How To Clean A Blocked Shower Drain?

Seeking the assistance of a plumber, every time your shower drain clogs is neither practical nor economically feasible. These fixtures are notorious for getting jammed if not cleaned frequently. Clogged shower drains cause a lot of problems such as water backing up, bad odours, pooling of water in the tub, etc. Commonly, drains in the shower clog due to collection of hair, grime, dirt, soap scum, and other pollutants. Clogged drains are a problem, especially for people living in rented properties because it points towards cleaning and maintenance negligence. Tenants can become ineligible for a rental bond refund if the drains are dirty and rendered non-functional. End of lease cleaning professionals in Sunshine Coast are hired for cleaning rented real estate at the end of the tenancy, and they sanitise the entire property including the bathroom and its fixtures. However, you shouldn’t wait for professionals to clean everything. Instead, sanitise the drain regularly to keep the plumbing in your shower working efficiently. Outlined below are different ways to clean and disinfect your shower drain. Have a look!

Pour Hot Water

After showering if you notice water bubbling before draining, it is an indication that your shower drain is starting to clog. To prevent the drain from blocking, open the porous lid (if it is removable) and pour hot water in the drain until the water starts to go down smoothly. The hot water will agitate the grime, gunk, and soap scum clogging the pipes and remove them.

Plunge with a Pressure Pump

Another efficient and effective method to unclog shower drains is to use a pressure pump. This tool creates suction and agitates the grime and gunk blocking the drain, causing them to go down smoothly. Using a pressure pump is best when water is pooling and taking a while to drain. While pumping a drain, make sure the tool is not broken, or air is not escaping from the sides as it is an indication you are not using the equipment correctly.

Use a Commercial Drain Cleaner

A host of products are readily available in stores that are potent drain cleaners, and many are used by end of lease cleaning experts in Sunshine Coast to unclog drains effectively. You can get affordable drain cleaning products and use it as per directions on the label to unblock the drain in your shower. Please note, most drain cleaners need 10-15 minutes to work properly, and you should give them the required dwell time. Additionally, commercial drain cleaners should be used carefully, so make sure you wear gloves, masks, and other personal protective equipment while handling and using them.

Use Baking Soda and White Vinegar

Don’t want to use commercial drain cleaners? You can clean the shower drain naturally and economically by using baking soda and white vinegar. Many professionals who perform green end of lease cleaning in Sunshine Coast use organic and non-toxic ingredients like these to sanitise various surfaces, objects, and fixtures. Here are the steps to follow for cleaning your shower drain with baking soda and white vinegar.

• Pour boiling water in the drain to remove grime and dirt.
• Put a cup of baking soda and let it work for at least 15 minutes.
• Pour a cup of white vinegar and let the ingredients fizzle.
• Wait for 10-15 minutes and clean the residues with boiling water.
• The drain should work after this process, and if clog remains, then repeat the process.

This method may not be as effective as chemical cleaners but is natural and eco-friendly. You can use this method to unblock slight clogs or to maintain general sanitation of your shower drains.

Use a Wire Brush

Shower drains often get clogged due to hair and fur (if you have pets) which can be hard to remove with cleaning products or a plunger. The best way to remove hair clogs is to use a wire brush that has bristles fixed in a spiral shape and a hook at the head. The brushes come in variable sizes to help clean different types of drains. Read the instructions to use the tool correctly and get the clog out without applying elbow grease.

When to Take Professional Help?

There are times when DIY cleaning methods don’t work, or you lack the time, energy, or will to clean shower or other drains yourself. In such cases, it is best to seek the assistance of professionals who can do the work for you. For a shower drain with technical and functional issues due to clogging, or any other reasons hire a plumber to fix it.

Wrapping Up

Neglecting cleaning and sanitising of shower drains often result in clogged pipes that make water to back up or pool in the shower. Dirty and clogged drains also cause bad odour and make your bathroom smell. Thus, use the different methods mentioned above to keep your shower drain clean and sanitary all the time. However, don’t hesitate to seek the assistance of end of lease cleaners in Sunshine Coast when your entire property needs to be cleaned at the end of a tenancy.