You made the move, and you’re very glad you did. You junked that wonky old tub that no one used anymore – and hadn’t in more than five years – and replaced it with a shower enclosure. Maybe one with multiple shower nozzles, maybe even a steam shower. But definitely one with a floor drain.
Beforehand, you didn’t give the floor drain a second thought. After all, the water and soap residue has to go somewhere. But all it took was one good for you to give it more than a passing thought – you got downright mad at the drain and world at large for forcing you to take remedial clearing measures.
Want in on a little secret? Why worry about clearing clogged drains when most such incidents can be prevented.
Here’s how.
Save the Oil for Cooking
Oil is a useful household and sanitary product – in moderation. But it also can contribute to clogged drains.
For example, are you using an oil-based body lotion in the shower? If so, it’s headed straight to the drain once you rinse yourself. So, instead of rinsing in the shower, apply the lotion afterwards and allow your skin to fully absorb it.
Rinse It Out Daily
Another way to combat clogged shower drains is to clean them after every use. Remove visible debris, such as hair, and leave the hot shower water running for a few minutes after you step out of the stall. The force of the hot water will help to flush substances through the drain.
Use a Drain Cover
Such an obvious move, right, but so one often neglected. Without a cover, loose hairs shed and head straight for the drain. Over time, all that hair can form a monster of a clog. Hence, a drain cover. That way, hair gets trapped before being washed down.
Change Your Cleaning Habits
How often do you empty the mop bucket into the bathtub or shower after you’ve mopped the floor? And what about dumping carpet cleaning liquid down that very same drain? These are common practices that will commonly clog a shower drain, yours included. Don’t have a practical alternative? Then place a mesh screen (or even your hair catcher) over the top of your shower drain to catch the dirt, pet hair, and debris.
Oops, it Clogged Up Anyway
Perhaps you’re reading this blog a tad too late and you already have a clogged shower drain on your hands. If so, pour about a half cup each of white vinegar and baking soda down the drain, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then flush the drain with piping hot water. If your drain cover is removable, straighten out a wire hanger and insert it into the drain with a small hook at one end. Then remove any remaining hair and gunk with a gentle tug. After that, you should be good to go.
If not, and conditions are beyond your skill set, they’re not beyond ours. We’re Norhio Plumbing, and we clear drain clogs indoors and outdoors, large and small. Turn to us anytime the need arises, and we’ll answer the call with a guaranteed price quote and our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
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