Bad Shower Habits That Could Damage Your Plumbing

In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we take a look at some common bad shower habits that can be disastrous for your bathroom plumbing. We’ll also share tips on how to shower smarter to avoid emergency plumbing scenarios.

Letting Hair Wash Down the Drain

It’s as unsightly as it is common: clumps of hair gathering at the drain after a shower. It’s easy to swipe the hair out of sight and down the drain, but this habit can cause major blockages over time. Hair easily combines with soap scum and other debris to create stubborn clogs deep in your plumbing.

Instead, invest in a drain strainer or hair catcher. These simple devices sit over your shower drain and trap hair before it enters the plumbing system. Clean it regularly and you’ll save yourself from calling a plumber to deal with a nasty clog.

Using Excessive Soap and Shampoo

While lathering up with shampoo and body wash is part of the routine, too much of it can contribute to plumbing issues. Soap scum (a residue created when soap mixes with hard water) can coat your pipes and restrict water flow. Over time, this buildup leads to blockages and slower drains.

Use a moderate amount of soap and shampoo, and consider switching to liquid soap or body wash which tends to leave less residue. If you have hard water, installing a water softener can also reduce soap scum buildup.

Leaving Shower Products on the Floor

It’s tempting to line up your shampoo bottles, razors, and soap bars on the shower floor, but this habit can cause problems over time. These items can slip, crack, or break, and pieces may find their way into the drain.

Install a shower caddy or shelving to keep your products organized and off the floor instead. Not only will this help your plumbing, but it also makes your shower look tidier and more luxurious.

Long, Steamy Showers

While a long hot shower feels amazing, it can take a toll on your plumbing – and your home. Excess steam can lead to moisture buildup which encourages mold and mildew growth in your bathroom. It can also put stress on your water heater by increasing energy usage and shortening its lifespan.

Limit showers to 10–15 minutes and keep the water temperature at a moderate level. (Pro Tip: Set your water heater thermostat at 120 degrees). Moreover, use an exhaust fan to ventilate your bathroom and prevent excess moisture from lingering.

Skipping Regular Drain Cleaning

Your shower drain handles a lot of hair, soap, dirt, and more. Without regular cleaning, debris can build up and cause slow drains or complete blockages.

Make drain cleaning part of your routine. Pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain once a month can help dissolve buildup. For stubborn clogs, a plumber can perform professional drain cleaning or hydro jetting to restore your pipes.

Hire Local Plumbers Today

If you’ve been searching around the web for “plumbers near me,” then look no further. Residents in Greenville and surrounding areas can call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to hire a local plumber in Elm City, NC today.