How To Clear A Slow Running Shower When On A Septic Tank? (Correct answer)

Dump a couple of teaspoons of baking soda into your clogged drain, followed by one half cup of vinegar. This will create a fizzing action that may cause a fizz-like eruption. This is normal. This fizzing action may help to break the clog up and get things moving in your drain once again.

• You can mix about a 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons lemon to make your own natural cleaning agent. The baking soda will fizz up to help get the dirt and grime in your tub and drains. It’s a great cleaner and your septic system will thank you!

Can Drano be used with a septic tank?

Will Drano^® products harm my septic system? No, all Drano^® products are septic safe drain cleaners and will not upset the bacterial action in septic systems. Use Drano^® Max Build-Up Remover on a monthly basis to replenish the bacteria in the septic system that help break down toilet paper and organic matter in pipes.

What drain cleaner is safe for septic tanks?

All Drano products are septic safe, and Drano Max Build-Up Remover is designed to be used on a monthly basis to replenish your septic system’s bacteria. Like septic safe Drano products, all Liquid Plumr products are safe for use with septic systems and will not upset the balance of bacteria in your tank.

How do you clear a slow moving shower drain?

Pour a cup of baking soda down the clogged drain first, and then after a few minutes add a cup of vinegar. Give the mixture a few hours to work to dissolve the blockage, and then rinse out the drain with boiling water.

Why is my septic backing up into my shower?

If your toilets, kitchen sink and tub or shower are all backed up, you probably have a clogged sewer line. When your sewer line is clogged, the water can’t go down the drain. Instead, it flows back up the pipes and comes out at the lowest point — usually the shower drain.

What are the signs that your septic tank is full?

Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:

• Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
• Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
• Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
• You Hear Gurgling Water.
• You Have A Sewage Backup.
• How often should you empty your septic tank?

Is vinegar and baking soda safe for septic tanks?

Will baking soda hurt a septic system? Baking soda and other common household solutions such as vinegar are not harmful to your septic system. Harsh chemicals such as bleach and ammonia can disrupt the good bacteria in your septic tank and should not be used as part of a septic treatment.

How does Green Gobbler work?

Green Gobbler’s Enzyme Sink Drain Cleaners uses lipase enzymes to break down oil and grease molecules, which are then digested by bacteria. While the enzymes are at work, our product releases free fatty acids, which lowers the pH level of the environment and creates harsh conditions for the bacteria.

What is the best homemade drain cleaner?

Mix 1/2 cup table salt and 1/2 cup baking soda together, and pour down drain. Let sit for about 30 minutes (or overnight if it’s a tough clog), and follow with a pot of boiling water.

Is CLR septic Safe?

Yes, CLR Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover is septic safe. By the time it reaches the septic system it is neutralized with water.

How can I make my shower drain faster?

Mix together 1 cup of vinegar (distilled white vinegar works best) and 1 cup of baking soda. First, pour boiling water down the drain to loosen; then follow with the baking soda-vinegar mixture and wait 15 minutes. Rinse with more boiling water.

Should there be standing water in shower drain?

2 Answers. Yes it’s normal and what you want. It’s called a P-trap and the water sitting in there seals out the sewer gasses. The asterisks would be the water that forms the stopper.

How much does it cost to unclog a sewer line?

The national average cost to unclog a main sewer line is between $350 and $650, with most people paying around $475 to clean a mid-sized clog by hydro jetting the main sewer pipe between a house and municipal main line.

How do I know if my septic line is clogged?

Signs of Septic System Clogging: Water and sewage from toilets, drains and sinks backing up into your home. Bathtubs, showers, and sinks draining slowly. Gurgling sounds present in the plumbing system. Bad odors coming from the septic tank or drain field.

Can poop clog a shower drain?

When a toilet flushes, the large volume of water can move faeces, which showers are unable to do so. The more bends and junctions there are in the shower drain, the higher the chance of a blockage occurring. If this does happen, it is likely a foul odour will be coming from the shower drain, as well as drainage issues.

How to Clear a Slow Draining Shower Naturally

A great deal of water drains down your shower drain. Hair, soap chips, shampoo residue, and filth build and become lodged in the drain pipes’ invisible areas, causing them to clog. The clogs develop in such a slow manner that you are typically unaware of them until the water is over your feet. While caustic chemicals work quickly, some of them might cause harm to your pipes. Keeping them in the house is also risky, especially if your household includes small children and pets. Natural techniques of cleaning a clogged shower drain can be just as successful as chemical treatments, and they are sometimes far less expensive.

Start With Boiling Water

According to Home Depot, boiling water can be used to unclog a clogged drain as long as the pipes are not constructed of PVC. The prominent home improvement company suggests that you carefully pour an entire pot of boiling water down your metal pipes to clear them out of debris. Any small difficulties should be resolved in this manner; but, heavier blockages will necessitate the use of more than one approach.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

A mixture of vinegar and baking soda is one of the most tried-and-true methods of clearing a clogged drain on the market. One of the simplest variants on the method is to pour 1/2 cup to 1 cup of baking soda down the drain. There are numerous more versions as well. Allow for approximately a minute of resting time after adding the baking soda. According to HGTV, pour the equal quantity of white vinegar down the shower drain and cover the drain with a hefty rubber pad or thick towel to keep the vinegar from escaping.

As much as possible, keep the fizzing in the drain to a minimum.

It is possible that you may have to repeat the process several times.

Use an Auger Snake

A hand-held auger snake (also known as a plumber’s snake) can be purchased at a hardware shop. It’s an unique plumbing equipment made of many feet of strong, flexible steel wire that can be bent and bent again. The wire is effective in clearing obstructions that are located deep within a drain. Remove the wire from its coils and force it down the drain and through the P-trap. The drain strainer will need to be removed, and this procedure can be a bit dirty. If you suspect that the clog is near the drain opening, consider using a bent wire hanger first before resorting to the use of a snake to clear the blockage.

Take cautious not to push the blockage any farther down the drain pipe.

Add Natural Enzyme Products

An auger snake (also known as a plumber’s snake) can be purchased at a hardware shop. With many feet of thick, flexible steel wire, it’s a specialty plumbing equipment with a lot of versatility. Using the wire, you may eliminate obstructions that are deep within a drainage system. Remove the wire from its coil, then force it down the drain and past the P-trap. The drain strainer will need to be removed, and this procedure can be a little dirty.

Use a bent wire hanger first if you suspect the blockage is close to the drain opening rather than using a snake. Pulling out a clog using a wire hanger is as simple as threading it through the drain hole. Make sure not to push the blockage any farther down the drain.

