Why You Have Standing Water in Shower Drain-and How to Fix It

A slow-draining shower might seem like a minor hassle. But everything changes when you discover standing water in the shower drain, and it’s already starting to smell. That lingering water creates the perfect environment for mold and bacteria, and if it keeps happening, it could point to bigger plumbing concerns.

Clogs from hair, soap scum, or hard water buildup are usually to blame-but ignoring the issue only makes things worse. The good news? Some solutions are simple and don’t require tearing up tile or calling for emergency help.

This guide breaks down what causes water to back up in the shower and how to fix it. And if it turns out to be more than a surface-level problem, a trusted Austin plumber can step in to solve it for good.

Standing Water in the Shower Drain: Root Causes

Hair buildup is one of the primary reasons water pools in a shower instead of draining. Hair collects in the drain and tangles with sticky soap buildup, eventually creating a blockage.

The City of Austin considers Austin’s water moderately hard. That means calcium and magnesium can build up in pipes, narrowing the space for water to flow. Mineral deposits can cause slow drainage even without a visible clog.

Poor pipe slope or an outdated plumbing layout is another possibility. A professional plumber can tell you more about your current system and whether an update would help prevent drain issues.

How to Fix a Slow Shower Drain

If you’ve never experienced a clogged shower drain, you might feel a little overwhelmed. Don’t let something that likely has a simple fix ruin your day. Most DIY methods work well for clearing common clogs and use common household tools.

Try one of these approaches to clear a minor clog:

Use a shower plunger to loosen blockages
Baking soda and vinegar can break down the buildup
Remove hair with a plastic drain tool or a drain snake
Clean the drain cover and P-trap manually if accessible

Pro tip: You’ll find plenty of armchair plumbers online sharing some wild solutions. One common suggestion is to flush boiling water down the drain. It might help, but if the pipes are made of PVC, boiling water can soften or damage them, making the problem worse.

Clear Blocked Drains Without Chemicals

We touched on using basic tools and home remedies to fix a slow drain. Here, we’ll take things a step further with more detail on how to use those methods safely and effectively.

Plastic Drain Snake

Use a plastic drain tool to grab hair and debris. Gently push it down the drain, twist, and pull it out to clear the buildup.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour ½ cup of baking soda, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar, into the drain. Let it bubble for 10-15 minutes, then flush with hot (not boiling) water.

Use Enzymes

Consider an enzyme-based cleaner if you want a hands-off approach. Enzymes break down organic buildup over time without damaging your plumbing.

Simple Blockage or Bigger Plumbing Problems?

Standing water in the shower drain can sometimes signal a bigger problem, like a main sewer line backup. When the main line gets blocked, wastewater has nowhere to go. The shower drain is often the first to show symptoms because it’s usually the lowest fixture in the house.

Some sewer clogs are caused by tree roots, but cities have found other interesting items clogging their sewer lines. San Francisco’s public works division once reported a $100 bill pulled from a clogged sewer.

Here are signs it’s not just a shower drain issue:

Water backing up into sinks or tubs
Gurgling sounds after flushing the toilet
Sewage smell

If you notice any of these red flags, it’s best to call a licensed plumber for a full inspection.

Know When to Call a Plumber

Simple clogs caused by hair or soap buildup often clear up with the basic tools and natural remedies we’ve suggested. However, persistent standing water in the shower drain after using DIY efforts usually signals a deeper problem that requires professional attention.

Plumbers have specialized equipment to diagnose hidden issues like deep blockages or damaged pipes. Ignoring ongoing drainage problems can lead to more expensive repairs later. Calling an expert early helps protect your plumbing and keeps your shower and other plumbing fixtures working smoothly.

How to Prevent Drain Issues

Nothing ruins a shower like water that won’t go down. Before standing water in the shower drain becomes a regular problem, a few small habits can make a big difference. Keeping the drain clear doesn’t require magic, just a bit of attention and these simple tips:

Use a Drain Cover

Hair is the number one culprit in clogged drains. A drain cover catches hair before it causes trouble. Just rinse it weekly, and it stays ready to trap rogue hair strands.

Switch to Liquid Soap

Soap scum builds up faster with bar soap, creating sticky traps for hair and grime. Liquid soap cuts down on residue, helping water flow better.

Flush with Hot Water Regularly

Proactive drain cleaning with a quick blast of hot water after every shower melts away oils and soap leftovers. It’s an easy habit that keeps the pipes running smoothly. Just remember not to use boiling water!

Schedule Routine Plumbing Inspections

Regular check-ups with a trusted Austin plumber can catch hidden issues before they cause standing water. Scheduling inspections every one to two years keeps your whole plumbing system healthy and avoids costly repairs later. In addition to inspections, consider drain cleaning to prevent drain issues.

Call Your Austin Plumber Today

Standing water in the shower drain is usually a simple fix, but it can signal more than a clogged pipe. If DIY solutions can’t budge the backup, you may have hidden issues that, if ignored, may lead to bigger repair bills.

At Plumbing Outfitters, we don’t stop at surface fixes. Our experienced technicians dig into the cause and fix it right the first time. Afterward, we leave your space clean and your plumbing trouble-free. We stand behind our decades of experience and a solid reputation built on trust and respect.

For prompt service, schedule your appointment today!