Drain Clogged? Quick Ways To Get Rid of Standing Shower Water

Finding standing water in your shower drain can be annoying and concerning. That pool of water is a sign that your drain is clogged or partially blocked, preventing proper drainage. Left untreated, the problem will likely get worse over time as more hair, soap scum, and debris accumulates. Fortunately, with some simple DIY methods, you can unclog your shower drain and get rid of that bothersome standing water quickly.

With a bit of effort, you can have your shower drain flowing freely again.

Signs Your Shower Drain is Clogged

How can you tell if you have a clogged drain causing standing water in your shower?

Here are some of the most common signs:

• Water pooling on the shower floor after use, instead of draining properly
• Very slow drainage - water takes longer than usual to fully drain out
• Gurgling noises coming from the drain
• Higher than normal water levels left standing in the drain itself

If your shower seems to have constant leftover water, slower drainage, or makes sounds, it likely indicates a partial or complete clog. The sooner you can clear it, the better.

Causes of Clogged Shower Drains

Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand what causes shower drains to get clogged in the first place. Here are some of the most common culprits of shower drainage problems:

Buildup of Hair and Debris

As you shower, bits of hair and debris from your body and environment can easily wash down the drain. Over time, this material accumulates and gets tangled into a clog. Hair is a major contributor since it becomes interwoven and difficult to remove once present in the pipes.

Soap Scum Accumulation

The fats and chemicals in soap products can leave behind a sticky, grimy residue known as soap scum. As soap scum builds up on the walls of drain pipes, it captures other gunk, creating a hardened blockage.

Mold and Mildew Growth

Standing water promotes mold and mildew growth. The accumulation of mold, mildew, and biofilm in drain pipes impedes water flow and contributes to clogs over time.

Blockage in Main Sewer Line

In some cases, the clog may not be in your shower drain itself, but further down the main sewer line. If the main drain pipe that serves your home's plumbing system becomes blocked, it can back up water into individual drains.

Dangers of Standing Water

You may be tempted to ignore a slow-draining shower, but standing water can cause some nasty problems. Here's why you should address it quickly:

• Stagnant water allows mold and mildew growth in your shower.
• It can lead to foul, unpleasant odors emanating from the drain.
• A serious clog can lead to overflowing and potential flooding when the drain backs up.
• Standing water can seep into tiny cracks and joints, causing leaks that damage shower walls.
• Clogged drains put stress on your plumbing system and can allow sewer gases to enter your home.

For your comfort, health, and home value, take care of any lingering standing water or drainage issues promptly before they worsen.

Removing the Clog - DIY Methods

In many cases, you can successfully unclog a slow shower drain yourself using common household products and tools. Here are some effective DIY methods to try:

Plunging the Drain

A time-tested option, vigorously plunging the drain can dislodge debris and push the clog through. Cover the overflow holes, fill the shower basin with a few inches of water, and plunge up and down rapidly. The pressure can help dislodge blockages.

Boiling Water

Boiling water contains intense heat that can melt and break up accumulations of hair and soap scum. Slowly pour a full kettle of boiling water directly down the drain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then flush with cold water.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

The chemical reaction created by baking soda and vinegar can break up some clogs. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup vinegar. Cover the drain tightly for 5-10 minutes as the fizzy reaction occurs. Then rinse with hot water.

Chemical Drain Cleaner

Liquid drain cleaners and uncloggers contain harsh lye or sulfuric acid to eat away at gunk in pipes. Look for a product formulated specifically for shower drains. Strictly follow product instructions.

Drain Snake/Auger

For tougher clogs, use a metal drain snake/auger. Feed the coiled wire down the pipes and twist to hook and dislodge debris. It works well on hair and grime buildup. Exercise caution not to scratch pipes.

Disassembling Pipe and Removing Debris

If you can access the horizontal drain trap beneath the shower, unscrew it to inspect for clogs. Remove accumulated hair, soap film, and debris from the pipe. Reassemble and reseal the connections using plumber's putty.

Preventing Future Clogs

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to shower clogs. Here are some handy tips to avoid a recurrence of standing water:

• Install a drain cover/strainer to catch hair and debris before it enters the pipe.
• Perform regular drain maintenance by sending hot water, baking soda, and vinegar mixtures down each week.
• Use a monthly preventative drain cleaner to break up small blockages before they grow.
• Avoid letting thick soap scum build up on shower walls and surfaces.
• Develop the habit of removing accumulated hair from the drain after each use.

Being diligent about keeping drains maintained makes a big difference in preventing standing water and sluggish drainage issues.

When to Call a Plumber

Professional help may be necessary if:

• DIY methods fail to successfully clear the clogged drain.
• You experience a major backup of water and flooding.
• Persistent clogs keep returning and can't be stopped.
• A video camera drain inspection is needed to identify problems.
• The drain pipes are difficult to access or disassemble yourself.

A plumber has specialized tools like high-pressure water jets and industrial drain snakes to clear tough clogs. They can also assess your pipes to determine issues causing chronic clogging.

Standing water in your shower drain is never normal and almost always signals a clog. While mild clogs can often be cleared with some simple home treatments, severe or recurring clogs may require calling a professional plumber. The key is to address the issue quickly before the problem worsens and serious damage occurs.

We hope these tips help you get your shower drain water flowing freely again! Let us know in the comments if you have any other effective methods for clearing shower clogs.