Post By Admin
April 8, 2025If you often experience blocked shower drain, you might be wondering—how does a shower drain actually work?
Most people aren’t too familiar with the plumbing system in their home, but understanding the basics can be super helpful, especially if you want to fix minor issues on your own before calling in a blocked drain services expert.
A good place to start? Learning the answer to the question: where does the shower drain go? Let’s get started!
Parts of Shower Drains and How They Work
To understand better about how shower drains work, we should get to know the parts. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Plumbing Vent
Many people don’t realise that proper drainage isn’t just about pipes—it also needs air.
This vertical pipe allows air into the drainage system, helping water flow smoothly through the pipes. Without it, water could gurgle, drain slowly, or even pull foul-smelling gases back into your bathroom.
Plumbing vents usually run up through the roof and are made from PVC or metal. They may be out of sight, but they’re vital for a healthy plumbing system.
2. Drain Cover (Strainer)
This is the visible part of the drain, usually found at the centre or edge of your shower floor. It catches debris like hair and soap scum before it enters the plumbing.
Drain covers come in various styles to match different types of shower drain—from traditional round grates to sleek linear designs.
They’re usually made from stainless steel or durable plastic, built to resist rust and corrosion.
3. Drain Body (Riser)
Located beneath the drain cover, the drain body connects your shower base to the plumbing system below.
It ensures a watertight seal, especially important in tiled showers. Drain bodies are often made from PVC, brass, or stainless steel, and their shape and structure can vary.
4. P-Trap
The P-trap is one of the most important parts of any shower drain system. It’s a curved section of pipe that gets its name from its shape—it looks like the letter “P” when viewed from the side.
The curved part holds a small amount of water at all times, even after the shower is turned off.
Why is that water important? It forms a seal that blocks unpleasant sewer gases from rising up through the drain and into your bathroom.
Without this water barrier, your bathroom could start to smell like sewage, especially in rarely used showers.
Here’s how it works:
- When water flows down the drain, it moves through the P-trap’s curve.
- Gravity pulls the water and waste downward, while the trap retains a small pool of water in the bend.
- This standing water acts as a barrier, preventing gases from passing back up.
P-traps are typically made from PVC or ABS plastic in modern homes. In older systems, you might still find metal versions, like chrome or brass.
They’re not just found in showers, either—you’ll see P-traps under sinks, bathtubs, and even laundry drains.
5. Drain Pipe
Once the water passes through the trap, it flows into the main drain pipe, which directs it toward the sewer or septic system.
These pipes must be installed with the right slope to allow smooth drainage.
How to Maintain Your Shower Drain Properly?
Now that you know what the inside of a shower drain looks like, let’s move on to the maintenance you should do.
With these simple but proper care, you’ll not face plumbing issues such as burst water pipes.
1. Clean the Drain Cover Regularly
Hair, soap scum, and other debris can easily collect on the drain cover. Make it a habit to remove and clean it at least once a week.
Use a brush or an old toothbrush to scrub away any gunk stuck in the holes. This simple habit prevents blockages before they start.
2. Flush the Drain with Hot Water
Pouring hot (but not boiling) water down the drain once a week helps dissolve soap residue and grease that can build up over time.
It’s a gentle, natural way to keep things flowing freely—without harsh chemicals.
3. Avoid Pouring Oils or Harsh Chemicals
Never pour oily substances, shampoo leftovers, or chemical drain cleaners down your shower drain.
Over time, these will harden inside your pipes or corrode them, leading to expensive damage—or in extreme cases, a burst water pipe.
If you need to clear a minor clog, opt for a natural mix of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water.
4. Choose the Right Drain Material
Not all shower drains are made equal. When installing or replacing your drain, choose materials that are durable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean.
- Stainless steel is a top choice—it’s strong, rust-resistant, and sleek.
- PVC is affordable and easy to install, great for hidden components like the P-trap and drain pipe.
- Brass offers excellent durability and antimicrobial properties, though it’s a bit pricier.
FAQ about How Shower Drain Works
Where does water go down the shower drain?
When water goes down your shower drain, it travels through the P-trap, flows into the main drain pipe, and then heads to your home’s sewer line or septic tank. It’s all part of a connected plumbing system designed to safely remove wastewater from your home.
Do shower and toilet water go to the same place?
Yes, they do! In most homes, all wastewater—whether from your toilet, shower, or sink—eventually ends up in the same sewer line or septic system.
However, each fixture has its own drain and trap to manage flow and prevent nasty smells from coming back up.
Do all shower drains have a trap?
Absolutely! All modern shower drains are required to have a trap—usually a P-trap—installed.
This trap holds a small amount of water that acts as a barrier to block sewer gases from rising into your bathroom. It’s a small part with a big job!
Conclusion
Now that you’ve got the answer to where does the shower drain go and learned how the whole system works, it’s time to take action.
Head to your bathroom, give your shower drain a quick check, and start building a simple maintenance routine—it really does make a difference!
Not sure what you’re looking at or think there’s a bigger issue? No worries—call Neighbourhood Plumbing for a thorough inspection and expert help.
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
