My shower drain is slow. What can I do?

Start with simple cleaning methods before calling a plumber. Most slow shower drains are caused by hair, soap scum, and mineral buildup that you can often clear yourself.

Remove visible debris first by taking off the drain cover (usually just lifts out or unscrews) and pulling out any hair or soap buildup you can see. Use needle-nose pliers or tweezers to grab stubborn clogs. This alone often solves the problem.

Try a baking soda and vinegar treatment for deeper cleaning. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a wet cloth for 15-30 minutes, then flush with hot water. This natural method breaks down soap scum and organic matter without harsh chemicals that could damage your pipes.

For stubborn clogs, use a drain snake or zip-it tool (available at any hardware store for under $5). These flexible tools can reach deeper into the drain to pull out hair clogs that liquid cleaners can't dissolve. Avoid chemical drain cleaners as they can damage pipes and are harsh on Ottawa's older plumbing systems.

Ottawa's hard water contributes to mineral buildup in drains, so regular monthly cleaning with the baking soda method helps prevent future slowdowns. If you have an older home in areas like the Glebe or Westboro, mineral deposits may be more significant due to the original plumbing.

Call a licensed plumber if the drain remains slow after these attempts, if water backs up completely, or if you notice sewage odors. These could indicate a more serious blockage in your main drain line that requires professional equipment. For plumbing work, find licensed plumbers through the Ottawa Construction Network who can properly diagnose and fix drainage issues while ensuring your plumbing meets Ontario Building Code requirements.

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