Cleaning the shower tray trap – how to dismantle and unblock the waste?

Water drains from the shower tray more slowly, sometimes air bubbles emerge from the waste, and once the fittings have dried an unpleasant odour appears – the first signs of a blocked trap can be inconspicuous, and in the rush of everyday life they’re easy to overlook. How should you cope if the worst-case scenario happens? In this article, we’ll walk you through a few key points on unblocking a shower tray waste.

How does a shower tray trap work? Design and use

A trap is a closure in the wastewater system located beneath the shower tray, which drains away used water and prevents unpleasant odours from escaping from the drain. It has been used in homes for centuries – the prototype of the modern model was created in 1825. The modular design of modern waste kits makes it easy to adapt them to spatial constraints in the bathroom.

A trap consists of two air chambers. Water flowing through the waste reaches the sewer by gravity. A small amount then remains at the lowest point of the trap and forms a barrier between the air in the bathroom and sewer gases.

Every trap has its own flow limitations. Moreover, when choosing the right model you should pay attention to its shape, intended use, the material it is made from, and the filtration system. To make the choice easier, you can buy a ready-made kit with a shower tray waste or a linear drain.

Furthermore, remember that for correct operation the trap needs to be filled from time to time. If the water stored in it evaporates, the barrier will cease to exist, and an unpleasant odour will become noticeable in the air. Therefore, even in an unoccupied property it’s worth turning on the tap or shower for a moment now and then.

Clogged shower tray – how to deal with it?

Although the trap’s simple operating principle has stood the test of time, it isn’t a perfect solution. The closure quite often becomes partially blocked. We then see water rising in the shower tray, which can even lead to flooding the entire bathroom.

There are several popular ways to clear a trap. The simplest is to pour an appropriate chemical into the pipes to dissolve the build-up in the plumbing. However, remember that such substances are highly hazardous to health. They can irritate the skin and the respiratory tract and are harmful to the environment. Homemade mixtures of vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, on the other hand, usually prove ineffective. Therefore, manual cleaning is sometimes a better alternative.

How to clean a linear drain?

Trap of a linear drain has a slightly different shape than the classic shower tray model. In such cases you usually need to:

• Remove the cover plate (you will need a special piece of wire to prise up the element covering the drain).
• Clean the drain channel of dirt as far as possible.
• Lift out the debris-trapping mesh and clean it.

If a surface clean proves insufficient, it may mean there is something in the trap blocking the outlet. In that case it is better to reach for chemicals or a rubber plunger and place it over the trap outlet. The pressure created by the suction should pull the build-up out of the pipes. If the design of the shower tray prevents cleaning the linear drain in the way described, a visit from a plumber may be necessary.

Cleaning a classic shower tray trap

How do you unscrew the trap in a shower tray with a plug? The procedure involves removing the cover and taking out the cleanout – this element should be thoroughly cleaned of dirt and soap residue. Remember also to remove debris from the accessible section of the waste pipe. If the blockage is located deeper, you can use a rubber plunger, a special unclogging grabber, or chemicals. Do not push sharp, hard wires into the waste, as they can damage the drain and cause leaks.

Replacing a trap without removing the shower tray – is it possible?

Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer to this question. It all depends on the construction of the shower tray and the bathroom layout. In many cases, replacing the trap in a shower tray will also require dismantling the shower enclosure. If you have concerns about doing the job yourself, you can call in a suitable professional.

It’s worth looking after the trap’s free flow on a regular basis. Only systematic cleaning allows you to avoid nasty surprises at the least expected moment. Keep your bathroom hygienic by choosing modern traps with additional strainers and convenient click-clack plugs!