We’re cleaning the shower tray trap – how to take it apart and unblock the drain?

Water runs away more slowly from the shower tray, sometimes air bubbles come up from the drain, and when the fittings have dried an unpleasant odour appears – the first signs of a blocked trap can be subtle, and easy to miss in the rush of everyday life. How should you cope if the worst happens? In this article, we’ll walk you through a few key points on unblocking a shower tray drain.

How does a shower tray trap work? Construction and use

A trap is a closure in the waste system located beneath the shower tray; it carries away used water and prevents unpleasant odours escaping from the drain. It has been used in homes for centuries – the prototype of the modern model was created in 1825. The modular design of contemporary drain kits makes it easy to adapt them to space constraints in the bathroom.

A trap consists of two air chambers. Water flushed through the drain enters the sewer by gravitational drainage. A small amount then remains at the lowest point of the trap, forming a barrier between the air in the bathroom and sewer gases.

Every trap has its own flow limitations. In addition, when choosing the right model you should consider its shape, intended use, the material it’s made from, and the filtration system. To make selection easier, you can buy a ready-made kit with a shower tray drain or a linear drain.

Moreover, remember that for proper operation the trap needs to be replenished with water from time to time. If the water held in it evaporates, the barrier disappears and an unpleasant odour becomes noticeable in the air. Therefore, even in an unoccupied property it’s worth turning on a tap or the shower for a moment now and then.

Blocked shower tray – how to deal with it?

Although the trap’s simple operating principle has worked for years, it isn’t perfect. The seal quite often becomes partially blocked. We then see water rising in the shower tray, which can even lead to flooding the entire bathroom.

There are several popular ways to unblock a trap. The simplest is to pour an appropriate chemical agent into the pipes to dissolve the build-up in the plumbing. Do bear in mind, however, that such substances are highly hazardous to health. They irritate the skin and respiratory tract and are harmful to the environment. Homemade vinegar-and-bicarb mixtures, on the other hand, are simply ineffective. So, at times, manual cleaning is the better alternative.

How do you clean a linear drain?

Trap of a linear drain has a slightly different shape to the classic shower tray model. In this case you’ll usually need to:

• Remove the grate (you’ll need a special lifting hook to prise up the drain’s cover element).
• Clean the drain channel of debris as far as possible.
• Lift out the mesh strainer that catches debris and clean it.

If a surface clean proves insufficient, it may mean there’s something in the trap blocking the outlet. In that case it’s better to reach for chemicals or use a rubber plunger, applying it to the mouth of the trap. The pressure created by the suction should pull the accumulated debris out of the pipes. If the shower tray’s construction prevents cleaning the linear drain in the way described, a visit from a plumber may be necessary.

Cleaning a classic shower tray trap

How do you unscrew the trap in a shower tray with a plug? The procedure involves removing the cover and taking out the cleaning insert – this part should be thoroughly cleared of dirt and soap residue. It’s also worth removing any debris from the accessible section of the waste pipe. If the blockage is located deeper, you can use a rubber plunger, a special drain grabber, or chemical agents. Do not push sharp, rigid wires into the waste, as they can damage the drain and cause leaks.

Replacing a trap without dismantling the shower tray – is it possible?

Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut answer to this question. It all depends on the shower tray’s construction and the bathroom layout. In many cases, replacing the trap in a shower tray will also require dismantling the shower enclosure. If you’re hesitant about doing the task yourself, you can call in a suitable professional.

It’s worth keeping the trap clear on a regular basis. Only systematic cleaning lets you avoid nasty surprises at the least expected moment. Keep your bathroom hygienic by choosing modern traps with additional strainers and convenient click-clack plugs!