In the world of bathroom renovations, the linear shower drain is a stylish and functional upgrade. But with great style comes the responsibility of maintenance.
Like any other drain, Linear shower drains, due to their design, can be susceptible to hair and debris accumulation. While these drains provide a streamlined appearance and efficient water flow, without proper care, they can become clogged.
So, Ever wondered, how to clean a shower drain? Especially, how do you keep that sleek linear drain free from hair and debris?
Here’s the Drill:
The number of people in your home, the length of their hair, and whether you’ve got a drain strainer will all play a part. For most folks, a monthly check is a good rule. But if your water’s draining slow or there’s a weird smell, act fast. More showers mean more cleaning. It’s simple math.
So, if “clean shower drain” is on your checklist, you’re in the right place. We’re diving deep, teaching you how to clean hair out of shower drain, especially the trendy linear shower drain seen in many modern U.S. homes. It’s not just home care—it’s about upgrading your shower experience.
Let’s get that water flowing smoothly again!
How Often Should I Clear Linear Shower Drain?
The frequency largely depends on a few factors:
Number of users: A household with more members will naturally have more hair and soap going down the drain.
Presence of a drain strainer: These handy tools can catch a significant amount of debris, but they too need cleaning.
For an optimal shower experience, consider cleaning the drain in your frequently-used showers monthly.
So, for a couple taking daily showers, monthly cleaning might suffice. But for larger households of 4-6 members, consider clearing your drain every two to three weeks. And, if your shower is less used, such as in a guest bathroom, a quarterly cleaning is sufficient.
This routine ensures not only a clear shower drain but also a longer lifespan for your plumbing.
Spotting the Telltale Signs
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s essential to recognize when your linear shower drain needs attention:
- Slow Drainage: The first sign. If water isn’t draining as swiftly as it should, it’s a hint that obstructions are forming.
- Unpleasant Odors: An unpleasant smell from your drain can be a clear indication that waste is building up and needs attention
Getting Started: What You Need
To clean shower drain efficiently, gather the following tools and materials:
- Gloves
- Baking soda
- Distilled white vinegar
- A soft brush/sponge or old toothbrush
- A drain snake manual or electric
- A bucket of warm water
- All-purpose cleaner or dish soap
Step-by-step Guide to Clear Shower Drain
Blocked drains don’t just happen. Certain habitual missteps and oversights contribute to the buildup. For instance, Soap combined with fallen hair creates a thick mesh that can clog drains. Also,, flushing excessive toilet paper or non-flushable items like diapers and sanitary napkins exacerbates the problem.
To best address these root causes, it’s essential to regularly clean the shower drain. This prevents clogs and ensures the drain remains clear. And remember, a clean drain isn’t just about water flow—it’s about hygiene too.
For minor blockages, calling professional help might seem overkill. So, here are some tried-and-true DIY methods you can use:
Step # 1: Visual Inspection:
Before diving into the drain cleaning process, inspect the linear shower drain cover. This will give you an idea of where to focus your cleaning.
If the cover appears grimy, gently remove the grate and siphon. Immerse it in a warm water and detergent solution while you address the drain.
Wear your gloves and collect the visible debris using a pair of tweezers or pinching out through fingers.
Step # 2: Employ the Drain Snake:
With the drain accessible, introduce the drain snake to dislodge stubborn blockages, especially those tricky hairballs. Whether you’re using a manual or electric version, gently push the snake into the drain until you encounter resistance. Rotate the tool, capture the obstruction, and carefully withdraw it. Remember, hasty removal might lead to dropping the clog back into the drain.
Step # 3: Natural Cleaning Solution:
In the quest of how to clean a shower drain, a mix of baking soda and vinegar is highly effective.
Start by pouring four cups of boiling water into the drain. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda into the drain. Follow it up with distilled white vinegar. The mixture will bubble, working its magic to break down any soap scum or minor blockages. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes.
Step # 4: Brush and Rinse the Drain:
Sometimes cleaning can be messy! If there’s any mess around the shower, clean it.
a. Use a soft brush or a sponge.
b. Gently scrub to remove any dirt or marks.
c. Wipe everything with a damp cloth.
After scrubbing, rinse the drain with bucket of hot water. Let it run for a few minutes. This helps get rid of leftover stuff.
Now Using an all-purpose cleaner or a touch of dish soap, clean the linear drain cover. Make sure to remove any soap scum or debris from the cover’s slits.
Step # 5: Reassemble the Clear Shower Drain:
Once everything’s clean and dry, put the drain cover back on. Secure it using the screws you set aside earlier.
Note that: Regular Maintenance is Key! Aim to clean your linear shower drain once a month to prevent significant build-ups.
Why Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Bad:
Sometimes, we use things that hurt more than help. One bad choice is strong chemical drain cleaners. They might work fast, but they can cause big problems later.
- They Can Harm Pipes: Chemical cleaners are made to break down blockages. But they can also damage pipes. If you use them too much, your pipes might start to leak. In the worst case, you might need to replace all your plumbing.
- Bad for Septic Tanks: Some homes have septic tanks. These tanks use special bacteria to get rid of waste. Chemical cleaners can kill these helpful bacteria. If that happens, the septic system won’t work right.
- Not Good for the Environment: We all want to protect the Earth. But chemical drain cleaners can hurt it. They can pollute water and harm fish. Also, the plastic bottles they come in add to trash problems.
- They Don’t Fix Everything: Even though they’re strong, chemical cleaners can’t solve all drain problems. They might help with small blockages but can’t handle big ones like tree roots or a lot of hair and soap.
So, it’s better to find safer ways to clean shower drains.
The Top 7 Benefits of Regularly Clearing Your Shower Drain
Let’s delve into why you need to clear your shower drain regularly, especially if you have a linear shower drain, a popular choice in modern U.S homes.
1. Cleaner Bathroom:
Keep the shower drain clean, and your bathroom won’t have yucky water. No bad water means no germs.
2. Good for Your House:
Your house has pipes like roads for water. If the shower drain is clean, the water roads stay good. If it’s blocked, the roads get bad and cost money to fix.
3. Less Sneezing:
A blocked shower drain can have dust and stuff that makes us sneeze. Clean it, and we breathe better.
4. Save Water:
When the drain is clean, water goes away fast. So, you use less water. That saves you money!
5. No Water Mess:
If the water can’t go down the drain, it can go on the floor. Cleaning stops this mess.
6. Better Showers:
A clean drain means the water goes away quickly, so you have a nice shower.
7. Save Money:
Cleaning a little now can stop big problems later. So, you spend less in the long run.
How To Clean Shower Drain – Final Thought!
Lots of new bathrooms have a special Linear shower drain for the water to go down. It looks really nice and works well. But, like everything, you need to clean it. If you clean it once a month, it’ll stay clear, and no bad surprises will pop up.
So, next time when you clear the linear shower, think about what you read here. It’ll make your cleaning process easy.
For more tips on bathroom renovations and maintenance, stay tuned to our blog. We’re here to ensure your renovations stand the test of time.
Are you renovating your bathroom? Choosing the right drainage can make a big difference. Reach out to our team for professional advice and top-notch renovation services.
