5 Everyday Habits That Lead to Shower Drain Clogs

If your shower turns into a shallow bath every time you step in, your drain might be sending you a not-so-subtle message. Clogs don't happen overnight—more often, they're the result of tiny daily habits that add up over time.

In this post, we’ll walk through five surprisingly common habits that slowly (but surely) block your shower drain, and what you can do to avoid them. Stick around, and you might just save yourself a future call to the local plumber.

1. Letting Hair Go Down the Drain

This is the #1 offender—and it happens to all of us. Whether you’ve got long locks or short curls, hair naturally sheds during a shower. When it washes down the drain, it sticks to soap scum and other grime, forming a tangled mess that restricts water flow.

What to do instead:



• Install a hair catcher over your drain. They're cheap, easy to clean, and work wonders.
• Brush your hair before showering to catch loose strands ahead of time.

2. Using Too Much Shampoo or Soap

It seems harmless—lather up, rinse off. But heavy use of thick shampoos, conditioners, and body washes creates more than just bubbles. These products contain oils and waxes that leave a residue behind, which clings to pipes and traps debris like hair and lint.

Better habits:

• Use only what you need—most people overdo it.
• Choose products labeled as "residue-free" or "clarifying."

3. Shaving Without Rinsing

Shaving in the shower is super convenient, but leaving behind stubble and shaving cream can lead to problems. Hair clippings clump together and mix with other buildup, accelerating shower drain clogs.

Prevent buildup:

• Rinse the drain area thoroughly after shaving.
• Avoid letting shaving cream sit; it hardens and sticks to pipes.

4. Flushing Bath Bomb Bits or Body Scrub Particles

Glitter, flower petals, salt crystals, and scrub beads might look fun in the bath, but they’re not great for your plumbing. These particles don’t dissolve completely and can get stuck in the pipe bends, especially when combined with oils or conditioners.

Instead, try:

• Using a mesh catch over the drain when using bath bombs or exfoliating scrubs.
• Choosing dissolvable or drain-safe alternatives.

5. Ignoring Slow Drains Until They’re Fully Clogged

It’s easy to shrug off a slow drain—it still works, right? But this is your early warning sign. The longer you wait, the more buildup collects, turning a minor nuisance into a full blockage.

Stay proactive:

• Treat your drain with a vinegar and baking soda flush monthly.
• Schedule routine drain cleaning & repair if you notice recurring slowdowns.

Case Study: A Simple Fix in Commerce City

One homeowner in Commerce City noticed their shower was draining slower every week. They assumed it was just a low-flow issue—until water started backing up completely. A quick call to Fast Trak Plumbing and Drain revealed a heavy mix of hair, soap scum, and residue blocking the line. With a fast and effective visit, the clog was cleared—and they learned that a few small habit changes could have prevented the mess. Now, they’re using a drain catcher and giving their plumbing the TLC it deserves.

Whether it’s clogged showers, backed-up sinks, or mystery odors, Commerce City CO plumbing repairs often come down to regular maintenance—and better daily habits.

Don’t Let a Small Habit Turn Into a Big Problem

Clogged drains are easy to prevent when you know what causes them. With a few adjustments to your routine, you can keep water flowing smoothly and avoid those urgent plumbing calls.

Noticed a slow drain or bad smell? Don’t wait—book a checkup today and keep things running clean.