Keep Up With Regular Maintenance

Purchase a hand-held auger snake (also known as a plumber’s snake) from a hardware shop. It’s an unique plumbing equipment made of many feet of thick, flexible steel wire that’s been bent to shape. The wire unclogs obstructions that are located deep within a drain system. Remove the wire from its coils and push it down the drain and through the P-trap. You’ll need to remove the drain strainer, which might be a dirty process. If you suspect that the clog is near the drain opening, consider using a bent wire hanger first before resorting to the use of a snake to clear the obstruction.

Make sure not to push the blockage any farther down the drain.

Tips to Speed Up Slow Drains

Tips for Increasing the Speed of Slow Drains This is a dilemma that we’ve all faced in the past. You go to brush your teeth or use the kitchen sink, and before you know it, more water is collecting in the sink than is draining out of the sink. The vast majority of you will simply ignore it until it develops into a full-blown blockage because, let’s face it, no one like having to deal with plumbing problems. We’re here to inform you that’s not a good idea! The longer you delay, the more harm might be done and the more expensive it will be to remedy the situation.

Use a good old fashion plunger!

Several suggestions for accelerating slow drains Every one of us has experienced something similar. The next thing you know, you’re brushing your teeth or using the kitchen sink and there’s more water in the sink than there is draining. The vast majority of you will simply ignore it until it develops into a full-blown blockage because, let’s face it, no one like having to deal with plumbing troubles of any kind. Please do not do that, and we will tell you why. You should expect more harm to occur and a higher cost to repair the situation the longer you wait.

VinegarBaking Soda Hack

Check out our other blog post on some of the greatPlumbing Hacks with Vinegar and Baking Soda if you have the chance when you get the chance. All you need is 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup distilled white vinegar to complete this recipe. Pour the baking soda down the drain first, allow it to settle for a few minutes, and then pour in the vinegar. It’s that simple. Then, for 15 to 20 minutes, allow the interaction between the vinegar and baking soda to remove any small blockages or buildups that may have occurred.

Septic System Pump-Out

If you have a septic system and it has been more than 2 to 3 years since your last pump-out, you may want to give us a call to schedule an appointment. The sluggish emptying of a septic tank is one of the first signals that it is time to get it inspected and repaired. Drains will remain sluggish no matter how many times you use the baking soda and vinegar method, or how frequently you plunge your sinks or how much drain cleaner you use to clear them.

This is due to the fact that the septic tank is nearly full. Rather than risk anything worse happening, such as a septic tank overflowing, just contact our specialists.

Bacterial Drain Cleaners

We strongly advise you to avoid using chemical drain cleaners at all costs. This is especially important if you have a septic system. Why? Because the chemicals in your usual drain cleaner create more damage than good by eroding pipes and harming the bacteria that helps to break down waste in your septic tank’s bacterial process. In order to keep your drains and septic system in good working order, we propose that you invest in an organic bacterial treatment. Additionally, it will help to break down any blockages or buildup in your drains by allowing for the natural breakdown of sediments in your tank and keeping it healthy.

Any plumbing or septic issues you have should be resolved as quickly as possible by Lapin.

Please contact Lapin Services if you require assistance with your plumbing, septic tank, drainfield, or commercial issues.

Plumbing, Septic Tank and Drainfield Company Serving Central Florida including – Orlando FL – 32853 – 32854 – 32855 – 32856 – 32857 – 32858 – 32839 / Winter Park FL – 32789 – 32790 – 32792 – 32793 / Longwood FL – 32750 / Heathrow FL – 32746 / Geneva FL – 32732 / Sanford FL – 32771 – 32772 – 32773 / Oviedo FL – 32765 – 32762 / Altamonte Springs FL – 32701 – 32714 – 32715 – 32716 / Windermere FL – 34786 / Winter Garden FL – 32787 – 34777 – 34778 – 34787 / Ocoee FL – 34761 / Pine Hills FL – 32808 / Maitland FL 32751 – 32794 / Casselberry FL – 32707 / Winter Springs FL 32708 / Lake Underhill FL – 32825 / Fern Park FL – 32730 / Apopka FL – 32704 – 32712 / Lake Mary FL – 32795 / Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Municipal Plumbing, Septic, Sewer and Drainfield Services Within Central Florida

Stay away from chemical drain cleaners at all costs, as we strongly advise. The situation is more dire if you have an underground septic system. Why? Because the chemicals in your usual drain cleaner create more damage than good by eroding pipes and harming the microorganisms that helps to break down waste in your septic tank’s wastewater treatment system. If you want to keep your drains and septic system clean, we propose that you invest in a natural bacteria treatment. Additionally, it will help to break down any blockages or buildup in your drains by allowing for natural breakdown of sediments in your tank and keeping it healthy.

If you have any plumbing or septic troubles, remember that you can Make it Happen with Lapin!

Please contact Lapin Services if you require assistance with your plumbing, septic tank, drainfield, or other commercial issues.

1. Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain

You’ll want to start by boiling some water to use as a drain cleaner right away. This approach can aid in the repair of a clogged drain by breaking down some of the more minor obstructing particles such as soap or grease that may be present. It will not work on more major blockages, especially if there is a significant deposit of hair in the drain. However, even if this advice does not totally clear the clog, it may help to speed up the drainage, making the tub more useable and allowing your shower drain to run slowly but not clog-free longer.

If you have PVC pipes, do not attempt this step since the boiling water might cause harm to them. How to go about it:

• To begin, bring water to a boil on the burner. Take special care to ensure that any pricey shower curtains are out of the way. Pouring water down the drain with a funnel may be quite effective, so make sure you have one handy. If it doesn’t work, boiling water in a tea kettle could. Starting with a small amount of water at a time, work your way up to more. Once you’ve used up all of the water, check to see if the drain is moving a little more quickly.

2. Use a plunger

Cook the water on the stovetop first; then add the rest of the ingredients. Place any pricey shower curtains out of the way if you have them. Use a funnel to divert the water while it is being poured down the drain if you have one available. When everything else fails, boiling water in a tea kettle may be of assistance. Put a small amount of water into the container and pour it in slowly. Examine the drain once you’ve finished using it to see whether it’s moving a little quicker;

• Pour in enough water to completely fill the shower base, making sure that the plunger’s edge is completely submerged
• To ensure a good seal, try rubbing some petroleum jelly over the edges of the plunger’s edges
• This should help. To attempt to push the clog out, plunge fast
• And

3. Try Baking Soda and Vinegar

If you want to utilize natural home materials, a baking soda and vinegar mixture may be the most effective method of clearing a clogged shower drain. If it works, this home combination may be used as a natural drain cleaning that will not damage your pipes. How to go about it:

• To begin, pour about one cup of baking soda down the drain (no precise measurement is required)
• Fill the container with equal parts vinegar and water and let it sit for a few minutes. Allow for at least an hour of resting time after mixing. Repeat the procedure with another round of hot water and check to see if the shower is emptying more quickly.

