How to Clean the Siphon in a Shower Tray?

The bathroom is a room that requires special care. A clean toilet, bath, and sink, shiny fixtures, a clear mirror, and shower glass are the best calling cards of any home. The critical area that will sooner or later remind us of its existence is the shower siphon. We only realize its importance when the system fails to drain water effectively from the shower. How to clean a clogged shower siphon?

Causes of a Clogged Shower Siphon

Siphons in shower trays and other sanitary devices often become clogged. The reason is thicker debris that gets into the drain. In the case of a clogged shower tray, it is most often hair, soap scum, pet fur, or particles from clothing, sponges, or other toilet accessories. It is easy to prevent such a situation. Proper use and systematic cleaning of the siphon are sufficient. It is worth imposing hygiene protocols on all users of the shower. If the siphon is cleaned regularly, we can avoid the problem of clogged drains, or worse, clogs in the sewage pipes. Clearing the sewage connection is no longer that simple and may require the intervention of a plumber.

Choosing the Right Fixtures as an Antidote to a Clogged Shower Siphon

A clogged shower siphon is a huge inconvenience. To prevent such a problem, it is worth investing in a modern and effective drainage system. In the rich offer of bathroom fixtures, there are siphons that not only rarely become clogged but also have the ability to self-clean. This eliminates the need to intervene in the shower drain and remove the accumulated dirt. An example could be a self-cleaning siphon, whose specific design promotes cleaning the system with flowing water. It consists of horizontally arranged pipes in the shape of the letter "S" or "U". The horizontal design increases its functionality and helps reduce malfunctions. Every time water is run, it cleans the system, hence its name. The disadvantage of this solution is the considerable amount of usable bathroom space that needs to be dedicated to installing such a siphon.

What About a Shower Siphon Cleaned from the Top?

Another recommended device is a siphon cleaned from the top. Due to its small size, it can be successfully used in most shower trays. It is also referred to as a bell siphon, due to its characteristic shape. To clear it, it is enough to remove the cover and gently clean the drainage set. This is not a very pleasant task, so when removing dirt, it is advisable to use rubber gloves, especially since debris can also accumulate under the insert of the shower siphon. Siphons cleaned from the top are usually equipped with a removable click-clack stopper, allowing for easy access to the drain. Thorough and systematic cleaning of the siphon ensures its efficiency. It also helps avoid problems related to disassembling the shower tray, which is required to clear the sewage connection.

How to Efficiently Clean the Siphon?

Clearing the shower drain is not a complicated task, but it is not one of the most pleasant activities. Therefore, it is worth systematically cleaning the siphon to prevent excessive buildup of debris. Here’s how to proceed to unblock the system:

• Remove the drain cover,
• Remove any dirt found beneath it,
• Ensure that debris is not also stuck under the siphon insert,
• Gently clean the drainage set,
• Check for blockages,
• Replace the cover in its place.

It is worth noting that some click-clack stoppers are equipped with a strainer, making cleaning the siphon contents easier. Just remove the stopper, clear out the debris stuck in the basket, and place it back in its proper position.

Chemical Methods for Unblocking the Drain

It may happen that removing dirt from the surface of the stopper does not yield the desired results. The debris is deeper and harder to reach. How to clean the shower siphon in such a situation? The simplest method is to flush the drain with a strong stream of hot water. You can also use household chemicals, e.g., pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into the drain, followed by flushing with hot water. If this does not help, you may need to resort to other, more drastic methods. The least drastic method is to use drain cleaning detergents. It is important to choose products suited to our drain, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and use rubber gloves when applying them, as these substances can be highly caustic.

Technical Methods for Cleaning the Siphon

If traditional methods fail, a clogged drain can be attempted to be cleared with the help of a special rubber plunger. The cleaning process involves tightly placing the rubber over the siphon inlet and vigorously moving the handle up and down to suck out the debris. The better the rubber seals against the tray surface, the more effective the tool is. Exceptional sealing can be achieved by applying a greasy cream to the rubber. A more modern and equally effective alternative to the plunger is tools resembling a gun or syringe.

To unblock the siphon, you can also use a thin, flexible wire. It should be finished with a hook. When using such solutions, it is necessary to exercise particular caution as there is a risk of damaging the drain and shower tray. Debris removed or sucked out of the drain should be disposed of outside the shower tray. They must not be rinsed down, as they may form a clog again.