The shower is the place where people wash their hair, and dead, soapy strands are a reason the drain is subject to clogs. The good news is that shower clogs are preventable, or at least don’t need to be as aggravating as they sometimes are. Here are some ways to prevent clogs in your shower.
Put in a Drain Cover
Drain covers or strainers are both widely available and inexpensive. They simply stop hair and a lot of soap scum from entering your drain. Just drop them over the drain entrance, and dump whatever they catch in the garbage.
Brush Your Hair Before Taking a Shower
It might surprise you to learn that one way to prevent clogs is to give your hair a brush before stepping into the shower. This will pull out at least some of the loose hair that would otherwise go down the shower drain and create a clog.
Flush the Drain With Hot Water
Flushing your drain with hot water every week or every two weeks can also help stop clogs. Though you can use boiling water once in a while, plumbers discourage using it frequently. If your drainpipes are made of a material such as PVC, boiling water can soften and warp them. To add a bit more power, sprinkle a cup of baking soda over the drain and pour in some white vinegar. Let it bubble and fizz for a bit, and then flush it with hot water.
Install a Water Softener
Another solution when it comes to preventing clogs is installing a water softener. A water softener removes calcium and magnesium ions and replaces them with sodium ions. Calcium and magnesium make water hard, and this causes a crust called limescale to accumulate in the pipes. This also contributes to clogs.
Don’t Pour Just Anything Down Your Drain
The only things that should go down your drain are soap; water; and once in a while, the gentler types of drain cleansers. Don’t pour in the water you used to wash your dishes or mop your floors. This dirty water contains grease and other debris that can contribute to clogs.
Clean the Tub or Shower Stall
Though a shower makes you clean, it can leave the stall or the bathtub surprisingly dirty. Give the tub or shower stall, including the shower door, a rinse after every use. Once a week, flush the drain as per the suggestion above.
Call Us If All Else Fails
There are a number of ways to keep your drains from clogging after you take a shower. However, if all else fails, and you need help with your shower, call our professionals at Charleston Bath Experts in Charleston, SC.