A shower drain that’s not draining is not only inconvenient, but can actually be a sign of an even bigger problem. Learn more:
Causes of shower not draining
1. A clog elsewhere in the drain system
You may think that the only possible cause of a clogged shower drain is soap scum and hair. But, a clog in another part of your home can also cause the shower drain to drain slowly. As you know, your shower drain is connected to your main sewer line. And so if the main line is clogged, that could be why your shower doesn’t drain, and why water pools at your feet!
2. Hair and soap scum
However, you’re correct in thinking that the most common cause is a clog from hair. It’s slightly gross to think about, but soap scum products like bar soap, shampoo, and shaving cream mixes with loose hair and creates a clog in the drain. And before you go blaming the person in your house with the longest hair, keep in mind that short hair, even little hairs from shaving, also stick to each other and to soap scum. So this giant clog in the shower drain is a product of the whole family! (Isn’t it nice to see everybody working together??)
3. Bath bombs
Did you know that bath bombs are also a common way of clogging a shower drain? Most bath bombs are made out of baking soda, cornstarch, citric acid, and Epsom salt. As you can imagine, some of these fizzy by-products won’t completely dissolve when you drain your tub. This is especially true of glitter bath bombs — that glitter doesn’t dissolve in your drain!
What to do
Whether your shower not draining is a product of a clog in the main line, a clog caused by hair and soap, or a clog caused by bath bombs, the result is the same. Never pour chemical drain cleaners down the shower drain because that will only make things worse.
Many customers do more harm than good looking for a quick fix by resorting to caustic drain cleaners. Drain cleaners eat through PVC and metal piping, just look at the warning labels!
– our owner, Ken Elowe
Instead, give the best pros in Santa Ana a call! Dial One Sonshine is happy to fix any shower drain clog. We also fix other common plumbing problems such as leaks, or broken pipes and water heaters. Contact us online or give us a call: (714) 613-1016