Cleaning shower drain pipe is often necessary when one of the first signs of a developing drain problem is a slow shower drain. Initially, it may take a little longer than normal for the water to drain away. Within a few days, you may notice water standing around your feet while taking a shower. If the problem continues, the drain can become completely clogged.
Ocean County NJ homeowners will find that having the shower drain pipe professionally cleaned can sometimes get rid of the black or soapy film that accumulates so that it doesn’t create a bigger issue in the home’s plumbing system. Hair, soap scum, mineral deposits, dirt and other debris may accumulate inside shower drain lines over time. Drainers like plungers or commercially available drain cleaners might help clear the blockage in the drain, but they do not always reach the cause of the blockage in the deeper sections of the drain.
Crest Plumbing offers professional drain pipe cleaning and repair services in Barnegat and the rest of Ocean County. The company employs special equipment and techniques to unclog obstructions and reopen the flow of water and to determine if there are any problems in the drainage system.
What Causes a Shower Drain to Become Clogged?
Shower drains are subjected to a steady stream of water and debris. The most typical issue is not frying grease, as is the case with a kitchen sink. However, shower drains are more likely to trap hair, soap scum, flakes of skin, dirt and mineral salts.
Hair is one of the prime causes of shower blockages. Smaller strands may slip through the drain cover and get stuck deeper in the pipe. This can cause soap scum and other residue to cling. Over the years, the area within the drain pipe becomes narrower and water is not allowed to flow as easily.
The accumulation can also be caused by hard water. Minerals can settle within the plumbing components, creating it simpler for other debris to become trapped.
The other reason is that the drainage problem is further down the line, which can also cause a shower line to slow down. In those cases, the issue may still exist but have to do with clearing up debris in the drain opening that can be seen.
Signs You May Need Professional Shower Drain Cleaning
Not every slow shower drain requires an emergency plumbing visit. However, homeowners should pay attention when the same drainage problem keeps returning.
Some common signs include:
- Water drains slowly during or after a shower.
- Standing water collects around the shower drain.
- The drain makes bubbling or gurgling sounds.
- Unpleasant odors are coming from the drain.
- The shower drain repeatedly becomes clogged.
- A plunger only provides temporary improvement.
- Several bathroom drains begin draining slowly.
- Water backs up into the shower when another plumbing fixture is used.
A single slow drain may point to a localized blockage. If multiple fixtures are backing up at the same time, however, the problem could be farther down the drainage system.
Crest Plumbing recommends professional drain cleaning when drains are slow or clogged, with specialized equipment used to clear blockages and debris and restore proper flow.
Why Is Professional Cleaning Shower Drain Pipe Different?
The basic (DIY) method generally targets the opening in the drain. Compared to a professional drain cleaning, this is not the same as the case because the plumber will be able to assess the situation and select a suitable cleaning method.
If the shower is just clogged, the problem could be in the showerhead or the faucet located near the showerhead. In other instances, it may be located further down the pipe or associated with a bigger drainage issue.
Crest Plumbing has equipment such as electric snakes, camera systems and hydro jetting equipment to address a variety of plumbing and sewer issues. The company’s service information says video camera inspections can pinpoint clogs, leaks and structural issues within pipes.
This is important because of the possibility that if a drain is cleaned without knowledge of the condition of the pipe, an underlying issue might not be resolved.
How a Professional Shower Drain Cleaning Service Works
The exact process depends on the condition of the drain, the location of the blockage, and the type of plumbing system involved. A professional service generally begins by evaluating the symptoms and inspecting the affected drain.
1. Assessing the Drainage Problem
The plumber first determines how the shower is draining and whether other fixtures are affected.
If only one shower is slow, the problem may be limited to that branch drain. If several fixtures are experiencing drainage problems, further investigation may be necessary.
This initial assessment helps determine what type of equipment should be used.
2. Locating the Blockage
A plumber may use specialized equipment to determine where the obstruction is located. Crest Plumbing uses video camera inspection technology to inspect pipes internally and identify clogs, leaks, and structural problems.
Camera inspection can be particularly useful when a drain repeatedly becomes clogged. Instead of simply clearing the same blockage over and over, the plumber can look for a reason the problem keeps returning.
3. Clearing the Drain
Depending on the situation, professional drain cleaning equipment may be used to remove the blockage.
Mechanical drain-cleaning equipment can break through stubborn obstructions. For larger or more difficult drain and sewer problems, hydro jetting may be considered when appropriate.
Crest Plumbing describes its hydro jetting service as a method for removing buildup such as grease, sludge, mineral deposits, and other obstructions from sewer and drain lines. The company also notes that the condition and material of the pipe should be evaluated before using high-pressure cleaning methods.
The goal is not simply to make the water move again. The goal is to properly address the blockage while using a cleaning method appropriate for the plumbing system.
4. Checking the Drainage Flow
After cleaning, the drain should be checked to make sure water is moving properly.
If the shower continues to drain slowly, there may be another obstruction, damaged piping, or a larger drainage issue that needs to be investigated.
Can You Clean a Shower Drain Yourself?
