It’s been said that the average person spends a third of their life in the washroom. If you really think about it, bathrooms are pretty darn important to our daily lives!
And if you have one at your campsite or RV, then it becomes even more crucial that you unclog RV shower drain before disaster strikes.
This article will show you how to unblock your RV shower drains with household items and simple steps.
What is a Clog and Why Does It Happen?
When water is unable to drain properly down the shower, it is said you have a clog. This usually happens from built up hair and soap scum along with body oils that get washed down your drain each time you take a shower.
Depending on what type of sink or tub you have, there are two ways materials can become stuck in the drain.
First, there are hair catcher strainers that can get clogged with hair. These need to be removed and cleaned out every so often to ensure water is able to continue moving freely in the sink drain.
Second, materials such as toilet paper or baby wipes can also become stuck in your drain. When these items mix with the other materials that are not flushed down the drain, your drain can become clogged and water will stop draining.
Here Are Some Tips on How to Unclog RV Shower Drain?
1. Try Dissolving Hair and Soap Scum Using a Plunger
You can use a handheld plunger or one that is attached to the end of your pipe below the sink drain. Place the plunger in the drain and quickly push it up and down a few times.
2. Try Using a Chemical Drain Cleaner Solution
You can also use chemicals to get rid of the clog that are specifically designed to dissolve hair, soap scum, and grease.
You can use a chemical sink drain cleaner solution easily by pouring it into your drain and allowing it to sit for the recommended time on the bottle.
Make sure you follow the instructions on how to use and store them as well.
3. Go with an Auger or Plumber's Snake
If you don't have any luck with chemicals, there is another solution you may want to try. It's called using an auger or plumber's snake, depending on the type of drain you have.
This tool is a long cable-like piece of metal that's either flexible or rigid and coiled in a small tubular case.
The auger's case has a crank handle with a small metal loop on the end of it. You'll need to feed the cable or flexible wire into the drain opening.
Then use the crank on the handle to rotate and push the cable into the drain as far as it can go.
4. Check Flush Valves and Tank Rinsers
There are also other factors that may have contributed to your clogged shower drain. So don't forget to check the flush valves and holding tank rinsers.
These components may have debris that prevents the water from flowing. So it’s important to clean them as well.
5. Call a Professional If Nothing Works for You
If these techniques don't work for unclogging your RV's shower drain, it might be time to call in a professional to help you out.
A plumber will have the skills and know-how to get the job done. All you need to do is ask around for recommendations or check your local phone book.
Here Are Some Tips to Prevent Clogged RV Shower Drains
Clean Your Shower Floor on a Regular Basis: If you want to prevent such clogging problems, be sure to clean your shower floor regularly.
Scrub the area using a brush or a mop. Rinse it off with clean water, and then dry it afterwards using a towel.
Keep The Drain Clear of Hair: Make sure that you keep your drains clear of hair to prevent clogging, especially during long trips outdoors.
There are two ways in which you can do this: You can either use a mesh drain catcher or install an over-the-drain grate.
Create a Trap for Further Prevention: You can create a trap to prevent hair from going into the drain in the first place.
All you need is a bucket with very high sides, and position it under the drain's opening.
Next, attach an old nylon stocking over the bucket's rim. The water will enter without any problem, but the hair will be caught by the stocking.
Therefore, you don't have to worry about calling a plumber every time you want to use your shower. You can now enjoy a clog-free and drain-free RV washroom!
Warnings to Follow When Unclogging RV Shower Drains
1. When you have a clogged drain, don't try to unblock it by using chemicals that are not designed for this purpose.
2. If you're not sure how to unblock an RV shower drains, make sure you check out the instructions on the bottle of the chemical that you're using.
3. Be careful when removing any clogs in the plumbing in your RV because they can break and result in leaks.
4. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia which can sometimes damage your pipes if they're not used properly and can also harm your family members or pets if they ingest them.
5. Be careful when you're performing any maintenance task on your RV with chemical, especially if they are flammable and hazardous to the skin or environment.
6. Always follow all safety precautions listed in manuals and labels of any chemical products you’re using when cleaning out pipes or tanks on your recreation vehicle before starting the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
01. Why Is My RV Shower Not Draining?
Your RV shower is not drain because there could be a clog somewhere in the RV plumbing.
It may simply be a buildup of hair, or it could be any number of items that have found their way down the shower drains.
02. What Are the Signs of a Clogged RV Shower Drain?
There are some signs to look for when you're trying to determine if your RV shower drain is clogged:
1) If the water starts to drain and then backs up again.
2) Shower drain has difficulties drain
3) Grinding or rattling sounds when you use your hand held sprinkle near the drain.
4) Slow drain of water in the Bathtub or Sprinkler.
5) Water backing up into the washroom when you are not using it.
6) Drying out your skin or eyes.
7) Black streaks in the drain of clean water.
8) Sewer smell in the rv when you're not using the toilet or appliances such as the sink, dishwasher and washer/dryer.
9) Sewer smell in Bathroom When Not in Use.
03. How Can I Unblock RV Shower Drain with Hot Water and Baking Soda?
If you don't have a drain cleaner in your RV grey water tank, you can unclog an RV bath drains with hot water and baking soda. The first step in drain cleaner with hot water is to make sure the knob on your shower faucet is turned off.
You then need to fill the bathtub from the water tank with at least two inches of lukewarm water and turn the hot water on so it is barely running.
Next, you need to surround the overflow drain or the one closest to the bottom of your RV's tub with a pan filled with boiling water.
The steam will cause most hair clogs to loosen, which will allow water from your RV bath to flow freely.
You may need several pans if there are multiple drain points in your bath stall that need to be unclogged.
04. How Do I Unclog an RV Shower System If It's Overflowing With Water?
If your RV sprinkle system is overflowing with water, you will want to do one of two things.
You can either use a plunger that fits over the drain opening in the bottom of the RV or you can turn off the water and then remove any excess items from the overflow drain or one of the bathe drains.
Then try turning on the water and see if it'll unblock itself. If not, you may want to repeat this process over again, in case hair clogs were loosened by air pulling them out of the drain while you were turning off the water.
05. Who Should I Call To Unblock My RV's Shower Drain?
If you're certain that your RV's bath drains are clogged, then it may be worth calling a plumber. A good plumber will have the knowledge and experience to handle any type of clog they find in your RV.
In addition, they will also have all the right tools for the job, which many homeowners don't typically have at home. A plumber can use their expertise to unblock even a severely clogged bathroom drain.
You can even hire a cheap but dependable plumber to save money while ensuring your convenience!
Final Words
It’s not your fault if you have an RV and it has a clogged bath drain, but the good news is that there are solutions to this problem. We are provided with some tips on how to unclog your RV sprinkler drain.
Follow safety guides if you're performing any maintenance task on your RV with chemicals, especially if they are flammable and hazardous to the skin or environment. If you have any other questions, contact us and we will be happy to help!
Very informative! We’ve got nothing to add.