and then step away to give it a few moments to heat up. When you return, you notice that the water isn’t draining properly—and the same issue occurs repeatedly for the next few days. By the time you’ve called a plumbing contractor, you’ve likely already tried several do-it-yourself methods to no avail. So what is the cause of this issue and how can you prevent it in the future? The guide below explains.

What Is Clogging Your Drain?

1. Loose Hair

People have a tendency to shed hair. If it happens in the shower, then the only place that the strands can go is straight down the drain. They’ll curl in on themselves and create a net-like structure that keeps other pieces of debris from getting by. Therefore, invest in a drain cover, similar to the catch you use in your kitchen sink, to hold the hair until it’s time to throw it away.

2. Soap Residue

After rinsing off in the shower, remnants of your shampoo and body soap will likely make their way down the drain. They may seem harmless enough but tend to leave a trail of soap scum in their wake. This could eventually build up in the pipes, attracting other particles as they are passing through, until it forms a solid clog. Pour baking soda, followed by vinegar and then hot water down the drain at least every other week to break up the residue. Don’t use store-bought drain cleaners as these could corrode your plumbing.

3. Sediment Buildup

Sometimes it’s the water itself that causes clogs to form. Hard water contains minerals that can build up over time, slowing flow. However, by installing a water softener, you can help remove these unwanted particles.

4. Outdoor Debris

Whether you’ve been working in the yard or the kids have been playing outdoors, there’s bound to be some level of dirt that goes down the drain. If it’s heavy enough, then the clumps will settle and prevent the rest of the water from draining properly. Use a plunger to loosen the clog and restore water flow. If this doesn’t work, then calling a plumber is your best bet.

 

Preserve the condition of your plumbing system by reaching out to the professionals at Drain Doctor. Located in Levelland, TX, and serving a 30-mile radius around the city, they specialize in drain cleaning, water heater installations, and basic plumbing repairs, offering some of the most competitive rates in the industry. Call (806) 894-3796 to set up an appointment with one of their knowledgeable experts. Visit their website for a full list of services.