Blocked shower tray or bath waste trap: how to deal with it effectively? Here’s how!

Have you noticed that the water in the shower or bath isn’t draining as smoothly as it should? Very often this is a sign of debris lingering in the trap, which hinders proper drainage. Over time, the build-up can lead to a complete blockage. What should you do when this problem appears? You can clear a blocked shower tray or bath trap in several ways. Which ones? You’ll find out below.

Blocked trap – the most common causes

A blocked trap is quite a common problem that can really disrupt everyday use of the bathroom. The most common cause of this nuisance is a build-up made up of, among other things, hair, soap scum and other small debris, which over time settles in the pipes, forming a kind of plug that prevents the free flow of water.

That’s not the only cause of a blocked trap, of course. Very often, the issue is also deposits of hard minerals in the water accumulating in the drain. Over time, they narrow the internal diameter of the pipes, and removing them can be very troublesome. It can also happen that small items that accidentally fell into the drain are to blame.

Cleaning the trap with household methods

Cleaning the trap using household methods is a cost-effective and effective way to keep water flowing smoothly and avoid expensive repairs. What can help? A lot depends on the type of debris you’re dealing with, but it’s worth trying the available home remedies.

One of the most popular and simplest methods for lingering fine debris is to use a mix of bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. Just pour half a cup of bicarbonate of soda directly into the drain, then add half a cup of vinegar. The chemical reaction that follows can help dissolve the build-up. After about 30 minutes, simply flush the drain with hot water and you’re done!

Another tried-and-tested home method is to use hot water and washing-up liquid, which helps break down greasy deposits. You should also remember to regularly use special drain-cleaning brushes, which help pull hair and other larger debris out of the drain.

Do keep in mind, however, that these won’t always bring the desired result—especially when a small item has fallen into the drain. In that case, you’ll need to dismantle the trap and clean it thoroughly.

How to dismantle a shower tray or bath trap?

Have you already tried home methods and they didn’t solve the problem? Did you go for chemical cleaners, but they didn’t work either? In that case, it’s time for a more hands-on approach—take the trap apart to get into its tightest spots.

How to clean the trap in the shower?

Every shower tray is responsible for catching and draining water while you’re using the shower, but a blocked trap can make this difficult and even cause water to spill onto the floor. Cleaning the shower tray trap will help you avoid this problem.

How do you clean a shower tray trap? It usually consists of a cover and a drain insert, which can be undone by hand or with a spanner. To clean the trap in the shower enclosure, start by removing the drain cover. A lot of debris gets caught there, so clean it thoroughly, removing built-up hair, soap scum and other dirt. Then take out the drain insert and clean it well too. You can remove dirt stuck in crevices with, for example, an old toothbrush.

It’s also worth rinsing the dismantled parts under warm running water. If you notice limescale deposits, use a vinegar solution or a dedicated limescale remover to dissolve them. Remember to rinse all parts thoroughly with clean water after using any cleaning agents, and then reinstall them exactly as they were.

How to clean the trap in the bath?

Cleaning a bath trap is similar to the shower. Undo the drain cover located at the bottom of the bath by hand or with a spanner. Then, depending on the type of trap you have, it may be necessary to remove additional elements, e.g. a strainer or the trap body, which may be clogged with accumulated debris.

When cleaning the bath trap from above, start by removing dirt from the dismantled parts. Also check that nothing remains in the pipe. Rinse everything thoroughly and reinstall it as it was.

Take care of the trap regularly and you’ll avoid blockages in the future. Best of luck!