DIY fixes are what bring quick solutions to the oft-occurring problems of using household appliances or the damages accrued from using them. We often come across some alternatives to the standard way of fixing faulty hardware using the services of professionals since they might not always be accessible due to location or the sensitivity of the time the damage happened.
One of the popular problems we encounter in our homes is the clogging of our bathroom drains. Many times, we try to avoid bringing dirt to our bathrooms through constant cleaning or wearing slippers that can easily carry them underneath. But at the end of the day, we always find some hard dirt, depositing at our shower drain. Unclogging shower drains can be done in many ways. So, can you use a plunger on a shower drain?
Yes, you can clear your shower drain with plungers as a quick alternative to seeking professional help for bathroom problems. It is a fast way to fix bathroom clogs and plungers are always around the house so you don’t have to look hard for what to use. Unclogging a shower drain with plungers should be done with some things in mind, read on to find out.
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What Causes Clogs In Shower Drains?
A clog in your shower drain can be caused by several things:
There are many different causes of clogs in your shower drain. Hair and other debris can get caught in the drain, creating a blockage. Hair is especially problematic for this because it can get tangled up with soap scum and other substances that build up on your shower walls over time. The result is an unsightly mess that has to be cleaned out regularly.
Another reason for clogs in your shower drain is when people use too much hair conditioner or other products that contain oils or waxes that coat the surface of the pipes and make it more difficult for water to pass through them freely. These products also build up inside of pipes over time, which makes it harder for them to carry their full load without overflowing or leaking at some point during operation.
Another common cause of clogs is soap scum, which builds up on the inside walls of your shower drain pipe over time. This buildup can also lead to clogs if it’s not removed regularly by brushing or flushing out with water.
And then there’s rust buildup, which occurs when water sits within your drain pipe for too long without being flushed out regularly by running water through it. Rust causes corrosion that blocks water flow through your drains and can quickly turn into a big problem if left untreated.
Food particles such as pasta noodles, rice, or other foods that are not easily broken down by water can also sometimes get stuck in your shower drain and cause it to clog up. You should try pouring hot water down the drain once food has been flushed down it if this happens often.
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What Is A Plunger?
A plunger is a tool used to clear blockages in sinks and toilets that have been caused by things like wet wipes and toilet paper. The idea is that you put the plunger over the drain, plunge it up and down, then pull out any debris that has been dislodged from the drain. Plunging your shower drain is an effective way to clear a clog, but it’s not always the best solution.
The plunger works by pushing water down the drain and creating suction on the other end of the pipe. This pressure will pull any gunk out of the drain, including hair and soap scum. However, if there’s something lodged in your shower drain that isn’t water-soluble like an errant shampoo bottle or chunk of hair, it won’t work.
Even if you have a clog that is water-soluble, like hair, it may take multiple tries with a plunger before you can get everything out.
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Can You Use A Plunger On A Shower Drain?
Yes, you can use a plunger on a shower drain, but there are some things you need to consider before you do so. Firstly, if you have a shower with a modern trap (the U-shaped pipe) then using a plunger could potentially damage the trap and cause water leaks. Secondly, if there is any chance of live electricity in your house (such as an electric shower) then using a plunger could be dangerous.
Nevertheless, plunging your shower drain is an effective way to clear a clog, but it’s not always the best solution. It’s very important to know where your drain is located as well as all of the pipes that lead to it, as this will give you a better idea about what type of blockage you’re dealing with.
If you have a shower drain that is blocked, then there are several ways that you can unclog it. One option would be to use a plunger. If this doesn’t work, then you could try using chemical products or even hiring a professional plumber.
Reasons Why You Can Use a Plunger To Clear blockages In Shower Drains
If you have tried to use a plunger and it has failed to clear your shower drain, then you may be wondering if you can use one on a shower drain at all. The answer is yes. If you have tried using other methods of clearing your shower drain and they have failed as well then it is time to give the plunger another try. Here are some reasons why you can use a plunger on a shower drain:
1. They are Convenient And Easy To Use
Plungers come in different shapes and sizes but they are all pretty easy to use. All you need is water pressure so that when you plunge down on the handle of the plunger, it creates enough pressure to push water through your pipes and clear them out. This makes them very convenient because they don’t require any special tools or supplies.
2. They don’t require any chemical
If you have an older home with galvanized steel pipes, this method will work because plungers don’t require any chemicals or other tools that could potentially damage your pipes.
3. It works on slow drains
It works well for slow drains and clogs caused by hair or soap scum buildup in the pipes.
4. They are easy to clean
Plungers are easy to clean because they’re made from rubber materials which means they can easily be washed and drained.
5. They can be handled by anyone
They can be used by anyone, regardless of their skill level or experience with plumbing.
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How To Remove Clogs From Shower Drains Using Plungers
To use a plunger on your shower drain, first, make sure that the water has been turned off at the main shutoff valve. Then, remove the cover plate and check for any obstructions in the pipe. If there is none, you can proceed with using your plunger.
Then, place the rubber cap over the opening in the bottom of your drain and cover as much surface area as possible with it without blocking off the opening completely. If necessary, stick your hand down into the drain to push against whatever is causing the blockage (such as wet hair).
Push down firmly on top of the rubber cup with both hands until you feel resistance or hear a popping sound. Remove your hands immediately afterward.
Alternatively, you can follow these simple steps:
1) Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from chemicals and bacteria found in dirty water and standing water.
2) Cover the drain with something like a wet towel so water doesn’t splash out of it when you plunge.
3) Place the plunger over the drain opening and push down firmly several times to create suction on top of the clog. Don’t lift up until all air bubbles are gone from under the plunger because this will break the suction and allow air into the pipe behind the clog, which could damage pipes.
When Should You Not Use a Plunger?
If your drain is clogged with hair and other debris, then you should use a plunger. However, if the clog is caused by a foreign object like toothpicks or paper clips, then you should not use a plunger. These kinds of objects could lodge in the drainpipe and cause more problems when removed by hand. Instead, try using an auger to remove them.
Also, you don’t want to use a plunger on your shower drain if it has already been coated with grease or other non-water-soluble materials. Using a plunger on such a drain will do nothing but push the debris further down into the pipes and eventually clog them completely.
So, what should you do instead? If you have an older house with copper piping, have all of your drains professionally cleaned at least once every year or more often if they tend to get clogged easily. This will prevent any buildup from occurring in the first place.
Can Plunging Burst Pipes?
Yes and no. You’ve probably heard that plunging a clogged drain can burst it. Plunging can definitely burst pipes, but it usually takes some pretty extreme circumstances for this to happen. When plunging doesn’t work, it’s not always because of an obstruction in the drain line. Sometimes, it’s because there’s too much water pressure pushing against the plunger and preventing it from creating an effective seal on the drain line.
If there’s too much pressure in the line, then your only option is to call a professional plumber to come out and fix the problem.
Conclusion – Can You Use A Plunger On A Shower Drain?
Yes, plungers are good alternatives to professional services for blockages in shower drains. But you probably shouldn’t always rely on them. While it may clear the blockage temporarily, it won’t solve the problem permanently, and will likely cause damage to your plumbing in the process. In other words, only use your plungers for minor clogging.
