Shower Drain Problems That Require a Plumber

Shower Drain Problems That Require a Plumber

It’s a common scenario: You’re taking a shower, going through your routine, when you suddenly start to feel water pooling up at your feet. That dreaded lukewarm puddle at the bottom of the shower is likely the result of a clogged drain. Clogged drains are more than just a nuisance; they can be a dangerous plumbing problem when left untreated. Sometimes they’re caused by typical hair and soap build-up, but other times they’re a symptom of a larger plumbing problem. Here are 5 shower drain and pipe issues that require a professional plumber:

1. Slow Draining

Maybe the water is going down the shower drain, but it’s taking its sweet time to do so. It can be easy to ignore this one. However, slow draining is a warning sign that something is awry in your drainage pipes. It could point to the start of a clog, pipe narrowing due to mineral buildup, or even poor grading of your drainage system. Because it can be difficult to solve some of these issues on your own, it’s best to have a plumber come out and evaluate the problem.

2. Recurring Clogs

Unclogging your tub can sometimes be a simple task. However, If you find yourself busting out the plunger and drain snake on the regular, you have a recurring clog on your hands. Recurring clogs are common in shower drains because of all the hair and soap scum they endure every day. Tub and shower drains also aren’t strangers to rouge bandaids, child toys, and hair elastics. If you’re experiencing repeat clogs, it’s because you never fully succeeded at eliminating the first one. Plumbers use professional tools to break up stubborn or deep clogs to fix the problem at its root.

3. Foul Smell

Drain odors are never a good sign. If your shower constantly smells like a sewer, you’re likely exposing yourself to harmful toxins. The most likely cause is pollutant build-up in the tub or shower drain. When this is the cause, a thorough drain cleaning should do the trick. But a stinky drain is also a sign of broken sewer pipes and drainage problems. You’ll need to call in the professionals to diagnose and correct the source of your foul smelling shower.

4. Multiple Bathroom Clogs

When multiple drains are clogged at the same time, this is almost always a symptom of a main drain system issue. When your sink, toilet, and shower all get backed up at once, there isn’t a single DIY remedy that will solve this — so put that plunger down and call in the experts. Only a licensed plumber will be able to get to the bottom of it.

5. Standing Water

Flooding is one of the worst problems you can encounter with your shower drain. Severe or untreated clogs can ultimately lead to sewage backup. When you allow shower drain issues to progress, you’ll end up with a broken drain, contaminated water all over the floor, and expensive water damage. This is why it’s important to hire a plumber at the first sign of a shower drain issue.

Call Stephens Plumbing for Your Shower Drain Problem

When your shower drain issue can’t be solved with a common plunger or drain snake, it’s time to give Stephens Plumbing a call. Ignoring your drain clog or resorting to harmful drain cleaning chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to worse problems. You can trust the professionals at Stephens Plumbing to get to the bottom of it. Our licensed plumbers have the training and tools to eliminate your shower drain issue for good.