Showers are supposed to be refreshing and relaxing, so you may be surprised if you notice that the drain is clogged. If the issue isn’t solved, it could lead to larger problems that a plumber would have to fix. Thankfully, there are several ways you can prevent buildup in your shower drain. Here are a few reasons why clogs occur.

Frequent Causes of Clogged Showers 

1. Mineral Buildup 

Hard water is filled with minerals that adhere to various surfaces. If this water is in your pipes, the minerals can accumulate enough layers on the pipe walls to block the water as it tries to go down the drain. A plumbing service can clear it out, but you can prevent this problem by applying softeners to your water system. 

2. Dead Cells 

When you shower, you wash millions of hair and skin cells off your body and down the drain. These cells can pile up on the pipe walls, not allowing water to rush past them effectively. If you suspect a clog, ask a plumber to clear it out for you. In the future, however, place a guard over the drain so it catches any extra material or hair. 

3. Dirt and Grime 

Although showering cleanses your body of dirt and dust, these materials often end up collecting in the pipes afterward. The resulting clog causes the dirt to rise back to the surface and surround your feet, causing an unsanitary situation. Schedule professional sewer line cleaning regularly to eliminate grime buildup. 

4. Foreign Objects 

From soaps to toothbrushes, people use various items in the shower. Objects such as plastic wrapping from razors or toothpaste caps can fall down the shower drain without you noticing. Even tree roots can force their way inside from underground and cause a blockage. With specialized tools, a plumber can remove any foreign object without damaging anything. 

5. Leftover Soap 

Because it’s made of fat, not all soap scum is whisked away with water. It can gather on pipe walls and catch other items, like hair, to create one clump of blockage. Contact a plumbing service to extract it, then switch to fat-free soap or body wash. 

 
If you need a knowledgeable and detail-oriented plumber to fix a clogged shower drain, go to GNG Plumbing and The Hardware Store in Orange Beach, AL. Having supplied their community with friendly and dependable commercial, industrial, and residential plumbing services for more than 30 years, they will quickly diagnose and resolve various issues you experience. Their hardware store is stocked with helpful tools, including drain guards and cleaners. To find out more about their products or schedule a visit, call them today at (251) 974-5630 or message them online.