4. Unclog the Drain By Hand

When all of the other choices have failed you, this may be the wisest course of action. In the event that you know for a fact that you’ve been flushing hair wash down the drain on a frequent basis, or if you’ve seen a buildup of coarse debris or filth in your drain, you may want to try this as a first step. Prepare to get your hands filthy! How to go about it:

• Put on a pair of gloves and take off the drain cover. You may need to unscrew the drain or pry it open, depending on the type of drain. Look inside the drain (or feel around within the drain) until you find the accumulation of debris. This section may necessitate the use of a flashlight. Remove any obstructions that may have formed. Using a hook made of wire (such as a deconstructed clothes hanger) can be used to reach clogs that are too far away to reach with your hand.

5. Use a Plumber’s Snake

When you think of how to clean a clogged shower drain, it’s possible that this is the first thing that comes to mind. A plumber’s snake can be purchased for less than $30 at most hardware stores, and it’s an excellent affordable equipment to keep on hand just in case something goes wrong. Each one operates in a somewhat different manner, and you may require a power drill to operate yours. How to go about it:

• Using the drain cover removed once more, insert the head of the snake into the drain and gently push it down, without forcing it to go any farther. With a variety of snakes, you may need to rotate them as you go or twist them with a drill. When you draw the snake back up, it should come up with whatever accumulation of hair or grease it had become entangled in. Take it out of the bag. You may need to repeat this process multiple times to guarantee that you have removed the majority of the material. If you experience any resistance at any moment, you may have discovered your stumbling block. Try to break up the clog without scratching the walls of the pipe
• You may then follow this up with another round of hot water if necessary.

6. Try Chemical Cleaners

Depending on how severe your obstruction is, you may need to visit your local hardware shop to purchase a chemical cleaner to unclog the drain. The more powerful cleansers that are advised can even get rid of stubborn hair or soap scum that has built up over time. How to go about it:

• Remember that each cleaner is a bit different, so be sure to read and follow the instructions on the container
• In general, you’ll want to put on some protective clothing, such as gloves and goggles, before you start pouring the cleaner down the drain.

7. Call an Expert

In the event that all of the above fails, the sluggish drainage becomes worse, or you are unclear about how to complete the task yourself, it is time to call in a professional. They’ll know how to fix a sluggish running shower better than anyone else, and it eliminates the hassle of trying to figure out which solutions would work for your individual drainage problems. Make certain to ask the appropriate questions and to find someone who fulfills all of your requirements.

Clearing and Maintaining Your Slow Shower Drain

Making headway on a clogged drain isn’t impossible, and it’s probable that you’ll be able to make at least some progress utilizing the methods listed above. Once you’ve gotten yourself out of trouble, remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure (pun intended). Consider purchasing a drain cover to capture any stray hair or debris, which can save you the trouble of dealing with clogged shower drains in the future. If you’re ready to safeguard your shower for the long haul, you should read our advice on how to protect your bathroom sinks and drains.

Slow Drain Septic System Problems – Tureks Plumbing Blog – Serving Appleton, Fox Valley, WI

Due to the fact that many forms of germs may be discovered in the bathroom, it is one of the dirtiest locations in your home.

You will consider your toilet to be much more filthy and difficult to use if you have a drainage or septic system problem after experiencing one.

Signs of a Septic System Issue

Having a septic system malfunction is more common in older homes and buildings that have been in use for a long period of time. Some of the indicators that you may already be experiencing this type of plumbing issue are as follows:

• When using the shower, bathtub, sink, and other sections of the house, the water drains slowly. When a toilet is flushed, the sound of gurgling can be heard from the tub or sink. Backing up of water in toilets, tubs, and sinks
• Water puddles on the ground near your house and on your lawn
• The smell of sewage smells in the open air

Possible Causes

There are a variety of reasons why you may have a septic system that is troublesome or sluggish to drain. The most prevalent of them is the misuse of the system by the individual. This indicates that there are too many people using or consuming too much water in the family or building, and that the water consumption has exceeded the capacity of the system. One of the most prevalent causes of this problem is a failure to perform or a delay in performing inspections, maintenance, and pumping. The filter in the exit baffle of your septic tank will begin to clog as soon as your tank is completely filled.

Final point to consider is whether or not your septic system is functioning effectively due to a clog in the pipes or drains.

Getting Things Back to Normal

If a clog is the source of your sluggish drain problem, you can clear the clog with several simple items you can find around the house. A plumbing snake, on the other hand, will be required to clear up more difficult clogs and blockages. In order to minimize additional damage to your plumbing and septic system, it is recommended that you hire a professional plumber to do the work. Calling in experienced plumbers at the first sign of a problem is always a good idea since the contractors will know exactly where to look for and how to fix the problem.

It doesn’t matter where the problem is located as long as it is within their scope of experience, skills, and equipment to resolve it.

Professional plumbers will provide you with reliable advise on whether it is better to have your system fixed or replaced, depending on the specific problem and design of your system.

Septic-Safe Methods for Unclogging a Drain

A clogged drain is a source of frustration for any homeowner, but when a clogged drain occurs in a home with a septic system, one of the most pressing concerns is how to clear the drain without causing damage to the septic system itself. Many homeowners’ first instinct is to reach for a chemical drain cleaner, but if you have a septic system, these harsh chemicals should be the very last thing you use to unclog a drain to avoid damaging it. Drain unclogging procedures that are safe for septic systems are discussed in this section.

Why Chemical Drain Cleaners are Bad for Septic Systems

Despite the fact that chemical drain cleaners are appealing, they are a poor choice for unclogging clogged drains in houses that have septic systems, according to the American Chemical Society. The principle behind chemical drain cleaners is straightforward: send harsh chemicals down the drain, and the clog will be eaten away by the chemicals until it is tiny enough to flow through the pipes. The chemicals are physically melting the blockage away from the pipes. Chemical drain cleaners are among the household cleaners that are prohibited from being used with septic systems due to the presence of sodium hydroxide, sometimes known as lye, in one of its essential constituents.

All of these chemicals are not only detrimental to the bacterial environment of the septic system, but they are also very corrosive and will eat away at the tank’s structural integrity as well.

