After a long, exhausting day at work, one of the first things you probably crave is relaxation.
And what better way to achieve that than to indulge in a blissful, stress-reducing hot or cold shower? It’s a fantastic ritual that not only cleanses you but may also help you sleep better.
Unfortunately, that routine can become stressful if the shower drains slowly in your Syracuse, NY, home. After all, it could result in your feet getting submerged in dirty water. This defeats the purpose of showering, which is to remove oil, dirt, sweat, and bacteria from the skin.
The good news is that a slow shower drain doesn’t automatically mean you need to call the pros.
Read on to learn the DIY strategies that can help speed up a slow shower drain and more on when to call experts to solve your slow drain.
Clear the Drain Cover
The visible part of a shower drain is the cover or grid (the metal grate with holes). These typically come with drain strainers that help prevent large particles from entering the drain pipe.
Over time, though, dirt, debris, hair, and soap particles can build up in these components. When this happens, it can result in water not draining fast enough in your shower. Fortunately, this issue is easy to fix with a simple cleaning.
Before you begin, wear a face mask, eye protection, and gloves. This can help shield you from direct exposure to germ-filled liquids and particles.
Once you’re all geared up, remove as much debris as possible from the metal cover with paper towels. Then detach the grate (depending on the type, you may be able to do so using your gloved hand or a screwdriver). Doing this gives you access to the strainer, which you should also clean.
After that, test your work. Hopefully, water should now drain faster.
Try Some Hot Water
A kettle or two of hot water can help clear and flush drains. However, be careful when pouring this down the drain, as the water can splash back and burn or scald you.
After the first try, wait at least five minutes before pouring the second kettle. Then, wait for another five minutes before testing the drain.
Clean and Deodorize With Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a base and vinegar is mostly water combined with acetic acid. When mixed, these two react, creating bubbles or fizz that may help dislodge minor drain clogs.
Baking soda also helps eliminate grease, while vinegar can break down minerals. These make them great for cleaning and deodorizing drains. They may also work on minor clogs.
To use this power duo, prepare half a cup of baking soda and one cup of white vinegar. You can also use a funnel to pour the baking soda into the drain first. Then, put the vinegar in and wait about five minutes or until the fizz dies down.
Next, rinse the drain with hot water and wait another five minutes. Run the shower tap to see if the drain now works better.
Plunge Away
If the above tactics don’t help much, you may already be dealing with a clogged shower drain pipe. In this case, it’s time to get a plunger (if you don’t have one yet).
Plungers help unclog minor blockages in toilets, sinks, and shower drains all over the house, and it’s best you use a separate one for your shower and floor drains to help keep things hygienic.
While wearing protective gear, position the plunger’s cup above the drain. There should be enough water covering the cup, as this helps create a better seal.
You’ll know you have a good seal if the plunger stays in place even when you push its handle.
Now, give the plunger about 15 thrusts, then slowly remove it. If you were successful in plunging the clog away, the water should now drain faster. If not, repeat the steps one more time.
Time to Call a Slow Drain Pro
If none of the above DIY strategies help, it’s time to call a professional for help. This is even more crucial if you can’t remember the last time you had your drains inspected and cleaned.
Likewise, it’s time to call a professional for your slow draining shower if:
- You’re dealing with multiple slow drains or toilets
- Wastewater backs up your drains or toilets
- Your home smells musty or moldy regardless of how often you clean
- You have water or mold damage
Those are signs of sewer-related problems and water leaks, especially in basements. If not addressed promptly by a professional, they can cause further property damage. Worse, they can give rise to health and safety risks.
How Pros Fix Slow Drains
So, what can you expect from professional drain cleaning services in Syracuse, NY, then?
First, the experts will listen to your problems. So, when you call them up, give them as many details as possible. This will help provide them with an idea of what may be behind your slow drains.
Once the pros visit your home, they’ll evaluate your drain woes to determine their root cause. For example, they’ll check if you have a clogged main sewer line. This is often the culprit behind multiple slow drains.
The pros will then discuss the most appropriate solutions to your problems. For instance, they may suggest hydro-jetting or drain sewer snaking services. You can also rest assured they’ll clean up the mess afterward.
Try These Fixes if Your Shower Drains Slowly
It’s more than annoying and inconvenient if your shower drains slowly; it can also be a health risk. That should be enough reason never to delay addressing such problems.
At Syracuse Drains, our insured, experienced, and trustworthy technicians strive to fix all our customers’ drain issues. You can also count on us for emergency services, whether you need help with sewage cleanup or a burst pipe.
So, contact us at Syracuse Drains! We’ll happily address all your drain-related needs.