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MakinSmoke · 12-15-2008, 03:52 AM

After 18 months if fulltiming, our shower is draining slower than normal. Is this a simple plunger job or is there something I'm supposed to pour into the drain to speed it up?

MakinSmoke · 12-15-2008, 03:52 AM

After 18 months if fulltiming, our shower is draining slower than normal. Is this a simple plunger job or is there something I'm supposed to pour into the drain to speed it up?

Workshop · 12-15-2008, 04:22 AM

Virg sounds like a soap/hair problem and can either be at the top of the pipe below the strainer or at the "P" or "J" trap. On my unit I have only a "J" trap between the shower drain and the tank. So would likely be one of those two spots.

My shower's drain has a strainer that is screwed in place in the center. Remove the screw and have visual access to the interior of the drain pipe below the strainer. Don't know if yours is like that? If so...remove the strainer an see if there is a buildup there.

Could try using hot water, I've used water from the coffee pot/maker, to pour down the drain in the house's kitchen drain to help flush out the sink's traps. This might help before using something stronger like a drain cleaner. As it is more soap based with hair included, might try using some soap/shower cleaner in the drain....let it set a bit and then use the hot water to flush out. The pipe material used in the plumbing should be able to withstand a chemical pipe cleaner if needed. Just check the label for warnings.

clspds · 12-15-2008, 04:33 AM

Virg,

I agree with Chris. We use vinegar and baking soda down the drains every month or so. This helps to keep things moving along. Let it sit for about 10 min. then rinse with hot water.

Paul

MakinSmoke · 12-15-2008, 05:56 AM

I'm on it boys, I'll get back with results after I try these solutions.
Thanks!

ON EDIT AFTER TRYING....
I had some soap scum remover/cleaner readily available. After I removed the strainer I cleaned out what I could just below there, poured about a pint of the stuff and went to boil water. When the gallon of water boiled, I pouredit down the drain on top of the stuff and then tried it out. The held my hand over the drain, filled the shower bottom with water and left the shower running. It drained faster than the incoming water so I think it is fixed.

We tried the vinegar/baking soda in the kitchen sink and I'll let you know how that works later.

Thanks for the suggestions, "something helped"

LindaH · 12-15-2008, 07:11 AM

After you get the drains working again, you might want to get some stainless steel strainers like these for both the shower and the kitchen sink drains.

The one for the shower will collect lots of hair, and even if you wipe dishes before washing, you'll be surprised at how much "stuff" the ones for the kitchen sinks collect!

rockintom · 12-15-2008, 12:37 PM

We've been purty lucky around here....ain't nobody in this household got enough hair to cause a problem!

Acker1 · 12-15-2008, 05:15 PM

I use one of THESE.

Clay L · 12-16-2008, 04:15 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Acker1:
I use one of THESE. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Me too!!

Its' simple but does a great job.

motojavaphil · 12-16-2008, 08:35 AM

On our MKO and currently the MH we had slow shower drains. Tried the chemicals and even considered a snake. Finally got a plunger and went for it. Worked like a charm.
Phil