One of the most common reasons for plumbers to visit a property in a non-emergency situation is because of a blockage. While pipe blockages can occur in your kitchen and utility areas, baths and showers are especially prone to them for an array of reasons. If you want to avoid calling on a plumber too frequently, it's worth learning some of the tricks they use to prevent drain clogs themselves.

Using a shower guard

From washing your hair and shaving through to using shower products that contain beads and exfoliants, there are lots of reasons why your shower's drain is a target for clogs. When hair and conditioner come together, they can form a ball that's difficult to fish out. One way to prevent this from happening is to use a shower drain guard. Such guards will catch most of the problematic materials that go into your shower, but not all of them. When you notice debris start to build up, clean it and replace.

If you're yet to use a shower guard and your water is draining slower than usual, you may want to call on a plumber. They can identify where the clog is coming from and make recommendations for preventing further incidents.

Adding bicarbonate of soda to your weekly cleaning regime

If you clean your bath or shower on a weekly basis, consider adding bicarbonate of soda to your weekly routine. To make the most of bicarbonate of soda, pour one cup down the drain and follow it with an equal measure of vinegar. Allow it to rest while you clean the rest of your bathroom, then chase it with hot water. The fizzing action will encourage clog-encouraging materials to move along, reducing the risk of unexpected blockages.

Avoid the use of certain materials

Some cosmetic products contain microbeads, exfoliating substances, and other small particles. While they won't always cause a short-term risk, they can lead to problems when you use them regularly. If you love to exfoliate, consider switching to a pummace stone or a loofah instead. Dead skin cells break down easier than the items that exfoliators contain, which means they're less likely to result in a plumbing disaster. If you do want to use an exfoliator, consider exfoliating over a bowl of water and flushing the contents down the toilet.

While making an effort to prevent blockages, make sure you watch out for the signs of a clog. Bad smells, poor drainage, and water backing up are all signs that you should call on a plumber for assistance.

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