If you spend your precious time every day cleaning that clogged shower drain, it is time to do something about it. There are plenty of things that you don’t know are causing blockages, and this will continue if you don’t do anything about it.

Clogging in the bathroom is among the most common issues homeowners experience after mould, and is one of the most disgusting issues as well. In this article, you’ll know everything about those five surprising items causing the shower drain to block every other day. 

We’ve even listed solutions so you can quickly act and get rid of the blockages.

1. Soap Scum Can Cause Stubborn Blockages 

Soap and shampoos are included in everyone’s bathing regimen and are a reason for frequent blockages. Natural soaps are highly responsible for blockages because of their sticky nature. The soap scum contains fat and when it enters the drain, it forms a big chunk after combining with other items.

The scum builds up inside the pipes and can lead to stubborn blockages that are hard to clean. Sometimes the blockages caused due to soap can even lead to backflow.

Solution: 

You cannot ditch using the soap, so the easiest solution to prevent blockages is to clean the drain more frequently. Or you should hire a reliable bathroom drain plumber in Sydney to get the drains cleaned every month.

2. Bath Salts are Also Responsible  

The whole point of bath salt and the bath bomb is that it dissolves in water, but there is still some residue left that can lead to blockages. If you frequently use bath bombs, you must have seen lumps floating on the water.

If not cleaned, these lumps accumulate inside the drains, and over time form a big chunk, enough big to cause blockage. 

Solution: 

The only solution to avoid blockages caused due to bath salts or bath bombs is to use a good-quality product. Ensure that the salts dissolve properly and there are no lumps floating around. Inspect the water before you unplug the drain plug.

3. Cotton Buds Can Also Block the Shower Drains 

People use cotton for plenty of purposes such as for cleansing or applying several products to their face and body. These cotton buds may seem harmless but can wreak havoc if the drain is not cleaned. 

Some homeowners have a habit of throwing cotton buds around the bathroom, and these buds get inside the shower drains, causing the bathroom plumbing to get blocked. Always throw the buds into a bin or trash them to keep the drains functioning properly. 

Solution 

It is suggested not to use cotton buds while bathing or in the showering area. If you want to use these buds, you should put them into the dustbin. Also, getting the drains cleaned regularly is essential to avoid blockages caused due to cotton buds.

4. Tree and Plant Roots 

Tree and plant roots are not visible on the outside, but deep inside they can block the bathroom drains, which can even result in relining the pipelines. Tree roots grow inside the plumbing and drainage of your bathroom, and these roots can obstruct the flow of water.

Moreover, these roots stop lumps of soap and bath salts, which is another cause of frequent blockages in your bathroom. 

Solution: 

The growth of trees and plants is a result of leakage from the drain pipes. The water that seeps into the soil under the foundations lets the roots thrive and they can even enter inside the drain pipes causing blockages.

Only a licensed plumber can help you get rid of tree roots by treating them. Also, in some cases, pipe relining is required if the bathroom plumbing is untreatable and unfixable.

5. Pet and Human Hair 

You might have seen clumps of hair accumulated on the drain cover, and it happens every day. Some people that bathe their pets inside the bathroom, face this problem more often. However, hair does not just stay over the drain plate, and may also enter inside the drain resulting in blocking. 

Solution 

Losing hair is common and will happen every day. You should clean the clumps of hair after every bath to ensure the drains function properly. If you are experiencing blockage issues frequently, you should hire a certified plumber to see what’s wrong. 

A Few Tips to Take Care of Your Shower Drains 

Now that you know about the most common causes for your shower drains to block, it is time to know some tips to prevent frequent blockages. 

Keep the Drains Clean 

Keeping the drains clean is indispensable and you should clean them more frequently. There are plenty of products you can put inside the drains. These include baking soda, which is a natural product to fix blockages. 

Also, there are some chemical-containing products that you can use for serious blockages. 

Hire a Plumber for Regular Maintenance 

There is nothing second to hiring a reliable plumber for maintaining the drains. Also, drain maintenance is one of the most important plumbing services you must opt for by professionals. 

If you encounter a serious shower drain issue, you should call a plumbing agency to get the drainage system fixed. 

Don’t Use Chemical Cleaners 

Some homeowners have a habit of pouring chemical-containing products frequently into the drains thinking that it will help keep the drains flowing. However, regular usage of such products can result in downgrading the lifespan of the drain pipes.

Final Thoughts 

That’s everything you should know about bathroom drains and why they get blocked. Also, you know the solutions that can help keep the drains flowing smoothly. Always have a reliable plumber by your side so that you can call them in event of any emergency. 

At Sydney Plumbers, we are a team of trusted plumbers that can fix any type of drain-related issue. From fixing the blocked drain to relining the pipelines, we can do everything at affordable rates.

Click on the Contact Us button, and you can hire our expert plumbers today.