Imagine this.
You spent most of the day sweating in the warm, humid outdoors of the Tampa Bay area. So, as soon as you got home, you headed straight to the bathroom for a long shower to cool down. But after a few minutes, you realize something’s wrong: the used water has pooled up, collecting around your feet instead of disappearing down the drain.
So, does that mean it’s time to replace your shower drain?
Not necessarily. However, it still depends on how often the problem occurs and several other factors.
To that end, our team at Home Team Plumbing put together this shower maintenance guide and drain replacement checklist. Read on to learn what to do if you have drain woes (and how to prevent them) and the signs indicating you need a shower drain replacement for your home in St. Pete or the Tampa Bay area.
Water Pools by the Drain Without Apparent Cause
Many people use the term “shower drain” to refer to the drain strainer, the visible metal or plastic cover sitting flush with the floor. Its main job is to catch debris (e.g., hair, bits of soap, and other particles). If the strainer gets clogged, water won’t be able to pass through and will pool up by the drain instead.
For the same reason, one of the most crucial bathroom plumbing tips to keep your shower drain efficient is to clean its strainer regularly.
However, remember that your shower drain also consists of “hidden” parts, including:
- The riser: The vertical pipe right under the strainer and connects to the P-trap
- The P-trap: The pipe with a U-shaped section that contains water and creates a seal to prevent noxious sewer gases from flowing into your home
- The drain line: The drainage pipe connected to the P-trap where wastewater flows to the sewer line
- The vent stack: The vertical pipe connected to the drain line that provides air flow to help wastewater move more smoothly and quickly through the plumbing system
If those hidden components become clogged or damaged, water will likely continuously pool up by the drain. Luckily, you may only need professional drain cleaning, such as hydro-jetting services, to fix this problem.
But if those parts sustain severe damage (e.g., massive leaks or cracks), it may already be time for a shower drain replacement.
You See Physical Signs of Damage
Does your shower drain strainer exhibit these signs?
- Cracks
- Massive holes
- Rust
If so, your best bet is to call a local licensed plumber in St. Pete or the Tampa Bay area. Visible damage on drain strainers typically indicates the need for replacement.
While the plumber is in your home, it’s wise to have them investigate other plumbing repair signs affecting your drainage system. The pro can inspect the hidden sections of your shower drain to look for damage that requires repairs or replacements.
Your Shower Drain Is Old
As the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) points out, the lifespan of waste pipes in Florida homes can range from 40 to 100+ years, depending on the type and installation location:
- Cast-iron waste pipes installed above ground: 40 years
- Cast-iron waste pipes installed below the ground: 50 to 60 years
- Concrete waste pipes: 100+ years
- ABS and PVC waste pipes: 50 to 80 years
Many older homes in St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area have cast-iron waste pipes. If your house is one of them, and you’ve never had professionals replace your drains, consider investing in a new shower drain installation project.
It’s also crucial to note that, according to ConsumerNotice.org, as many as 2.5 million homes in Florida may suffer from early iron pipe failure. The consumer advocacy organization notes that the state’s high humidity and salt-rich soil may be to blame for the pipes’ premature degradation.
The Drain Smells Foul All the Time
Aside from regularly cleaning shower drain strainers, flushing only the “three Ps” (pee, poo, and toilet paper) can help maintain your bathroom plumbing and drainage system. It can help prevent and minimize the risk of clogs, which can cause foul-smelling and dangerous sewage backups.
Now, let’s say you’ve always followed those maintenance tactics, but despite that, you’ve recently noticed foul, rotten-egg-like odors coming from your shower drain. You’re likely smelling hydrogen gas, more commonly known as “sewer gas.”
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, exposure to sewer gas in homes often results from faulty plumbing, such as incorrect installation, a lack of maintenance, and dry traps. Even at lower levels, it can cause:
- Eye irritation
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Coughing
So, if no amount of cleaning and scrubbing can eliminate foul, sewer-like smells in the bathroom, call a professional plumber. They may need to repair or replace parts of your shower drainage system.
Your Shower Drain Has Numerous Problems
Consider the following questions when assessing whether to replace your shower drain:
- Do you hear weird sounds, like bubbling, gurgling, or hammering, whenever you shower?
- Has it clogged multiple times over the last year or two?
- Have you called a plumber many times recently to get it fixed?
- Is it outdated, and the strainer doesn’t match or complement the rest of your bathroom decor?
If you answered yes to all those questions, consider hiring a professional to replace your drain. However, please do your due diligence and choose a licensed and insured plumber with extensive experience. You want a highly experienced plumber to ensure they’ll install your new drain properly.
Ready to Replace Your Shower Drain?
Now that you know the signs telling you to replace your shower drain, the next step is to partner with a reputable, highly experienced plumber.
Home Team Plumbing is your top choice for full-service, 24/7 plumbing solutions in St. Pete, Tampa Bay, and Pinellas County, FL. For over ten years, we’ve provided high-quality services, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, to our residential and commercial customers. We’re a licensed, insured, bonded, and OSHA-certified company whose team of certified plumbers is an expert in all things plumbing, from new installations to repairs and maintenance.
Reach out today, and we’ll happily provide you with a free consultation and estimate!
