There’s nothing quite as annoying as standing in an inch of water every time you have a shower. If your shower tray is draining slowly — or not at all — you’re definitely not alone. At EPM, we regularly get callouts in Exeter and the surrounding area for blocked or sluggish shower drains.
The good news? Not every slow drain needs a plumber. Here’s how to tell what’s going on — and when it’s time to call in a pro.
First: Is It Just a Bit of a Clog?
The most common culprit for poor shower drainage is exactly what you’d expect: hair, soap scum, and product buildup. Over time, this gunk collects in the waste trap or pipework and slows the water flow. In worse cases, it can block the pipe entirely.
Try This First
Boiling Water – Pour a full kettle down the drain to soften any soap buildup.
Bicarb and Vinegar – Follow up with ½ cup of bicarbonate of soda, then ½ cup white vinegar. Let it fizz for 10–15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Hair Hook or Drain Snake – Use a plastic hair hook or a proper drain snake to pull out clumps of hair and debris.
You’d be surprised how many drains we’ve unblocked over the years that could’ve been sorted with a £2 tool and 10 minutes.
Still Not Draining? Let’s Look Deeper
If you’ve cleared what you can see and the problem persists, you might be looking at:
1. Blocked Waste Pipe Further Down
Sometimes the blockage is deeper in the pipework — beyond what you can reach with a basic tool. If your shower shares waste pipework with a basin or bath, and they’re slow too, that’s a big clue.
2. Incorrect Fall or Installation
We’ve come across showers in Exeter homes (especially older properties or rushed DIY jobs) where the waste pipe hasn’t been fitted with enough fall — meaning the water just doesn’t drain away properly. This often needs professional correction.
3. Damaged or Collapsed Pipework
This one’s rarer, but if you’ve got persistent drainage issues, weird smells, or water backing up elsewhere, it could mean damage under the floor or behind the walls.
When It’s Time to Call in a Pro
If you’ve:
Tried the basic fixes and it’s still slow
Noticed water pooling or leaks elsewhere
Smelt foul odours coming from the drain
Got multiple slow drains at once
…then it’s time to get in touch with a qualified plumber.
At EPM, we’re used to dealing with awkward shower blockages — and spotting when it’s something more serious. We’ve even had jobs where rodents chewed through waste pipes, causing slow drainage and hidden leaks.
And every now and then, we’ve been called to properties where a blocked shower was left so long, it caused a flooded bathroom. In a few cases (especially in rentals), tenants simply kept using the shower, even as the water rose above their ankles. By the time we arrived, water had seeped under flooring and into downstairs ceilings. Not ideal — and definitely avoidable.
A Note on Walk-In Showers & Wet Rooms
If your shower is part of a walk-in or wet room setup, things can get a bit trickier. The drains are often built into the floor, and blockages may not be accessible without removing tiles or panels. It’s always best to get a professional diagnosis in those cases — and we’re happy to help.
How to Prevent Future Blockages
Here’s a quick list of easy habits that make a big difference:
Use a hair trap in the drain — especially if you’ve got long hair.
Flush with boiling water once a week to clear soap scum.
Avoid heavy oils or bath bombs in showers not designed for them.
Clean the trap monthly – or more often if you notice slow flow.
It’s the little things that stop the big issues.
Final Thoughts from EPM
If your shower isn’t draining properly, it’s worth giving it a go yourself — but know when to stop. We’ve seen homeowners spend hours trying to fix something that needed a 15-minute pro job.
We’re always on hand in Exeter and the surrounding area to check your drains, sort the problem, and make sure it doesn’t come back. Quick, clean, and done properly.
