How to Keep Shower and Tub Drains Unclogged and Clear

A clogged drain can turn your relaxing shower or bath into an experience that's a little, well, gross. Nobody likes standing water during their shower. We can help by sharing what causes these clogs and how to prevent them so you can maintain clear, functioning drains.

Common Causes of Drain Clogs

The most frequent culprit behind shower and tub drain clogs is hair. When mixed with soap scum and other bathroom products, hair creates stubborn blockages that slow or stop water flow completely. Here are the main materials that lead to clogged drains:

• Hair and Soap Scum: Hair sheds naturally during washing and combines with soap residue to form solid masses in pipes. Over time, these masses catch more debris and grow larger, restricting water flow.
• Body Care Products: Thick shampoos, conditioners, and bath products often contain oils and chemicals that stick to pipe walls. These substances attract and hold other debris, gradually building up into clogs.
• Hard Water Minerals: In areas with hard water, mineral deposits accumulate inside pipes. These deposits rough up the pipe's surface, making it easier for other materials to stick and form blockages.
• Small Objects: Dropped items like bottle caps, children's toys, or jewelry can lodge in drains and trap other debris, leading to major clogs.

Prevention Tips for Clear Drains

Taking proactive steps to prevent clogs is much easier than dealing with blocked drains. Here are effective ways to keep your drains flowing freely:

• Install Drain Screens: Place mesh screens or strainers over all shower and tub drains. These catch hair and larger debris before they enter your pipes. Clean these screens regularly for best results.
• Regular Cleaning Habits: Clean your drains weekly with natural solutions like hot water flushes or enzymatic cleaners. This prevents buildup and maintains good water flow.
• Smart Product Usage: Apply hair conditioners and thick products away from the drain area. This reduces the amount that washes directly down the pipes.
• Enzyme-Based Cleaning Solutions: Natural enzyme cleaners work differently from harsh chemicals. These cleaners use beneficial bacteria that produce enzymes to break down organic matter like hair, soap scum, and body oils.

How Enzyme Cleaners Work

Enzyme-based drain cleaners provide a safe, eco-friendly, and effective way to keep your drains clear without the harsh effects of chemical alternatives. Instead of dissolving blockages with caustic reactions, these cleaners use naturally occurring enzymes to break down organic matter at a molecular level.

Targeted Breakdown of Waste

Different enzymes specialize in breaking down specific types of materials commonly found in household drains:

• Proteases – Break down protein-based materials such as hair, food scraps, and soap residue.
• Lipases – Dissolve fats, oils, and grease, preventing buildup that leads to slow drainage.
• Amylases – Target starchy residues from food waste, reducing the risk of sticky, clog-forming deposits.
• Cellulases – Degrade plant-based fibers, such as toilet paper and vegetable scraps, ensuring smoother flow through pipes.

Continuous Protection

Unlike traditional chemical drain cleaners that provide a one-time fix, enzyme cleaners promote long-term drain health. They introduce beneficial bacteria into your plumbing, which continue to produce enzymes that break down waste over time. This ongoing action helps prevent future clogs and reduces the need for repeated treatments.

Safe for Pipes & the Environment

Because enzyme cleaners work biologically rather than chemically, they won’t corrode pipes, weaken plumbing materials, or create hazardous fumes. They’re safe for all types of plumbing systems, including septic tanks, and are biodegradable, making them an environmentally responsible choice for home maintenance.

Using Enzyme Cleaners Effectively

To keep your drains running smoothly, using an enzyme-based cleaner like Earthworm Drain Cleaner correctly makes all the difference. Unlike harsh chemical cleaners that provide a temporary fix, enzyme cleaners work best when used as part of a regular maintenance routine. Follow these steps to get the most out of your drain treatment:

1. Stay Consistent with Maintenance: Don’t wait for a clog to appear—prevention is key. Use an enzyme cleaner once a month to maintain a healthy population of beneficial bacteria in your pipes. This ongoing treatment helps break down buildup before it becomes a problem, keeping your drains flowing effortlessly.
2. Apply at the Right Time: For maximum effectiveness, apply Earthworm Drain Cleaner when your drains won’t be in use for several hours—overnight is ideal. This allows the enzymes to work uninterrupted, breaking down organic matter and preventing new deposits from forming.
3. Use the Right Water Temperature: Before applying the cleaner, flush your drain with warm water (not hot). Hot water can kill the beneficial bacteria that enzymes rely on to do their job. Aim for a comfortable temperature—warm enough to help loosen buildup but not so hot that it harms the treatment process.

By following these steps, you’ll create a natural, long-term solution for keeping your pipes clear without relying on harsh chemicals or expensive plumbing repairs.

When to Call a Professional

Even with consistent enzyme cleaner use, some plumbing problems require expert attention. If you notice any of these warning signs, it may be time to call a plumber:

• Multiple drains clogging at once – A blockage deep in your plumbing system could be affecting several drains.
• Gurgling sounds from pipes – This can indicate air trapped in your plumbing, possibly due to a clog or venting issue.
• Slow drainage despite maintenance – If monthly enzyme treatments aren’t solving the problem, there may be a larger obstruction.
• Sewage odors from drains – This could signal a deeper issue, like a blocked or damaged sewer line.
• Water backing up into other drains – If running water in one drain causes another to overflow, your system likely has a severe clog.

Ignoring these signs can lead to costly repairs. If enzyme treatments aren’t making an impact, don’t hesitate to call in a professional before the issue worsens.

Take Control of Your Drain Maintenance

Caring for your home’s plumbing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A few minutes of prevention each week saves hours of frustration down the road.

Instead of waiting for an emergency, start your drain maintenance routine today. Regular enzyme treatments, simple daily habits, and knowing when to seek professional help will keep your plumbing system running smoothly for years to come.

Make drain care easy—grab a bottle from Earthworm and start protecting your pipes today.