How to Clear Your Clogged Shower Drain: 4 Tips to Keep It Flowing Smoothly

Hairs and dead skin cells are among the most common culprits of a clogged shower drain, as many of us shed hundreds of hairs when we take a shower and millions of skin cells, which all eventually stick to the walls of the drain, blocking the flow of water. To prevent this, a hair catcher installed in the drain can help, but regular cleaning is also recommended.

Soap scum also often builds up in pipes, trapping hairs and other contaminants that can eventually clog the drain. To prevent this from happening, a chlorine bleach solution poured down the drain every other week can help reduce the scum buildup.

Hard water deposits from minerals and micro-solids that clog your drain can be avoided by using a water softener.

Finally, foreign objects, such as toothpaste caps, razor coverings, shampoo caps and other small items, should be kept away from the drain. Accidentally dropping these items down the shower drain is surprisingly a very common cause of shower clogs. To prevent these clogs, regular maintenance and inspections are advised.

Clogs are an unfortunately common and annoying problem, but if you keep an eye out for the four most common causes and take timely action when any of them arise, you can avoid having to deal with a clogged shower drain.