Even though they are non-corrosive, plumbers agree that these drain cleaners should be avoided at all costs, regardless of whether or not a home is outfitted with a septic system.

Septic-Safe Method1: Unclogging a Drain with Boiling Water

Sometimes the most straightforward option is the most effective. Small blockages in pipes may frequently be cleaned by gently pouring boiling water down the drain, which is quite effective. This approach is very effective for unclogging obstructions produced by oil, soap, or even tiny clumps of human hair. It is essential that the water is boiling for this procedure to be effective – not just hot, but boiling hot. This strategy, on the other hand, necessitates considerable caution. It is possible that pouring hot water upon a porcelain sink will result in the sink cracking.

Boiling water has the additional effect of softening the joints in PVC pipes, and as a result, we do not advocate using this procedure with PVC pipes.

Septic-Safe Method2: Unclogging a Drain with VinegarBaking Soda

As children, we used to make volcanoes out of baking soda, vinegar, and red food coloring, which we could see exploding from the ground. As adults, the same experiment (without the red food dye) may be used to unclog a clogged drain without causing damage to the septic system. Whenever baking soda and vinegar are mixed together, a chemical reaction happens, resulting in the formation of carbonic acid, which rapidly decomposes to produce carbon dioxide gas. As a result, what happened? Numerous bubbles with the ability to loosen and clear away the majority of obstructions are released into the air.

Repeat this process twice more.

In addition to being septic-safe, this tried-and-true method of unclogging a drain is also totally safe for the plumbing inside your home.

Septic-Safe Method3: Unclogging a Drain Manually

After trying the first two techniques of cleaning a blocked drain and failing miserably, it may be necessary to don some dishwashing gloves and personally remove the obstruction. Carefully dislodge the clog with a plunger, a plastic drain cleaning tool, or a heavy-duty plumber’s snake to either loosen it enough to allow it to flow through the home’s plumbing or completely remove it from the pipes. The following methods should only be used as a last option, prior to hiring a plumber, and you must exercise caution to ensure that you do not mistakenly harm the afflicted drains by driving a snake into or out of the plumbing system.

Drain Maintenance

One effective method of dealing with blocked drains is to assist in preventing them from occurring in the first place. Fats, oils, and greases, which are responsible for a large number of kitchen drain blockages, should never be thrown down the drain. The fact that hair is the most prevalent cause of bathroom blockages suggests that using protective screens that prevent hair from entering the drain is a smart idea.

A clogged drain that does not clear using these septic-safe procedures may indicate that your septic system is in need of repair or replacement. Are your drains clogging and gurgling as a result of the weather? To book a service visit, please contact us right away.

7 Warning Signs of Septic Tank Problems!

If you are new to living in a home with a septic system, as we are, you should be aware of the following seven symptoms that septic issues may be on the horizon: There is no guarantee that any of these difficulties will result in an expensive repair, but if there is a problem and you ignore it, the situation will only deteriorate and become more serious. You should contact a septic specialist if you detect any of the following seven indicators that your system is malfunctioning.

1. Inefficient draining
2. Toilet that does not flush correctly
3. There are gurgling sounds coming from the pipes. Back-ups of water are occurring in drains. Grass that is more lush over the drain field area sewage or rotten egg stench both inside and outside the house. Standing water in the vicinity of a septic tank or a drain field

Let’s take a look at each symptom to see what could be causing it, how you might try to solve it, and when you should seek expert assistance.

1)Drains are emptying slowly

There are several possible causes for this: something is blocking the drain (flushable wipes, hairball, small toys), the septic tank is not emptying into the drain field (also known as a leach field), or the drain field is not working properly. If the drain field is not working properly, the septic tank should be emptying into the drain field (also known as a leach field) as soon as possible. A septic tank is a type of system that works on the principle of “water in, water out.” There are other pages on this site that go into much deeper information about the system.) Because of the exit tube that leads to the drain field, it is able to keep a particular amount of water within.

1. As a result of the heavy rains experienced in your region, and if the ground is saturated, the drain field may simply be unable to discharge water properly since the earth cannot take any more water at this point in time.
2. Another reason for a brief backlog is when a large amount of water is pumped into the system in a short period of time.
3. You should keep in mind that when water flows into the septic tank, it leaves the opposite side through the drain field and filters down into the earth.
4. When there isn’t a problem with soggy soil, do all of the drains discharge slowly?
5. Is it possible for the shower drain closest to the septic tank to back up before the kitchen sink on the other side of the house in a single-level home?
6. If the lower-level drains are working properly, you most likely have a blockage that has to be cleared up completely.
7. The Drain Weasel contraption hasn’t been used by me yet, but we’ve had to use a drain auger (snake) on a number of occasions over the years.

Purchase a decent one, and if feasible, get one that is long enough to clean all of your pipes. It will prove to be a wise investment over time and will save you a significant amount of money.

2)Toilet Won’t Flush Properly

A toilet that doesn’t flush correctly is suggestive of the same problem as a drain that empties slowly, both of which are common. The flushing of the toilet is being hindered by some sort of clog (or septic backup). It is possible that obstructions exist in the pipes going to the septic tank or in the roof vent (see3 below for a deeper explanation). And if you have tiny children, it’s possible that a doll’s hairbrush has become stuck in the trap (true story).

3)Gurgling Noises in the Pipes

Noises in the plumbing can be caused by a simple obstruction in a pipe, a blockage in the vent pipe that runs through the ceiling, or a backed-up septic system, amongst other things. When we utilize the plumbing system, air is flushed down the drains together with the water. If the air cannot keep up with the flow, it will back up and gurgle out of the pipes (kind of like a plumbing burp). Additionally, an air intake is required for the plumbing to function at all, which is why our homes have vent pipes installed on the roofs over the bathrooms and kitchens to provide for proper ventilation.

Vent pipes are pipes that run from your plumbing to your roof (usually; however, we appear to have one in our back yard) and serve several functions: they allow foul-smelling (and potentially dangerous) sewer gases to escape, they allow air into the entire sewer system to encourage aerobic bacteria digestion, and they keep the entire flow of water moving throughout the system.

1. Did you ever drink from a glass of water, soda, juice, or any other beverage using a straw when you were a kid?
2. Were you perplexed as to why the liquid remained in the straw till you removed your finger from it?
3. When you remove your finger, the pressure on the top is restored, and gravity takes hold, resulting in the liquid spilling out.
4. And, like the liquid in the straw, they require airflow in order to move things along smoothly.

