Most people don’t realize that the way they shower could impact their plumbing system. Certain showering habits could lead directly to a call to your plumber. Bert Norman’s Plumbing features a full array of plumbing services for Callahan, FL. We repair a lot of shower drain problems that could be prevented. We don’t mind making any types of plumbing repairs or replacements, but you may want to avoid plumbing service calls if you can. In fact, you may be able to reduce the calls you make to a professional simply by changing some simple showering habits.
Washing Long Hair without a Drain Screen
Hair, especially longer hair, is a notorious cause of shower drain clogs. Naturally, the shower is the perfect place to wash your hair, but always be sure that a drain screen is in place to prevent hair from flowing down the drain. When hair gets caught up in shampoo and conditioner residue, it can begin to form a stubborn clog. The residue can harden. There may be biofilm in the drain as well, leading to a mucky situation that can catch up hair that will block the flow of water.
The first sign of a shower drain clog is usually slow drain. If you or your household members haven’t been showering with a drain screen to catch the hair before it flows into the drain system, there’s a good chance that a hair clog is forming. In some cases, you may be able to pull up some of the hair and muck using a kitchen sink auger, but you definitely don’t want to go too deep into the drain with a snake and damage it. A plumber has the skills to safely auger drains like shower drains.
Once a hair clog forms in your shower drain, you could experience shower backup. That’s not the only problem, however. Clogs, especially repeated clogs, can weaken your plumbing system. You definitely don’t want to cause a leaky pipe situation. By preventing hair from going down the drain with a screen that costs a few dollars, you can prevent hair clogs from occurring at your home.
Taking Long, Hot Showers
A long, hot shower after a day of work can be relaxing. Making a habit of these types of showers isn’t doing your plumbing system or bathroom any favors. The hot water and steam creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can grow in your plumbing system. In fact, it’s a common cause of smelly shower drains. The hot water is conducive to bacterial growth too.
In addition, the steam created from those showers is terrible for your bathroom space. Even with ventilation, the steam can still impact your walls and wallpaper if you have it. The bathroom’s rich moisture environment can quickly lead to an outbreak of mold. If you can reduce your habit of taking long, hot showers, it will be much better for your bathroom and plumbing system. If you do find that you have a smelly drain problem, you can consult with Bert Norman’s Plumbing. We can send a plumber to your Callahan, FL, home to perform drain cleaning services.
Not Cleaning Sink and Showering Nozzles Before Using Them
Hard water is a problem for many households, but it’s not something most people consider when showering. Make a habit of cleaning shower nozzles and sink fixtures weekly to prevent them from experiencing a mineral buildup that could damage their function. While replacing shower heads and faucets is an easy job for a plumber, it’s probably not a job you want to pay for more than absolutely necessary. You can support the longevity of your plumbing fixtures by removing mineral buildup from hard water before you shower. You’ll also find that these fixtures will work better when the deposits are removed.
Also, don’t wash those minerals down the drain or you might have to call a plumber from Bert Norman’s Plumbing sooner than you think. The same mineral deposits that clog your shower nozzle can also build up in your drains. Mineral buildup in pipes can narrow them, which means you’re likely to experience more clogs and have to place more service calls for a plumber. If you’re experiencing numerous shower clogs, you might need descaling services. A plumber from our team can perform this type of work, removing the buildup that’s lining your pipes so that they function better.
Kids’ Toys
There are lots of children’s toys that are designed for bathtub playtime, but it’s also common practice for kids to bring in other toys. These toys might have small parts that could get caught in your drain when you drain the tub. Also, just like human hair can clog the shower, dolls’ hair can also get caught up in your drain pipes. Be sure that kids understand that they shouldn’t allow small items to flow down the drain.
Pets
Many people wash their dogs in the tub and use their shower nozzle to rinse them off. Some dogs shed quite a bit. If you had a shedding dog, you might want to think twice about grooming it in your tub. In such cases, you definitely need a drain screen to prevent pet hair from clogging your pipes.
If you experience a problem with your shower drains, you can rely on a plumber from Bert Norman’s Plumbing. Every plumber on our team has the training and skills needed to serve our Callahan, FL, customers. We can also perform any other type of plumbing system repair you may need. Be sure to keep this information in mind and share it with your household. By changing a few showering habits, you can help keep your plumbing system functioning at its best–and avoid the necessity of placing plumbing service calls!