What to use to Clean out shower drain

[tumbleWeeds]

Our drain in the shower is draining slowly. My DH wants to use DRAINO, but I am afraid it might not be good for the pipes etc. What is safe to use but effective?

[Carl n Susan]

Do not use Draino!!!! A slow draining shower is likely due to a plugged HepVO valve. This is used in place of a P trap. It is accessible from under the shower and easily removed to be cleaned. Do not try to use tools (like a brush) to clean the valve from the shower drain. They don't like it.

[DQDick]

Go to Amazon and you can see what the valve looks like. Once it's off, it has a membrane inside so clean it gently. After you have it clean, use one of those shower drain screens and you won't have a problem again except having to clean the hair out of the screen. We've used the screens for 9 years of full timing and not had a drain issue since we started to use them. On the new rig, I had to remove the chrome cover that came in the shower for the screen to fit.

[rohrmann]

I use a bottle brush to carefully clean the valve membrane. The brush is about 1” in diameter and I’m very careful to not insert the brush beyond the bottom of the membrane. We are still on the original Hepvo device.

[Daryles]

Here's a good link with pictures of a blocked HEPVO
Shower drain slow, gunk in membrane (w pics)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1724...9899081220883/

HEPVO info
https://hepvo.com/installation-maintenanc

[Carl n Susan]

Originally Posted by Daryles

Here's a good link with pictures of a blocked HEPVO
Shower drain slow, gunk in membrane (w pics)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1724...9899081220883/

HEPVO info
https://hepvo.com/installation-maintenanc

It appears the FB link is worthless for those who do not do FB or even those that do. All it does is take you ot the 3120/3121 Group page. Can you post the actual pictures here?

[Daryles]

No problem, here you go

[GEugeneS]

Originally Posted by Daryles

Here's a good link with pictures of a blocked HEPVO
Shower drain slow, gunk in membrane (w pics)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1724...9899081220883/

HEPVO info
https://hepvo.com/installation-maintenanc

In regards to the HEPVO info, it does say caustic (Draino) is OK.

"Cleaning
No routine or seasonal maintenance is required for the HepvO sanitary waste valve, however, should you blow-out your drainage lines do not exceed 80-100 psi.

HepvO is resistant to standard caustic-based drain cleaners. It is also resistant to acid-based cleaners with concentrations up to 10%. When flushing with higher concentrations of acid based cleaner, the valve must be removed before the operation.
If mechanical drain cleaning devices are to be used it is necessary to first remove HepvO from the waste system. This provides a useful access point for servicing downstream pipework.
It is good practice to rinse the HepvO valve with clean water after any maintenance procedure."

[mhutchi]

Good info, for the initiates in the crowd, how do you get to the valve under the shower?

[pyoung47]

Give a shop vac a try.

[Photomonjax]

Try a gallon of good old fashion white viniger, pour some in in let it sit a few, repeat. Works great and helps keep the grey tank clean.

[Pa_5er]

Would white vinegar and baking soda be too harsh? That is what I use at home just to keep the drains fresh smelling as well as draining quickly.

[mazboy]

boy the things you learn everyday. I figured that there was only a trap there.....

[rwc6114]

So, how do you get to it? From underneath or remove kick board under shower?

[Daryles]

For mine, 3130re, its behind the basement wall near the convenience center.