Common Reasons Why Your Shower and Bath Are Draining Slowly
Dealing with shower and bath drains that aren’t working properly can be frustrating and become a major inconvenience. Slow drains can often happen due to several reasons, whether it’s clogged, the buildup of debris, or even damage to the pipes. Learning about the common reasons for these problems can help you determine the easiest way to fix slow drains in your shower and bath.
Here is an overview of the most common reasons why your shower and bath are draining slowly.
Buildup of Soap Scum and Hair
One of the most common causes of slow shower and bath drains is soap scum and the buildup of hair. For example, soap and hair can eventually accumulate in the pipes and create a clog that prevents water from flowing freely. Over time, this buildup can become a major problem if you don’t fix it in a timely manner. Reaching out to a plumber is one of the best options for freeing up these clogs to ensure your drains continue to work normally without any issues.
Pipe Damage
Another reason why your drains are working slowly is due to pipe damage. The pipes can be damaged due to normal wear and tear, corrosion, or even tree roots growing into them. If you suspect that your pipes are damaged, it’s a good idea to call a local plumber right away to inspect these damages. These professionals can quickly check out your pipes to determine if they need to be repaired or if you should consider a replacement.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can also cause slow drains in your shower and bath. If the water pressure in your bathroom is low, it can make it difficult for the water to flow through the pipes, causing it to drain slowly. To fix this issue, you’ll need to check the water pressure in your home and see if it’s within the recommended range. If it’s not, you may need to contact your local water supplier or a plumber to determine the reason behind the low water pressure.
Blockages in the Vent Stack
The vent stack is a pipe that runs from the top of your bathroom to the roof, allowing air to enter the pipes and help move water through them. If the vent stack eventually becomes blocked, it can cause slow drains in your shower and bath. Blockages can occur due to debris, bird nests, or other objects getting stuck in the pipe. You’ll need to call a plumber to clear the blockage and ensure that the vent stack is functioning properly.
Old or Damaged Drain Covers
The drain covers in your shower and bath can also become old or damaged, causing water to flow slowly. Drain covers can become clogged with debris, preventing water from flowing through them. They can also become loose or misaligned, preventing them from sealing properly. It’s a good idea to check the drain covers in your shower and bath and make sure they’re clean, tight, and properly aligned.
Improper Drainage Design
Slow drains in your shower and bath can also be caused by improper drainage design. If the design of your bathroom does not allow for proper drainage, water can accumulate and cause slow drains. Improper drainage can happen due to a variety of factors, including the slope of the floor, the size of the pipes, and the location of the drains. It’s important to have a plumber or a drainage expert inspect your bathroom and determine if any major changes need to be made to the drainage design.
Why Should You Reach Out to a Plumber for Drainage Issues?
If your shower and bath drains are working slowly, it’s important to address the issue as soon as you can to prevent further damage and inconvenience. While some minor clogs can be cleared with a plunger or a store-bought chemical drain cleaner, it’s always best to call in a professional plumber if you suspect that there may be a more serious issue at hand.
Here are a few of the main reasons why you should use a plumber if your shower and bath drains are working slowly.
Professional Expertise
Dealing with drainage issues on your own can feel challenging, which is why it’s always recommended to use a plumber. Plumbers have the tools and expertise to properly diagnose the problem with your shower and bath drains. They can use specialized equipment such as cameras to inspect the inside of your pipes and determine the cause of the slow drains. They can also identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to the problem, such as damage to the pipes or blockages in the vent stack.
Safely Remove All Types of Clogs
Plumbers understand how to effectively remove all types of clogs from your shower and bath drains. For example, plumbers can use specialized equipment to improve the flow of your drain, such as plumber’s snakes and hydro jetters to break up and remove stubborn clogs. A plumber can even use specialized chemicals to dissolve buildup in your drains and clear away any remaining debris to take care of this problem.
Repair or Replace Damaged Pipes
If your shower and bath drains are working slowly due to damaged pipes, a plumber can either repair or replace them. An experienced plumber has the tools and expertise to properly diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs or replacements. A plumber can also perform preventative maintenance to ensure that your pipes are in good working condition and to prevent any future issues.
Saves Time and Reduces Stress
Trying to figure out how to best fix a slow-draining shower or bath can be time-consuming. It’s also easy to make a few mistakes that can damage your pipes if you aren’t careful. The safest option is to always contact a local plumber to take care of any drainage issues. Hiring a professional is much less stressful, and you will know the job will be done right.
Offer Advice On How to Prevent Future Clogs
A plumber can also provide advice on how to prevent future clogs in your shower and bath drains. They can recommend ways to reduce the amount of hair and soap scum that can eventually accumulate in the pipes, such as using drain covers or installing a water softener. A plumber can also provide tips on how often to have your pipes cleaned and inspected to ensure they remain in excellent working condition for many years.
We Care Plumbing Heating & Air can easily improve the flow of your shower and bath drains. Our team also provides plumbing, heating, and cooling services for customers throughout Southern California. We also have more than 20 years of experience in the industry, and we are always happy to answer all of your questions. Feel free to reach out to We Care Plumbing Heating & Air today to schedule a no-cost consultation!
