After taking a shower, the last thing you want to worry about is water backup. Even if it might seem like a minor issue, you should know that leaving it unchecked can become a real headache.
If you see water backing up in the shower, there are a few reasons why it’s happening. Not all of them are serious issues, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. In this article, we’ll discuss the reasons why water is backing up into the shower and the possible solutions you can turn to.
Let’s understand why water backup is happening in your shower. We’ll look at the four most common causes of the issue.
This is the one you want to check for first. A clogged drain is extremely common and probably the reason why there’s water backing up in your shower. And there’s a good reason why—hair, debris, and soap scum all go down the drain, creating clogging in your pipes.
To rule this out, you’ll want to use a plunger to try to unclog the drain or a drain snake to remove any blockages. If those methods aren’t working, call a plumber. There are just some things you can’t do on your own.
We get this question a lot—”What does my sewer line have to do with my shower?” Though it doesn’t look like it, all the pipes in most homes are connected. Your sewer line could potentially be the cause of water backing up in your shower. Read our blog on sewage backing up into the shower!
If the water looks dirty, it’s most definitely your sewage line. In this case, don’t attempt to fix the issue yourself, as it’s a health hazard. Call a plumber instead.
Your vent pipe helps regulate the water pressure throughout your drain system and keeps your water flowing smoothly. If there’s water backup, it could mean your vent pipe is blocked. You’ll want to check for blockages near the vent opening, using either a plumber’s snake or water hose. But if you’re unsure what to do, call a pro plumber.
This isn’t your fault, but it could be that the plumbing pipes in your home weren’t installed properly. If there’s not a good slope in your shower drain, water may not be draining, causing a backup.
There are always two options for plumbing: Do it yourself or call a plumber. Let’s discuss both and see which option is best for you.
If you don’t mind getting your sleeves wet, try out the following DIY solutions.
Everyone should have a plunger in their bathroom. It’s a cheap plumbing tool that really comes in handy. To use it, place the plunger over the drain, push it down firmly, and then release it. Repeat this until you see the clog is removed.
A drain snake isn’t necessarily in everyone’s toolkit, but it’s a handy tool to help with clogs. You’ll need a gentle hand when inserting it, and once you feel resistance, start to rotate it. Then pull it out slowly—it should take out whatever was clogging your pipe.
Grandma’s little trick works! Mix baking soda and vinegar together and pour it down the drain. Then, wait 15 minutes before pouring hot water down the drain. What will happen is that the baking soda and vinegar will loosen the clog, and the hot water will help flush it out.
If the DIY solutions don’t work, you’ll need to call in the pros. There’s a lot of merit in trying to solve the problem yourself, but sometimes you just need heavy-duty equipment and knowledge to deal with water backup.
A professional plumber will assess the situation and be able to give you the best option to deal with the problem. Pricing will depend on the severity of the issue, whether it’s a clogged pipe or a structural issue. Once they provide you with an assessment, the next step is simply fixing the problem.
You’ve just experienced water backing up into your shower, and we know it’s not fun. To prevent this from happening again, there are a couple of things you can do.
It may be easy to just watch your hair go down the drain, but believe us when we say it’ll come back to haunt you. This is one of the 10 things your plumber wishes you wouldn't do. Purchase a hair catcher for your shower to avoid future clogs—it does wonders! Also, avoid pouring anything down the drain, including fat or grease. These are prone to pipe buildup and blockages.
You may be thinking, “This sounds a lot like going to the doctor's office.” But regular checkups do help prevent future issues. Clean debris from your drains, use the baking soda and vinegar mixture occasionally and schedule an annual drain cleaning service with your plumber.
Water backing up into shower drains is a routine issue but one that’s avoidable. If you’re noticing water backup, do a check for clogs and blockages. If that doesn’t work, call SLAM Plumbing. We provide high-quality service and can handle any plumbing. Trust us, we’ve seen it all.