Vent pipes can get blocked as a result of leaves or other debris becoming lodged in the pipe (even small, curious animals who go down the pipe, but not back up.) Also, the presence of openings in sewage manhole covers allows poisonous gases to exit and fresh air to pour in, therefore keeping everything moving.) But I’m getting ahead of myself.)

4)Water is Backing Up Into Drains

When you flush a toilet, water may back up into a shower or bathtub, which is not uncommon. In addition, this can occur when the dishwasher or washing machine is completely empty. This indicates that there is a partial or total obstruction in the drain lines. A backed-up septic tank or leach field area might also be an indication of a clogged drain field. Back in the day, we lived in a house that would back up at least once every couple of years or so. When the dishwasher or washing machine (both of which were located in the kitchen area) was completely empty, one or both bathtubs would begin to fill.

• The water in the shower had backed up.
• As the big amount of water from the dishwasher or washing machine was being thrown out, the blockage prevented the water from flowing down to the city sewer pipes and into the storm drain.
• This might be one of the reasons why you’re experiencing water backup into the drains.
• As previously said, if it has been particularly wet and the water table in the earth has risen significantly, it is possible that the water in the drain field has nowhere to go.
• The presence of an excessively high level or thickness of sludge layer in your septic tank is yet another possible cause of clogged pipes.

Both of these scenarios have the potential to generate scum or sludge to block the outlet and drain field lines. This is a dreadful situation. This is the most important reason why you should get your septic tank drained on a consistent basis.

5)The Grass Is Greener … On YOUR Side of the Fence, Especially Over the Drain Field Area

It sounds wonderful to have a thick, green grass without having to water it, which is especially true if you live in a desert area. However, a thick, green grass that is not being watered may be an indication of a problem with the septic system’s drain field. A unusually green patch of grass, most likely above a leach line, was discovered. If you have sections of thicker, greener grass, or even if you don’t have grass, but the ground around the drain field region is spongy and moist, you may have a problem.

Similarly, if you notice healthier grass surrounding the septic tank, it is possible that there is a leak or seepage of sewage stuff right there.

6) Sewage or Rotten Egg Smell Inside or Outside the House

It sounds wonderful to have a thick, green grass without having to water it, which is especially appealing if you live in a dry region. The presence of a thick, green lawn that hasn’t been watered may, however, signal an issue with the septic system’s drain field. A unusually green area of grass, most likely located above a leach line. Having portions of taller, greener grass or not having any grass, yet the ground around the drain field region is spongy and moist, this may indicate that there is an issue.

It is also possible that there is some sort of leak or seepage of sewage waste right over the septic tank, if the grass is greener around the tank area.

7)Standing Water Around Septic Tank or Drain Field or Leach Field

If you notice standing water surrounding your leach field or septic tank, it is an indication that either a) water is arriving from an area where it should not be, or b) water is not going where it should. This is similar to noticing a greener lawn than intended. It is possible that standing water or even squishy ground near your septic tank indicates the presence of a leak in the pipes or tank, which is enabling sewage to escape. Standing water or mushy ground above your drain field might indicate that the drain field is struggling and is not allowing the water to flow down into the earth as it should.

• Water-logged soil from another source (has it been very wet, was a hose left on in that area, is there water runoff from a neighbor’s house towards yours, etc.)
• Blocked drain field pipes
• Clogged up drainage regions
• Compacted soil
• Water-logged soil from another source

If it’s only been really wet owing to heavy rains or melting snow, then waiting a few days should allow it to dry out completely (provided the rain and melting snow have stopped). If you are not certain that this is the problem, please have someone come out to inspect your system as soon as possible since a failing drain field may be quite expensive to repair, especially if the breakdown worsens. Additionally, standing water, particularly sewage, can be a health hazard as well as being aesthetically offensive.

So Now What?

What should you do if you are experiencing one or more of these problems? You could, of course, get a plumber in to have a look at the situation.

If you don’t want to spend a couple hundred dollars for a service call since it’s something you can fix yourself, what options do you have? If you go through these seven indicators once again, you will notice that they all point to two generalized problems:

• The plumbing lines have become clogged. an issue that might arise with the septic tank or leach field

Because a temporary problem such as delayed draining or backed up drains that ultimately clear out, or wet drain fields might be caused by an excessive amount of water, such as washing numerous loads of laundry on one day, or several people having long showers, etc., I use the term “potential problem.” If your rain gutters pour into your septic tank, this can potentially cause an overflow in the system.

Fixing it Yourself

I say ‘potential problem’ because slow draining or backed up drains that eventually empty out, or wet drain fields, can be a temporary problem due to a water overload, such as the example above of doing multiple loads of laundry on one day, or several people taking long showers, or any combination of the above factors. If your rain gutters pour into your septic tank, the system may get overloaded.

Don’t Use Chemical Cleaners!

There are a plethora of chemical “remedies” available for unclogging your drains. While they do work occasionally, it is evident that they will not work on all blockages (such as a stuck army man). In this instance, you also have caustic chemical cleaners backed up in the pipes, and if you or a plumber attempts to clear the pipes, the caustic chemical cleaners will likely go all over you. Additionally, any chemicals in your septic tank might destroy the bacteria and enzymes that are doing such a fantastic job of decomposing all of the doo-doo and garbage in the tank.

If your system is not momentarily overwhelmed with water and you are unable to resolve the problem on your own, it is time to bring in a professional plumber for assistance.

One Final Word

Keep in mind, as well, that a septic tank is constantly full (unless it was just pumped or it was newly installed a couple days ago). Don’t allow anyone convince you that “all you have to do now is pump the tank” straight from the beginning. It is possible that this will ‘cure’ the problem for a few days until the reservoir fills back up to normal operating levels. However, they cannot say for definite that pumping the tank will repair the problem unless they first measure the level of the sludge and scum layers within it.

How to Unclog a Sewer Line?

A blocked sewer drain may create a variety of plumbing problems that are both costly and stressful for homeowners. AHS discusses the indicators of a problem and when it is necessary to bring in a professional. Clogged drains are a major source of frustration for many households, but a clogged sewer line is on a whole different level. Any waste water, whether black or grey, that enters your home’s plumbing system may find it difficult or impossible to exit if your main sewage line becomes clogged or backed up.

To resolve this problem, you will need to clear the obstruction in the line.

Do you require assistance in repairing your sewage line?

With American Home Shield ProConnect, you can hire a certified, local home repair professional in just a few clicks. To make a reservation, please click here. Currently available in the majority of major markets. The services available differ depending on the market.

Is My Main Sewer Drain Clogged?

