Causes of Backed Up Shower Drains
If you’ve ever taken a shower and the water began to pool around your ankles—your shower is most likely suffering from a clogged drain. While this can be a minor annoyance in your daily routine, if left unchecked, this can lead to extensive plumbing damage in the future.
As a homeowner, it is essential to understand the warning signs of a clog and what causes them in order to avoid them in the future and prevent further damage to your pipes. Here’s what you should know.
Signs of a Drain Blockage
You can avoid costly drain expenses by paying attention to warning signs that may indicate a blockage and their potential sources.
- Water Backing Up—If you notice water backing up in different parts of your home – like the toilet, sink, shower – it can mean you have a blockage in your pipes that prevents water from passing and thus coming back up.
- Slow Drains—If you notice that your shower may be draining slower than normal, it may indicate that you have a clog forming in your pipes.
- Foul Odors—If you notice strange smells coming from your shower drains, it may be time for a drain cleaning. When dirt and debris sticks inside of your pipes, they fester when left untreated. This is not only unpleasant but can also pose a health risk.
Common Culprits of a Backed Up Drain
While there are many causes of a shower or tub that won’t drain properly, here are some of the most common sources of gradual buildup in your pipes.
Hair
Hair is the most common cause of a drainage clog in the shower or bathtub. When you wash your hair, it’s natural to experience shedding. When shampoo and conditioner is rinsed from your hair, shed hairs have nowhere to go other than with the flow of water—down your drains. Hair has a tendency to stick to the sides of pipes, tangling and catching other materials that prevent water from draining properly.
Dirt and Debris
If you’ve been to the beach or been on a hike lately, odds are you took a shower right when you got home—seeing an abundance of sand and dirt being rinsed off. This debris can become trapped in your drains, especially if you have lower water pressure.
Hard Water
When you have hard water, the high mineral content causes issues with your drains and plumbing.
Handling these issues in a timely manner can save the integrity of your pipes and prevent serious damage like pipe bursts. While you may not be able to see the calcium and carbon in your water, these minerals can stick to the sides of your drain and pipes, slowly causing a clogged drain.
Drain Cleaning in the San Fernando Valley & Los Angeles
When the water starts draining slowly or backing up, call Rooter Guard. Our plumbers have the training, skills, and experience to tackle even the toughest clogs. We work quickly and efficiently to locate the clog and create lasting solutions that will get your plumbing moving.
Call (818) 572-9743 to schedule your drain cleaning in Van Nuys, the San Fernando Valley & all of Los Angeles.
