3 Tips for Troubleshooting a Slow Shower Drain

A slow shower drain can be caused by clogs that occur in daily use. Hair, dirt and grime get trapped in the drain, and if care is not taken to remove these residues from the shower drain, over time the build up will result in a slow and backed up shower drain. This build up can result in an expensive repair or replacement that could be avoided if dealt with sooner.

When you discover a problem with your shower drain, it is best to immediately address it in order to prevent it from becoming a bigger problem. A slow drain can lead to back ups and pooling of water that presents a dangerous and unsanitary condition for everyone in the household. Here are 3 tips for addressing a slow shower drain and preventing it from becoming a problem in your home:

Purchase a Shower Drain Cover

The first way to deal with your slow shower drain is to watch how water moves down the drain. It is possible that the existing shower drain cover that you have is not adequate and needs to be replaced. Purchase a shower drain cover with holes that are small enough to filter hair and other waste from getting into the shower drain but large enough to allow water to pass through. The shower drain cover should be designed to fit snugly over the shower drain and not come loose or be disturbed while the shower is in use.

When you purchase a shower drain cover, you should take the measurements of the shower drain opening. This will allow you to determine how wide the shower drain is in order to purchase the correct size shower drain cover.

Check the Level of Your Shower Floor

If the water pools constantly around the shower drain, chances are that the shower drain is not set at a plane that permits water to flow correctly into the drain. Take a level and run it across the plane of the shower floor. You should notice elevation changes to indicate that the shower bed is graded with a downward slope. If it is not, you will need to contact a contractor to take up the shower floor and reset it in order to create the appropriate drainage plane for your shower.

Discolored Water Around the Shower Drain

If you notice that the color of water around the shower drain is a dirty brown or sludge like color, chances are that the shower drain is backed up or has some type of contamination inside it. This will need to be removed by hand in order to get the drain to begin functioning correctly again. If you are removing dirt, debris or particles from the shower drain with your hands, be sure to wear rubber gloves so that you do not get any of the grime on your hands.

Your vigilance in this area will help you keep your shower drain working properly.