The beauty of showering is that you’re not marinating in dirty water—you’re able to quickly rinse off and step out clean. When your shower starts draining slowly, however, you might find yourself standing in water up to your ankles. Not only is it not a pleasant feeling, but it also defeats the purpose of taking a shower in the first place.
Slow-draining showers in Modesto, CA can be caused by several different issues. Here’s what to look for and how to solve the problem—even if it means calling a plumber for assistance:
- The pipes are partially clogged: Clogged pipes are often the culprit when your shower is slow to drain. Hair and other detritus can go down the drain, making it difficult for water to escape the tub or bottom of your shower. If the drain is completely clogged, water won’t drain at all, but if it’s a partial clog, you have a few options. Pouring boiling water or equal parts baking soda and vinegar can sometimes loosen up clogs that are forming. Avoid commercial drain cleaners—they contain harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes and cause leaks.
- The vents are clogged: Plumbing systems in Modesto, CA have vents. The vents are designed to release the air pressure so the water can drain properly. When your vents get clogged, it makes it much harder for the air to escape while the water drains. If left unaddressed, a clogged vent can lead to more problems for your other appliances. This type of repair is best left to the professionals.
- The drain lever is broken: Finally, you might not have a clog at all—your drain lever might be broken. If the lever won’t stay down, then it won’t pull the plug up and allow water to escape your tub. This is a repair you can do yourself if you’re handy (there are plenty of guides online), but you may wish to have a plumber do it for you. It often requires only a simple part replacement. You can tell the difference between a broken drain lever and a clog by holding the lever down—if the shower drains while you’re actively holding it down, it’s not a clog.
Depending on the type of plumbing issue you have, your plumber will evaluate the drain and perform tests to identify the source of the problem. Clogs might be removed with drain snakes, for example, but if they’re farther down in your plumbing system in Modesto, CA, more extensive repairs may be needed.
To prevent problems with your shower drain, make sure to keep a wire mesh drain catcher in your shower. This will keep hair and other debris out of the pipes—you should only be rinsing soap and water down your shower drain.
When your shower is slow to drain, call the team at Alvarado Pumping Septic Service. We offer reliable plumbing assistance in addition to our septic pumping services, and can help get your shower back in working order.