Why Is It Important to Keep Your Shower Drain Clear in Sacramento?
Remember home economics classes? We don’t recall how to clean a shower drain, or how to keep the shower drain clean, being among the subjects covered. Because drain clogs are one of the more vexing challenges homeowners face, Ace Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning offers New Window Sacramento area drain cleaning service, plus tips for figuring out what causes those nasty clogs, and how to keep the shower drain clean so we don’t have to visit so often.
Common Shower Drain Clog Causes
We expect some clogs, especially in kitchen sinks and floor drains. But nobody wants to stand ankle-deep in lukewarm water because their tub won’t drain. Shower drain clogs stem from some of the same causes as any other drain clog. Namely, there’s something (or several somethings) in your shower drain that shouldn’t be there.
Grease
We sincerely hope that you’re not pouring cooking grease down your shower drain or toilet. They don’t belong there any more than they do in your kitchen sink!
Oils
Maybe you’re diligent about what you pour down your drains, but that still doesn’t mean they’re oil-free. After all, our skin and hair contain natural oils too, and sometimes these can lead to clogs.
Soaps and Shampoos
We’ve all noticed a film of soap scum in the shower, or on the tiles after we bathe. We’re usually diligent about cleaning it up, too. But the same film that accumulates from soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions can lead to clogs, especially when it’s combined with…
Hair
You may own a dog or cat and marvel that they’re not naked for all the shedding they do. But humans shed, too. It’s important that hair doesn’t end up down the drain, and that you take care when you’re shaving, bathing, or shampooing your furry friends so that your drains don’t have as much hair as the average barbershop floor.
Trash
It’s easy to track things into the shower. All kinds of things — wrappers, kitty litter, dust, dirt, stray bits of toilet paper, and more — can stick to the soles of your feet, and subsequently clog your drains.
Five Tips to Keep Your Shower Drain Clean
How can you keep your drains clear between visits from Ace Plumbing?
- Remember that water is the only thing that should go down the drain. Soil, food, the water leftover from mopping the floors, and any other debris you pick up during your travels don’t belong in the shower. Use a washcloth to get the big stuff off if you or your kids have had an especially filthy day.
- Buy a drain screen to capture hair and other foreign matter so it doesn’t clog your drains. Mesh screens aren’t always easy to clean, but they’re cheap enough that you can simply replace them as you go.
- Keep your tub and shower clean. Besides keeping up appearances, this will help your drains stay cleaner too.
- “Chase” your showers and baths periodically with 3/4 cup of baking soda, followed by a half cup of white vinegar. Let this sit for about half an hour (keeping kids and pets away), then flush with hot water.
- If you have a clog, don’t resort to chemical drain cleaners; these can damage your pipes and lead to New Window emergency septic system repairs in Sacramento. Instead, rely on a flat — not flanged — plunger to dislodge the clog so it can be removed
FREE Estimate For Drain Clearing and Clearing Services in Sacramento
Whether it’s time for a bit of spring cleaning, or an emergency for a tub or shower that simply won’t drain, New Window Ace Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning is always on call. Get in touch today for a free drain cleaning estimate, or for emergency plumbing service that covers every plumbing need you can imagine!