Unusual gurgling sounds are emanating from your bathroom. When you start the washing machine, you’ll see water gushing out of your shower. Perhaps you’re curious as to what it means when sewage starts to drain from the shower drain. These are some of the warning indications that you may have a clogged main sewer drain line, which is a significant plumbing problem that requires immediate attention. A blocked sewage drain line may have a negative influence on the plumbing in your entire house. You can find yourself with raw sewage backing up into your drains in extreme circumstances.

What Causes a Clogged Sewer Drain Line?

Tree roots can, in the majority of situations, and particularly in older homes, cause problems with the smooth operation of your sewage system. Tree roots are drawn to the warmth and wetness of a sewage line, and they infiltrate the system through microscopic fractures or weak connections in the pipe. The roots spread throughout the sewage pipe, feeding on the abundant nutrients they find there. As a result, the line becomes clogged. Finally, toilet paper or other debris becomes entangled in the roots and blocks water from passing down the main sewage drain line even more.

This, on the other hand, is a situation that occurs significantly less frequently.

To put it another way, it takes a significant amount of loose stuff to clog them.

Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line

Keep an eye out for these early warning signs of a blocked or clogged sewage line so that you can treat the issue before it becomes a costly emergency.

• Despite your greatest attempts, all of your drains are flowing slowly, despite your best efforts to unclog them. In the event that you’ve attempted all of the DIY unclogging techniques on this list and are still unable to locate a solution, it’s probable that the blockage is in your sewer line. At the same time, a number of plumbing fittings become backed up. If your toilets, kitchen sink, tub, or shower are all backed up, you most likely have a clogged sewage line in your property. Toilets have the shortest and most direct path to the sewer, as well as the longest and most expansive drain line. Your toilets are most likely to face problems first if the blockage is in your sewage system. It’s likely that you don’t have a clog in your main sewage line if your toilets are running properly but other fixtures in your house are still slow to drain or are completely backed up. When you flush the toilet, water either backs up into the tub or shower or rises up from underneath it. When your sewage line becomes clogged, water is unable to pass through it and down the drain. Instead, it returns to the top of the pipes and exits through the lowest position, which is generally the shower drain. It makes a bubbling and gurgling sound when you run water through the bathroom sink. The bubbling is caused by air that has become trapped in the drainage system. Run the water in the sink nearest to the toilet for about a minute to flush the toilet properly. The toilet may be blocked if it bubbles (gurgles) or if the water level in the toilet increases. If your washing machine drains slowly, the toilet overflows, or water backs up in the tub or shower, the sewer line may be clogged as well. If your toilets are still flushing normally, you are most likely not experiencing a clogged sewage line.

In most cases, a single slow-flushing toilet or a single slow-flowing or easily clogged drain in your home does not indicate a clogged or backed-up sewage system in your home. Typically, you’ll begin experiencing issues with all of the drains in your home, but particularly with the toilets – and it will affect all of the toilets at the same time. Unless all of your toilets are causing other drains to overflow when they are flushed, or if they overflow when another fixture is used, don’t be concerned that you don’t know how to plunge a toilet properly.

The main sewage line drain pipe cap can be removed to relieve the pressure in the system if you suspect that it has become blocked.

While you’re removing it, be sure to keep your feet to one side since any waste material that has accumulated in your home’s plumbing will come rushing out as you do.

Diagnosing a Clogged Sewer Line

The use of a camera examination to determine the source of a clogged sewage line may be necessary. A camera may be introduced down into the line to search for regions where the line has cracked or collapsed, as well as areas where roots have penetrated the line. A camera check should be performed before you start dumping chemicals into your main sewer line or trying to clear the line with an auger, high-pressure water, or any other method of clearing the line.

It would be wasteful to try to remove a clog in your sewage system with an auger, and there would be no need to introduce potentially hazardous and poisonous chemicals into the mix. Having a line that has collapsed will need its replacement.

How to Unclog a Sewer Line

Having a clogged sewer line in your house might make it uninhabitable. You are unable to securely remain in your house if your toilets and sinks are not operational. Fortunately, you may take immediate action to return your plumbing system to a functional state, allowing you and your family to reclaim your residence.

• It’s time to let go of the strain. When you first discover the signs and symptoms of a blocked sewage line, shut off the water at the main supply valve and flush the toilet (or street level). Find the location of your sewer cleanout line in your yard, basement, or roof by doing a search in those areas. This is often a short, white pipe with a diameter of 3 to 4 inches with a screw-on cap to keep the water from leaking out. Remove the cap when you’ve determined where the cleanout line is. This should relieve the pressure in the sewage line and force any water that has backed up into your property to drain
• Chemical drain cleaning is then performed after that. If tree roots are the source of your sewage line obstruction, you may be able to remove them with chemicals. When it comes to killing tree roots, some plumbers recommend flushing copper sulfate down the toilet. However, because this chemical flushes away rapidly, you may need to repeat the application multiple times to completely remove the blockage. Keep in mind that copper sulfate is not suitable for septic systems and that its usage is forbidden in some towns due to this. You might also try flushing a root-killing foam containing the herbicidedichlobenil down your toilet to clear the obstruction in your sewage system, if copper sulfate isn’t a feasible choice for clearing the obstruction. The foam adheres to the pipes and kills the tree roots within a few hours of being applied to them. Although dead roots will be totally purged from your sewage system after a few months of mechanical drain cleaning, it may still take many months. When it comes to unclogging main sewage drain lines, sewer cleaning contractors have a couple of instruments at their disposal. One of the most effective is a specifically constructed, flexible wire that is sometimes referred to as an auger or a drain snake because of its flexibility. Power-assisted augers are commonly used — some are even truck-mounted — and may be fed down the sewage system in sections until the plumber is able to reach and break up the clog. It is also possible for plumbers to utilize a high-pressure water jet to flush out roots and other debris from the sewage system. Despite the fact that you may hire these tools and conduct the work yourself, both of these methods might cause harm to your pipes if they are utilized incorrectly. Cleaning a blocked sewage line is a job that should be left to the experts. It is possible to find sewer drain cleaning services that are ready 24 hours a day to give emergency plumbing assistance to clear drain lines in the majority of places. Inspection using a camera. Alternatively, if an auger or water jet does not successfully clear the sewage system, you can request a visual (camera) check to establish what is causing the obstruction. Cracks and fractures in the sewage pipe, as well as issues in the line that may necessitate the intervention of your local sanitation agency, can be discovered using the small camera.

