When it comes to RV maintenance, one of the most common issues that RV owners face is a clogged shower drain. If you’re standing in a couple of inches of water while showering, or if the water is just not draining as quickly as it should, you’ve got an issue that needs to be resolved. This is where knowing how to unclog rv shower drains comes in handy.
Below, we go through some top reasons your RV shower isn’t draining, several easy ways on how to fix it, and how to prevent it from happening in the future.
Understanding RV Shower Drains
When it comes to RVs, one of the most common issues is a clogged shower drain. To fix this problem, we need to understand how RV shower drains work.
RV shower drains are similar to regular shower drains, but they have a few key differences. First, RV shower drains are typically smaller in size than regular shower drains. Second, RV shower drains are designed to lead to the gray water tank, which is separate from the black water tank where toilet waste goes.
It’s important to note that the gray water tank can fill up quickly, especially if you’re taking long showers or using the sink frequently. When the gray water tank is full, it can cause the shower drain to back up and prevent water from draining properly.
Another common cause of a clogged RV shower drain is a blockage in the plumbing vents. These vents allow air to flow through the plumbing system and prevent a vacuum from forming, which can cause water to back up. If the plumbing vents become blocked, it can cause water to drain slowly or not at all.
Finally, the P-trap below the shower can also get clogged with hair, soap, and other debris. The P-trap is designed to prevent odors from coming up through the drain, but if it becomes clogged, it can prevent water from draining properly.
Common Causes of RV Shower Drain Clogs
When it comes to RV shower drain clogs, there are a few common causes that you should be aware of. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at each of these causes and provide some tips on how to prevent them.
Your Tub Or Shower Drain Line Could Be Clogged
One of the most common causes of RV shower drain clogs is a clogged drain line. Hair, debris, and soap scum can all accumulate in your drain line over time, eventually leading to a clog. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to clean your drain line regularly. You can use a drain snake or a plunger to remove any blockages.
The P-Trap Is Clogged
Another common cause of RV shower drain clogs is a clogged P-trap. The P-trap is a curved pipe that’s designed to trap debris and prevent it from flowing back into your shower. Over time, this trap can become clogged with hair, soap scum, and other debris. To prevent this from happening, you should clean your P-trap regularly. You can use a wire brush or a pipe cleaner to remove any blockages.
Your Plumbing Vents Are Blocked
Blocked plumbing vents can also cause RV shower drain clogs. These vents are designed to allow air to flow through your plumbing system, which helps to prevent clogs and other plumbing issues. If your vents become blocked then water can’t flow through your pipes properly. Check and clean your plumbing vents regularly.
Your Gray Water Tank Could Be Full
Gray water is the wastewater that comes from your shower, sink, and other appliances. If your gray water tank is full, water won’t be able to flow through your plumbing system properly, leading to clogs. You should always empty your gray water tank regularly.
Your Gray Tank Overflows Into Your Black Tank
Finally, if your RV shower drains into your black water tank, a clog in your black tank could be causing the issue. If your black water tank is full, water won’t be able to flow through your plumbing system properly, leading to clogs. To prevent this from happening, you should empty your grey water and black water tanks regularly.
By understanding these common causes of RV shower drain clogs, you can take steps to prevent them from happening in the first place. Regular maintenance and cleaning can go a long way in keeping your plumbing system running smoothly.
How To Unclog An RV Shower Drain
If you’re experiencing a clogged shower drain in your RV, don’t panic. It’s a common problem and can be easily fixed. In this section, we’ll go over some methods to help you unclog that shower drain.
Using a Plunger to Unclog the Drain
A plunger is a useful tool to have on hand when dealing with a clogged RV shower drain. First, remove the drain cover and fill the shower base with enough water to cover the plunger. Place the plunger over the drain and push down and up several times to create suction. This suction will help dislodge the clog. Repeat this process until the water starts to drain freely.
Check (And Clean) The Flush Valves
Flush valves are located at the bottom of your RV shower drain and can become clogged with hair, soap scum, and other debris. To check and clean the flush valves, remove the drain cover and use a pair of pliers to remove the screws holding the flush valve in place. Clean any debris from the valve and reattach it.
Using a Plumber’s Snake or Drain Snake
If the clog is too stubborn for a plunger, a plumber’s snake or drain snake can be used to remove it. Insert the snake into the drain and turn the handle to rotate the snake and break up the clog. Once the clog is dislodged, run hot water down the drain to flush it out.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can also be used to unclog your RV shower drain. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Cover the drain with a drain stopper or a piece of tape and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. Afterward, pour hot water down the drain to flush it out.
Dish Soap or Laundry Detergent
Dish soap or laundry detergent can also be used to unclog an RV shower drain. Squirt a generous amount of soap or detergent down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Afterward, pour hot water down the drain to flush it out.
Using Chemical Products Like Green Gobbler
If none of the above methods work, you can try using a chemical product like Green Gobbler to unclog your RV shower drain. Follow the instructions on the label carefully and use gloves and eye protection when handling the product.
Preventing Clogs
Preventing clogs in your RV shower drain is crucial to maintaining the smooth operation of your plumbing system. Here are some tips to help you avoid clogs in the first place:
- Prevent: The best way to avoid clogs is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are a few ways to do that:
- Avoid putting anything down the drain that doesn’t belong there, like food scraps, hair, or grease.
- Use a hair catcher or silicone hair trap to catch hair and other debris before it goes down the drain.
- Regularly clean your shower drain to remove any buildup of hair, soap scum, or other debris.
- Regularly clean: Regularly cleaning your shower drain is essential to preventing clogs. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the drain cover and use a small brush or toothbrush to remove any hair or debris that may have accumulated.
- Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain to help break up any buildup of soap scum or other debris.
- Follow up with hot water to help flush out any remaining debris.
- Hair catcher: Using a hair catcher is an easy and effective way to prevent hair from clogging your RV shower drain. Simply place the hair catcher over the drain and remove it after each use to remove any hair or debris that has collected.
When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, unclogging an RV shower drain can be a difficult task. In these cases, it might be time to seek professional help. Here are some signs that indicate you should call in a professional:
- Multiple attempts have failed: If you’ve tried multiple DIY solutions and still can’t unclog your RV shower drain, it’s time to call in a professional. They have the experience and equipment to get the job done right.
- Water is backing up: If water is backing up into your shower or sink, it’s a sign that there’s a blockage somewhere in your plumbing system. A professional can identify the source of the problem and fix it quickly.
- Strange smells: If you notice strange smells coming from your shower or sink, it could be a sign of a blockage in your plumbing system. A professional can locate and remove the blockage, eliminating the source of the odor.
- Damage to pipes or fixtures: If you’ve accidentally damaged a pipe or fixture while trying to unclog your RV shower drain, it’s best to call in a professional to repair the damage. Attempting to fix it yourself could cause further damage and lead to costly repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
RV shower water goes into the gray water tank. Gray water is wastewater that comes from the sinks, shower, and washing machine in the RV. This water is not as dirty as black water, which is wastewater from the toilet.
Yes, you can use a plunger to unclog an RV shower drain. Make sure to use a separate plunger for each purpose. A hand plunger can help dislodge the blockage and pull it to the surface.
We do not recommend using Drano or any other chemical drain cleaners in an RV shower as they can damage your plumbing system.
You should not pour boiling water down your RV’s shower drain as the high temperature can warp or melt the plastic pipes in your RV’s plumbing system.
The best way to remove hair from an RV shower drain is to use a drain snake or a wire hanger. You can also try pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain and then flushing it with hot water. This can help to dissolve any hair or soap buildup.
