I'm dealing with a frustrating issue where my shower drains slowly. It's not completely clogged, but it fills up with water if I use it frequently. I've tried regular drain unclogging chemicals, but since the drain isn't fully blocked, they simply pass through. Are there any foam solutions or tools out there that can break down what's stuck in the pipes?
5 Answers
Chemical cleaners often don’t hold up with partial clogs. A drain snake is your best bet—it scrapes the sides of the pipes, breaking up any obstruction. Be sure to run cold water while you do it; it keeps everything hard and ready to flush down!
Before diving into major solutions, have you checked for hair clogs right at the drain? That’s often the culprit for slow showers. Tools like the Drain Weasel are great for snagging hair without needing a more intense cleaning method. They're cheap and reusable too!
A wire clothes hanger can also do the trick in a pinch!
Give this a try: Pour a large pot of nearly boiling water mixed with Dawn dish soap slowly down the drain. Let it sit for about an hour. Just be cautious with the temperature—it can damage sinks if it’s too hot!
True, I’ve cracked a sink before doing that. Definitely worth keeping the water temperature just below boiling.
If DIY isn't your thing, I really suggest you call in a professional. They can inspect the pipes and use proper equipment to avoid any costly mistakes down the line. Plus, they can see issues that might be hiding from view!
I get that, but wouldn’t trying some home remedies first make sense? There’s plenty of effective things to try before resorting to a plumber.
It really depends on how comfortable you are with plumbing. Sometimes it’s better to leave it to the pros!
You might want to try using a plumbing snake. For best results, I recommend having a trained plumber handle the powered versions since they can be tricky to operate. They really do a good job at clearing things out without causing damage.
Definitely, a 25-foot snake is a solid investment! If you're feeling ambitious, rental options for bigger snakes can provide a deeper clean. Pro tip: attach a USB borescope to look inside the pipes before you start. It's super handy and a fun tool for other DIY projects!
Using a water jet instead of a snake could be beneficial too. It’s more effective for breaking down fat and other buildup.
Exactly! Those little plastic hooks can pull out some hefty hair clumps. You wouldn’t believe what gets stuck down there!