How to clean a shower tray siphon?

The bathroom is a space requiring special care. A clean toilet, bathtub, and sink, shining fixtures, a clear mirror, and a shower cabin glass are the best showcases of any home. A critical spot that sooner or later reminds you of its existence is the shower tray siphon. Its significance is only noticed when the system fails to effectively drain water from the shower. How to clean a clogged shower tray siphon?

Causes of a clogged shower tray siphon

Siphons in shower trays and other sanitary devices quite often get clogged. The reason is larger debris that enters the drain. In the case of a clogged shower tray, it is usually hair, soap scum, pet fur, or particles coming from clothes, sponges, or other bathroom accessories. This situation can easily be prevented with proper use and regular siphon cleaning. It is worth imposing a hygiene regime on all shower cabin users. If the siphon is cleaned regularly, we can avoid the problem of clogging the drain, or even worse, the sewer pipes. Cleaning the sewer approach is not that simple and may require a plumber's intervention.

Choosing the right fixtures as an antidote to a clogged shower tray siphon

A clogged shower tray siphon is a huge inconvenience. To prevent such a problem, it is worth investing in a modern and effective drainage system. In the rich range of bathroom fixtures, there are siphons that not only rarely get clogged but also have a self-cleaning capability. This eliminates the need to interfere with the shower tray drain and remove the dirt accumulating there. An example is a self-cleaning siphon, whose specific design favors cleaning the system with running water. It is a system of horizontally arranged pipes in the shape of the letter "S" or "U". The horizontal construction enhances its functionality and helps reduce failure. Each time water is run, it cleans the system, hence its name. The downside of this solution is the significant amount of floor space in the bathroom that needs to be sacrificed to install such a siphon.

Or maybe a top-cleaning shower tray siphon?

Another device worth recommending is a top-cleaning siphon. Due to its small size, it can successfully be used in most shower trays. It is also marketed under the name bell siphon, due to its characteristic shape. To unclog it, simply remove the cover and gently clean the drainage set. This is not a pleasant task, so it is advisable to use rubber gloves when removing the dirt, especially since debris can also accumulate under the insert of the shower tray siphon. Top-cleaning siphons are usually equipped with a removable click-clack plug, allowing convenient access to the drain. Thorough and systematic siphon cleaning guarantees its efficiency. It also helps avoid problems related to the dismantling of the shower tray, which is required for sewer approach cleaning.

How to efficiently clean the siphon?

Clearing a shower tray drain is not a complicated activity, but it is not the most pleasant task. Therefore, it is worth regularly cleaning the siphon to prevent excessive debris accumulation. Here's how to unclog the system:

• remove the drain cover,
• remove the dirt under it,
• ensure there are no blockages under the siphon insert,
• gently clean the drainage set,
• check the drainage,
• place the cover back in its place.

It's good to know that some click-clack plugs are equipped with a strainer that makes it easier to clean the siphon contents. Just take out the plug, remove the debris from the basket, and place it back correctly.

Chemical methods for unclogging the drain

It may happen that removing dirt from the plug's surface does not bring the desired results. The debris is deeper and harder to reach. How to clean a shower tray siphon in such a situation? The simplest method is to rinse the drain with a strong stream of hot water. You can also use homemade chemical means, e.g., pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into the drain, then rinse with hot water. If this does not help, resort to other, more radical methods. The least drastic method is using detergents for unclogging sewer pipes. However, it is important to select products suitable for our drain, follow the manufacturer's recommendations, and apply them using rubber gloves since these are highly caustic substances.

Technical methods for cleaning the siphon

If traditional methods fail, try unclogging the drain with a special rubber plunger. The cleaning process involves tightly applying the rubber to the siphon inlet and vigorously moving the handle up and down to suck out the debris. The better the rubber fits to the shower tray surface, the more effective the device is. Exceptional tightness can be achieved by greasing the rubber with a greasy cream. A modern and equally effective alternative to the plunger is tools resembling a gun or syringe.

To unclog the siphon, a thin, flexible wire can also be used. It should end with a hook. When using these solutions, special caution is necessary as there is a risk of damaging the drain and the shower tray. The sucked out or removed debris must be discarded away from the shower tray. They must not be rinsed as they may form a blockage again.