The emergency plumber who comes to examine your main sewage line should utilize the data collected by the camera to indicate the position of the sewer line on the ground surface using paint or some other marking instrument if the inspection is required. Knowing the location of your sewer line may come in helpful later on if you need to have a section of the line repaired or replaced. You should also obtain a copy of the video footage captured during the camera examination, which most plumbers can provide to you in a digital format if you request it.

How Much Does a Sewer Line Cleanout Cost?

When you need emergency plumbing services, a strong electric auger will slice through any soft material in your home’s main sewage line, cutting it up and sending it on its way into the main sewer system. A plumber will be required to release the drainage cap on your main sewer line and feed the auger into the pipe until it meets the clog, which will take around 30 minutes. Furthermore, the auger is strong enough to take out tree roots that have grown into your sewage system. However, the expense of having your sewer lines cleaned out may be significant – it might cost anywhere from $350 to $450 to have your main sewer line cleaned out in this manner, for example.

Branch lines are the lines that connect your fixtures to your main sewage line.

For the most part, the expense of unclogging a clog in one of your home’s branch plumbing lines is the same as that of unclogging obstructions in your main sewage line.

Does a Home Warranty Cover Clogged Sewer Line Drain Cleanout?

When you need emergency plumbing services, a strong electric auger will slice through any soft material in your home’s main sewage line, cutting it up and sending it on its way to the main sewer system. A plumber will need to unlock the drainage cap on your main sewage line and run the auger into the pipe until it meets the clog. Sewer drain cleaning will cost you around $100. Tree roots may be removed from your sewage system using the auger, which is quite strong. Having your sewer lines cleaned out, on the other hand, may be rather expensive – it can cost anywhere from $375 To $450 to have your main sewer line cleaned out in this manner.

Branch lines are the pipes that connect your fixtures to your main sewer line. They are also known as branch lines. For the most part, the expense of unclogging a clog in one of your home’s branch plumbing lines is the same as that of unclogging blockages in your home’s main sewage line.

How to Unclog a Slow Shower Drain

Article in PDF format Article in PDF format A plumber may be called if you find that the water from your shower or bathtub is not simply draining down your drain. blockages are caused by soap residue, hair, and other junk accumulating in the drain, which causes it to run slowly. However, you do not have to call a plumber right immediately because you have several methods for dealing with slow shower drains that you may try before incurring a large plumbing expense.

1. 1 Remove the stopper from the drain.Most drains are simple enough to unclog using your hand, a wire, or a clothes hanger. 2 Unclog the drain with a wire or a clothes hanger. The first step, though, is figuring out how to get the stopper to come off. The majority of drains have either drop stoppers or push/lock drain stoppers as their stoppers.

• To release a drop stopper, begin by lifting it up just a little bit. It should have had a screw that protrudes a bit more. It’s as simple as loosening the screw a fraction of a turn and lifting the stopper up
• First, press down once as if you were trying to shut up the drain with the push/lock drain stopper. To unlock it, press it one more. Once it has been unlocked, you should be able to remove the entire stopper and then take it out with relative ease. If you’re taking a shower, you may only need to lift the strainer at the bottom. It is possible that you may need to remove the grating as well.

2 Design the tool that you’ll need. You may be able to clear certain clogs with your hand, but using a tool will be more convenient, more effective, and less filthy than doing it by hand. It is possible to begin with either a wire coat hanger or a piece of strong wire, but you will need to do some preliminary work in either case.

• Straighten out the coat hanger wire so that it is a long, thin wire. Pry the end of it using pliers to form a smaller hook that will fit into your drain
• When it comes to the wire, just bend one end into a little hook to grab the hair.

Advertisement number three Remove the blockage from the drain by using a snake. Hook the clogged hair with the bent wire by pressing it through the blockage with the bent wire. After you’ve used it to remove the blockage from the drain, you may discard the hair. It is possible that you will need to dive down more than once to obtain all of the hair.

• If the hair is very tenacious, you may need to cut it with a utility knife
• Otherwise, scissors will do. Cut a slice across the centre of the hair as you pull it up so you don’t have to untangle it afterwards.

4Reinsert the stopper into the hole. When you are certain that all of the hair has been removed, check to see whether the shower is draining correctly once more. If this is the case, replace the stopper in the drain. You’ll need to screw the entire push/lock stopper back into place, whereas the drop stopper will just require you to screw in the central shaft of the drop stopper. If it isn’t draining properly, you’ll have to look at other possibilities. Advertisement

1. 1 Using a chemical drain cleaner to clean the pipes. Drain cleaning products such as gel cleansers and other forms of industrial drain cleaners can assist you in clearing obstructions from your pipes. However, you must exercise caution while using these items since they are quite powerful and can cause damage to your pipes or other problems if not used properly.

• Always check the label on the bottle to ensure that the product you have can be used on the sorts of pipes you have and the type of system you have installed. For example, a septic system may necessitate the use of a specialty product. Additionally, make certain that you get one that is suitable for both baths and showers. Never combine more than one type of drain cleaner in a single drain. For example, if the clog remains in place, you do not want to pour another type of cleaner on top of it. This can result in harmful gases being released, which might cause health concerns.

Following the manufacturer’s directions is essential. Each drain cleaner will perform somewhat differently, therefore it’s crucial to thoroughly study the directions before using one. Make certain that you are following the directions to the letter since drain cleaners are powerful chemicals that can be deadly if not used properly. 3Begin with what you’re going to need. In most cases, you start with approximately half of a bottle to try to dislodge the clog, and then you wait for a prescribed length of time, which is generally around 15 minutes, before trying again.

• Generally speaking, you can pour the cleaner through standing water, although this is not always the case.
• After you have waited the proper amount of time, you must use hot water to flush out the chemicals and unclog the blockage.
• If it isn’t, you may need to repeat the process with a fresh batch of the same drain cleaner.
• Advertisement

1. 1 Make use of an enzyme-based detergent. To clean your shower drain, pour 1 cup of Dawn liquid dish detergent (or any other enzyme-based liquid dish soap) down the drain. Allow it to sit for at least an hour before flushing the drain with hot water from the faucet.

• This solution has the potential to produce a huge amount of suds, so proceed with caution.

2 Make use of hot water.

Water that has been brought to a boil can be used to unclog some sluggish drains as a natural approach. Allow the water in your shower to drain completely if it is still standing. Bring some water to a boil and then gently pour it down the drain to assist move some minor obstructions along.