Homeowners can handle some basic shower drain maintenance themselves. Removing visible hair from a drain cover and keeping the drain opening clean can help reduce everyday buildup.
A plunger may also help with some minor clogs.
The problem is that DIY methods have limitations. If the blockage is deeper inside the drain pipe, repeatedly pushing at the clog may not remove the material causing it. Chemical drain cleaners can also be a poor choice for recurring plumbing problems, particularly when the cause of the blockage is unknown.
If the same shower drain keeps becoming clogged after basic cleaning, professional inspection is usually a better approach.
A plumber can determine whether the problem is simply accumulated debris or whether something more significant is affecting the drainage line.
When a Shower Drain Problem May Be More Serious
A shower drain does not always become slow because of hair and soap buildup.
Recurring drainage problems can sometimes indicate an issue farther down the plumbing system. Damaged pipes, significant buildup, sewer line problems, or other obstructions can affect how water leaves the home.
Pay particular attention if you notice multiple drains backing up, sewage odors, wastewater entering the shower, or other fixtures draining poorly at the same time.
Crest Plumbing’s drain cleaning information notes that multiple drains backing up, sewage entering tubs or showers, overflowing toilets, water damage, and strong sewer odors can indicate a more serious blockage and may require immediate professional attention.
If wastewater is backing up into a shower, it should not be treated as a normal slow-drain problem. Contacting a professional plumber can help determine whether the issue is isolated to the shower or connected to the main drainage system.
Professional Drain Cleaning for Ocean County Homeowners
Ocean County homeowners deal with a wide range of residential plumbing issues, from everyday drain clogs to larger sewer and drainage problems. Having access to a local plumbing company that understands the area’s homes and service needs can make it easier to address these problems before they become more disruptive.
Crest Plumbing is based in Barnegat, NJ, and provides residential plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer services, drain pipe repair, and drain pipe installation and replacement throughout Ocean County. Its listed service area includes Barnegat, Waretown, Manahawkin, Stafford Township, Beach Haven, Toms River, Long Beach Island, Forked River, Little Egg Harbor, Ship Bottom, and Surf City.
The company also offers 24/7 plumbing service for homeowners dealing with urgent plumbing problems.
For a homeowner with a shower drain that is becoming slower every week, getting the problem checked early can be more practical than waiting until the drain stops completely.
How to Help Prevent Future Shower Drain Clogs
Professional cleaning addresses existing buildup, but homeowners can also take several simple steps to reduce the chance of another blockage.
Use a Shower Drain Hair Catcher
A properly fitted drain cover or hair catcher can help prevent large amounts of hair from entering the drain pipe.
Clean the Drain Cover Regularly
Do not wait until the shower stops draining. Remove accumulated hair and debris from the drain cover regularly.
Pay Attention to Slow Drainage
A slow shower drain is often easier to address than a completely blocked drain. If water begins taking noticeably longer to disappear, consider having the drain inspected and cleaned.
Avoid Repeated Chemical Treatments
If chemical drain cleaners are being used repeatedly without solving the underlying problem, it is time to consider professional drain cleaning. Repeated treatment does not necessarily remove deeper buildup or address damaged piping.
Consider Preventive Drain Maintenance
Crest Plumbing offers preventive maintenance cleaning designed to keep drains and pipes clear of buildup before blockages occur. Regular maintenance can reduce the likelihood of sudden backups and help identify developing plumbing issues earlier.
Why Ocean County Homeowners Should Not Ignore a Slow Shower Drain
It may appear that a slow shower drain is an inconvenience that won’t actually matter one day, but the water never makes it to the water heater. If the issue persists for weeks or re-appears after home removal services, then there’s a reason that the drain is not operating as it should.
The longer accumulation stays in the pipe, the tougher it could be to get rid of blockage. If the clog keeps reappearing, there’s a chance that it is a deeper problem in the drainage system.
Cleaning shower drains by professionals helps the homeowner know how to solve the issue with the help of the proper tools as well as if there are any other issues with the shower.
Crest Plumbing offers home drainage cleaning services, sewer & drain services, pipe repair services, and 24 Hour emergency plumbing services to residents in Barnegat and other Ocean County areas. Depending on the needs of the plumbing system, the company will use a few special tools such as electric snakes, camera inspection systems and hydro jetting equipment.
Choose Professional Shower Drain Pipe Cleaning in Ocean County, NJ
Don’t just think that the issue will go away because your shower is filling up slowly, intermittently, or smells bad. The blockage can be relatively shallow, but can also be much further down the drain pipe.
Professional shower drain pipe cleaning can clear up stubborn blockage, ensure the proper functioning of your shower, and can help diagnose potential problems that may not be apparent.
Crest Plumbing is located in Barnegat, NJ and services the homeowners of Ocean County. Its residential plumbing and sewer and drain crews are available 24/7 to help with routine drain cleaning or if you are in need of more urgent help.
When a homeowner has a slow or clogged shower drain, it can help keep the plumbing system functioning properly if the problem is addressed early as well as prevent a later more disruptive plumbing issue.
