If you’ve ever stepped into your shower only to find water pooling around your feet, you’re not alone. A backed-up drain is a common issue for many Tacoma homeowners, and it can be more than just an inconvenience. Persistent clogs may lead to water damage, unpleasant odors, or even plumbing system strain if left untreated.
If you’re already looking up drain cleaning in Tacoma WA, here’s what you need to know before calling in a professional.
What Causes a Shower Drain to Back Up?
Before fixing the problem, it helps to understand why it’s happening. Shower drains are especially prone to blockages because of the type of waste they carry. These are the most common culprits:
Hair buildup: Over time, hair can tangle and clump with soap and grease, forming a thick blockage.
Soap scum: Soap residue doesn’t always wash away cleanly. It can harden inside pipes, narrowing the passage for water.
Mineral deposits: If you have hard water, minerals may slowly collect on pipe walls, contributing to slow drainage.
Foreign objects: Small items like plastic tags, razor caps, or kids’ bath toys can slip down the drain and cause an obstruction.
Even newer homes in Tacoma can experience these problems, but older plumbing systems with narrower or corroded pipes are even more susceptible.
Early Steps to Manage a Slow Shower Drain
If your shower is draining slowly but isn’t fully clogged yet, there are a few simple, low-risk approaches that may help reduce minor buildup.
- Hair catchers can minimize future problems by stopping strands before they enter the drain.
- Running hot water—not boiling—through the drain can sometimes help break down soap scum or grease, particularly in metal pipes.
- For small blockages, try a baking soda and vinegar mixture. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, then clear it with hot water.
- If safe to do so, plunging with a standard cup plunger could help shift a shallow blockage.
While these options might provide short-term relief, ongoing or recurring drainage issues often point to a more serious blockage. That’s when it’s best to involve a licensed plumbing professional.
What Not to Do
It’s tempting to grab a bottle of chemical drain cleaner, but this can do more harm than good, especially in older homes. These products are highly corrosive and may weaken or damage your pipes over time. They also pose safety risks for you and your plumber if further work is needed later on.
Avoid forcing wire hangers or makeshift tools into the drain, as they can scratch pipes or push clogs deeper into the system.
When to Call a Professional
If water continues to pool or drain slowly despite your efforts, it’s time to schedule professional drain cleaning in Tacoma WA. Trained plumbers use specialized equipment to find and remove stubborn clogs without risking pipe damage.
Here are signs your issue needs expert help:
- Water backs up every time you shower, even after DIY attempts
- You hear gurgling sounds in nearby drains
- Other drains in the house are also slow or smelly
- The clog keeps returning after a short time
In these cases, the problem could be deeper in your plumbing system than a simple hairball.
How Professionals Clean Shower Drains
Plumbers choose their tools based on the location and the severity of the clog.
Drain snakes (augers): These bendable cables are designed to travel far into the plumbing system and dislodge tough blockages.
Hydro jetting: Pressurized water jets are effective at clearing tough buildup, including grease, soap residue, and even intrusive roots.
Sewer camera inspection: If recurring blockages or slow drains are happening throughout the house, a camera inspection helps pinpoint deeper problems like cracked pipes or collapsed lines.
Having a trained plumber assess your system ensures the right method is used without risking further damage.
Preventing Future Clogs
Once your shower drain is flowing freely again, a few regular practices can help you avoid the problem in the future:
- Place a drain strainer over the opening to trap hair and debris
- Avoid rinsing oily products or lotions down the shower drain
- Schedule preventive maintenance if you’ve had recurring issues
Taking these steps early, along with calling a pro when necessary, can help you avoid costly emergency plumbing work.
Related Articles:
- Tacoma Drain Cleaning: How Often Should Homeowners Get It Done?
- Does Drain Cleaning Improve Plumbing Health in Tacoma Homes?
Expert Help Is Close By
If you’re dealing with a slow or clogged shower drain, help is available. Drain cleaning in Tacoma WA becomes even more important during summer, when extra water use from showers, laundry, and outdoor activities can strain your plumbing. In & Out Plumbing understands how frustrating repeated backups can be and how important it is to get your bathroom running smoothly again.
We don’t just handle urgent repairs; we help prevent them. From video inspections to safe and thorough drain clearing, our technicians provide reliable residential plumbing support with respect, safety, and transparent pricing.
If you’ve been searching for drain cleaning in Tacoma WA, don’t wait for the next clog. Contact In & Out Plumbing today and get your drains back in top shape.