• In the case of standard PVC pipes, boiling water may cause damage to the pipes. While boiling water is not recommended for use with metal or CPVC pipes (which are not designed to withstand high temperatures), it should be alright. Contrary to this, according to most city laws, you must use metal or CVPC rather than PVC

3 Combine vinegar, baking soda, and hot water to see whether it works. Another natural treatment to consider is a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and hot water. When used in conjunction with one another, these components can assist in breaking up a clog; however, you should avoid mixing these solutions with chemical clog cleaners unless absolutely necessary.

• Pour a single cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by two cups of boiling water, then repeat the process once more. After you’ve given it approximately five minutes, you may follow it up with a baking soda and vinegar combination. 1 cup of baking soda should be poured down the drain. Pour a cup of vinegar into the container while the cork is still in place. Pour boiling water down the drain and let the baking soda and vinegar to froth together. Pour another cup of boiling water down the drain after it’s finished. Once again, be certain that you are using CPVC or metal pipes because boiling water might cause harm to conventional PVC ones. Although most buildings constructed to code should have pipes that can resist boiling water, this is not always the case.

4 A toilet plunger can be used to unclog a clogged drain. Duct tape should be used to cover any overflow holes in order to provide a better seal. Fill the tub with enough water to completely cover the bottom of the plunger. It is preferable to utilise the existing standing water, which is draining slowly, rather than adding more water to the situation. To plunge the drain, place the plunger over the drain and plunge the drain many times, moving it up and down, similar to how you would do it in a toilet.

• It is possible that you may wish to purchase a plunger expressly for this function in order to keep things cleaner. As a result, placing a soiled plunger in your shower won’t be the end of the world, because you’ll be cleaning out your shower when you’re finished.

1. 1First, try a drain stick to see whether it works. A drain stick, such as a Zip-it, is a little snake that may be used to clear obstructions from drains and pipes. As soon as you’ve successfully removed the stopper, insert the other end of the stick into the drain. The barbs snag on any clogs that may be present, and you may easily pull them out. However, because the stick is only around a foot long, it will not work on jams that are deeper in the pipe
2. 2 A snake can be purchased or rented. A snake, also known as an auger cable or a sewer rod, is used to locate obstructions that are deeper in the sewage system. It is a cable with a tip at one end that is used to remove blockages. If you have a drain problem, you can purchase or rent a snake from your local home improvement store
3. 3 Insert the cable by pushing it in. Remove the strainer portion of a shower head. Remove the overflow plate from a tub drain and insert your hand into the opening. Insert the cable or rod into the hole by threading it through. Continue pressing until you feel the line become clogged, at which point you should stop
4. 4 Hold on to the clog with both hands. Latching on to an auger cable is accomplished by rotating the handle in a clockwise direction. This causes the end to twist into the blockage. Maintain pressure on the blockage by pushing, tugging, and rotating it. Pushing forward and backward with a sewer rod will help to clear the jam
5. 5 Make certain that it is understandable. If the standing water begins to drain, this is a strong indication that the line is beginning to clear. Repeat the process until you are satisfied that the clog has been fully removed. Run some more water down the line to make sure that the water is draining correctly and that the line does not have any more obstructions further down the line.

• Depending on how far down the line the clog is located, you may need to feed in additional rod or cable in order to eliminate the obstruction.

Remove the rod or cable from the holder. As soon as you are certain that the line is clean, remove the rod or cable from the pipe. In order to guarantee that you are entirely clear, run some hot water down the line, and then replace everything that is in need of replacement, including the shower drain. Bring the pipe to a close and return it to the retailer or store it somewhere safe. Advertisement

1. 1 Prevent clogging of drains by taking preventative steps. Hair strainers should be used to reduce the likelihood of hair entering the drain. Hair is caught by these strainers before it can get down down the drain, where it will be more difficult to clean it out later on. Strainers may be purchased from a hardware shop in your neighborhood.

• You will, however, need to clear out these strainers on a regular basis in order to maintain your shower draining correctly.

2Fill your drain with hot water and flush it. After every shower or bath, flush the drain with hot water to clear the clogged pipes. This procedure will allow new build-up to be washed away, lowering the likelihood of long-term build-up adhering to your plumbing system’s pipes. 3Make frequent use of baking soda. Additionally, you can perform a baking soda flush once or twice a month. Start by pouring a cup of baking soda down the sink’s garbage disposal. After that, add a cup of boiling water to the pot.

Advertisement Create a new question

• Question: Why does my shower drain at such a snail’s pace? As co-owner of the Twin Home Experts, which includes his twin brother David, James Schuelke is a certified plumber who also specializes in mold inspections. The Twin Home Experts is situated in Los Angeles, California, and provides plumbing, leak detection, and mold inspection services. James has more than 32 years of expertise in home repair and commercial plumbing, and he has grown the Twin Home Experts business to include Phoenix, Arizona, and the Pacific Northwest. Answer from a Professional PlumberExpert
• Question When Draino does not work, what can I do to unclog my shower drain? As co-owner of the Twin Home Experts, which includes his twin brother David, James Schuelke is a certified plumber who also specializes in mold inspections. The Twin Home Experts is situated in Los Angeles, California, and provides plumbing, leak detection, and mold inspection services. James has more than 32 years of expertise in home repair and commercial plumbing, and he has grown the Twin Home Experts business to include Phoenix, Arizona, and the Pacific Northwest. Answer from a Professional PlumberExpert

Inquire about something There are 200 characters remaining. Include your email address so that you may be notified when this question has been resolved. SubmitAdvertisement

• Pour 1/2 cup of Dawn down the shower drain at least once a month to keep a heavily used shower drain in good condition.

Advertisement

Things You’ll Need

• Stiff wire or coat hanger
• Plunger
• Drain stick
• Auger cable
• Chemical drain cleaner
• Liquid dish detergent
• Pliers
• Stiff wire or coat hanger
• Water on the boil
• Pliers
• Utility knife
• White vinegar
• Baking soda

About This Article

Summary of the ArticleXIf you need to unclog a sluggish shower drain, try a couple of these basic procedures first before consulting a professional plumber. To clear your shower drain, try pouring 1 cup of Dawn liquid dish detergent or any other enzyme-based liquid soap down the sink drain. After an hour, flush the drain with hot water to remove any remaining residue. Pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by two cups of hot water, is still another alternative to consider. Immediately after 5 minutes, flush the drain with a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar.

Pour another cup of boiling water into the pot after it’s finished.

The barbs on the stick will grab and pull out any blockages that may have formed.

Continue reading to find out how to unclog a drain with chemical drain cleaners and what you should avoid doing. Did you find this overview to be helpful? The writers of this page have together authored a page that has been read 205,125 times.

Did this article help you?