Slow Shower Drain

[Terry43]

Our drain in the shower is getting slow to drain, I know that it does not have a regular "P" trap but some kind of drain that has flaps in it to prevent odors from coming back through it. So I am pretty sure i don't want to plunge it which would possibly damage the drain. So looking for best solution to remedy this problem.

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

[Afubar]

When my shower drain starts to slow it's because hair has been caught up on the top of the drain (in my case, it's a three sided spoke type thing) when this happens, I take a little brush like flexible thingy, stick down, twirl around, pull out the hair. Problem solved until the next time.

Like this:

http://www.amazon.com/TURBO-SNAKE-DR...5BDY0124BASYQ1

[tom chelbana]

Every 2 to 3 years we need to take the drain cover off and clean out the hair that collects in the drain and then with a 1/2 gray water put drain cleaner in. Then dump gray so drain cleaner doesn't damage seals.

[MSHappyCampers]

This is all you need! Wal-Mart and most other hardware stores has them.

Zip It, Drain Cleaning Tool, Used To Unclog Sinks, Show

They state on the package that this is for one-time use only. That's just a liability thing because it has sharp barbs and they're afraid some dumbo will pull it through his hand the wrong way when cleaning it!

[Smitty77]

Agree with the mini snake to pull out what you can. We also do a regular every 6 month cycle (at home and in the RV) of adding baking powder and white vinegar down the drains. This will clear out accumulation of 'gunk' that builds up in the traps, and can even shake loose hair that could not be pulled out with the mini snake.

Best of luck to you,
Smitty

[Terry43]

Thanks for all the prompt suggestions; I am a little reluctant to use the zip tool because it might pull the baffles backwards. This would the really slow the drain down.

[RedWing Nut]

Originally Posted by Smitty77

Agree with the mini snake to pull out what you can. We also do a regular every 6 month cycle (at home and in the RV) of adding baking powder and white vinegar down the drains.

Best of luck to you,
Smitty

Could we have more details, please.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by Terry43

Thanks for all the prompt suggestions; I am a little reluctant to use the zip tool because it might pull the baffles backwards. This would the really slow the drain down.

Terry43
Baffles??
To my knowledge RV shower drains do not have baffles in them... (an "air admittance valve" in the drain vent pipe perhaps... but no baffles in the drain)...in fact most shower drains have P-traps.
However, as usual anything is possible with any coach.

Can you post a pic of, or a link to, the "baffles" used in your shower drain?

Thanks.
Mel
'96 Safari

[firedoc]

X2 on the p traps!

[Clay L]

A few years back some RVs were advertised as having a check valve instead of a P trap in some/all? of the drains. It was a Hepvo waterless trap I don't know if it is still being offered but the web site is still active.
You might want to check with them and see if the ZipIt can be used. It sure works well.

["007"]

Last time I had the vent return grill off I had a P-Trap under the shower floor.
Two screws on vent cover you can check and also make sure the screw fittings on pipe are tight.

[HicksRA]

Does anyone know how to get the shower drain grille off? (2005 DSDP) Mine drains fairly slow too and I couldn't figure out how to get the cover off. I tried to pry it up until it was about to bend the metal and would not come off. I also tried to unscrew it to no avail as well. I was afraid to force it farther either way in fear of messing it up.

[JFXG]

Once you get the trap and drain cleaned, suggest you put a stainless steel mesh screen in the drain to preclude further accumulation. Available in various sizes at most hardware stores. Cheap.

[GaryKD]

Hi,
First make sure the drain does not have a "P" trap. My shower has a "P" trap. For those with a "P" trap, treat the drain just as one would at the S&B house. I fill the grey tank 1/2 full. Then use Drano as instructed on the can. Then fill the grey tank to 100%. Dump the grey tank. If one remains uncomfortable, fill the grey tank and dump again.

JFXG has the answer. I've used the mesh for years on all drains. They work as advertised and allow the cleaning process to be done quickly. Go to Camco 42273 Sink Shower Strainers to see an example.

To HicksRA, the only way I got my shower drain grille off was to destroy it. Then I put the strainer (per above link) in place and all is good.