Many of us find that our mornings can be very hectic. While we are rushing around trying to get ready, the last thing we want to deal with is a clogged shower. Fortunately, you can eliminate this stress and frustration with a few preventative tips and tricks.
Install a Hair Catcher:
One of the biggest culprits of
shower clogs is hair. While you may not notice thin strands of hair being washed down the drain, they can clump together to form a very stubborn blockage. Even if you are very diligent about setting any stray hairs aside when you wash your hair, you are not likely to prevent every single strand from being washed away. A hair catcher or trap can provide you with the assurance that hair is not escaping down the drain to cause problems in the future. This type of device simply sits on the drain to catch any hair or other debris before it can be washed down the drain. Most hair catchers are easy to clean, you can simply lift it out of place and empty any debris into the garbage.
Flush the Drains:
Another preventative measure against clogs is to flush your drains. This will require a little help as you will need several people to flush all the drains simultaneously. This will allow a large cascade of water to move any debris in the line. All you need to do is close off all your sink, shower and bathtub drains and fill each with warm water. Have someone standing near to every drain, so that you can coordinate opening all the drains and flushing all the toilets at the same moment.
Have a Plunger Handy:
With the vast array of chemical products on the market, the humble plunger is often overlooked. This is a mistake as every homeowner should keep a plunger handy. Chemical products may appear convenient, but they are often very harsh and can cause damage to your pipes. If the product is strong enough to dissolve a clog, the chances are that it could be causing significant damage to your pipes. Additionally, if you later need to call in a plumber, there is a risk of injury from chemicals remaining in the pipe. A more eco friendly and user friendly option is to use your plunger. If you notice that your water is starting to drain a little slower, place the plunger over the affected drain and plunge several times.
Call in a Plumber:
You don’t need to wait until your drains are completely clogged before calling in a plumber. Experienced plumbers have the skills, tools, and knowledge to ensure that your drains are clog free. Your plumber may use a plumber’s snake to break up any obstacles inside the pipe, scraping any accumulation of mineral deposits lining the walls of the pipes. If the underlying cause of the issue is not immediately apparent, the plumber may perform a video inspection, sending down a small camera to locate any potential problems. Remember that it is far easier to correct a smaller issue before it develops into a major problem.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solutions.
