Cody Casey
Keeping your shower drain weep holes clear is essential to prevent water from building up under the shower pan and seeping into the floor. Weep holes are small openings around the drainage pipe that direct excess water into the drainage system. Over time, these holes can become clogged with dirt, hair, and other debris, leading to water backup. To clean them, start by putting on rubber gloves and opening the windows and bathroom fan for ventilation. Then, unscrew and remove the drain cover and look for the small holes around the drainage pipe. Use a straightened wire hanger to poke out any debris, and if hair is caught in the holes, hook and pull it out gently. You can also try removing the plug and rinsing the drain pipe and weep holes with hot water.
How to clean shower pan weep holes
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Occasionally |
| Purpose | To allow water to freely flow through the plumbing |
| Location | Under the shower pan |
| Clogging | Caused by minerals, dirt and debris |
| Protection | Pea gravel, tile chips, plastic weep hole protector, paper coffee filter |
| Cleaning tools | Rubber gloves, wire hanger, awl tool |
| Cleaning process | Remove the drain cover, poke out debris, rinse the drain pipe and weep holes, replace the drain cover |
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What You'll Learn
Use a dental mirror to check for drainage from weep holes
If you suspect that your shower pan weep holes are clogged, you can use a dental mirror to check for drainage. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
First, locate the weep holes. They are small openings usually found around the base of the shower drain. If you have tiles, they will be underneath the tiles, so you will need to remove the tiles around the drain to access them.
Next, plug the drain and fill the shower pan with water. You can do this by blocking the drain with a stopper or a similar object and letting the shower run briefly. Allow the water to sit in the shower pan for a while, preferably overnight.
After a few hours or the next day, remove the plug and let the water drain out. Use the dental mirror to inspect the weep holes during and after drainage. Look for any signs of moisture or water weeping from the holes. If there is no moisture or water coming out of the weep holes, they may be clogged.
Additionally, you can use an awl tool with a hooked end to insert into the weep holes. If it doesn't go in easily, the holes may be blocked. Remember to be gentle when using tools to avoid damaging the shower pan or drainage system.
It's important to note that a constantly wet shower pan and grout can be normal, especially if there is a slope issue or if the grout colour variation creates the appearance of wetness. However, if you suspect clogged weep holes, it's recommended to consult a professional for further inspection and advice.
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Use a moisture meter to check for excess moisture
If you suspect that your shower pan weep holes are clogged, you can use a moisture meter to check for excess moisture. This will help you determine if there is indeed a moisture issue that needs to be addressed.
Moisture meters are devices that measure the water content in various materials, most commonly wood and drywall. They are invaluable tools for detecting hidden water damage and can save you from costly repairs by finding excess moisture in walls, floors, and other building materials. There are two main categories of moisture meters: those that use pins and those that do not. Pin meters feature two sharp points and work by sending an electrical current between the two metal pins inserted into the wall. The resistance to this current indicates the moisture level. Pinless meters, on the other hand, use electromagnetic waves to measure moisture content without penetrating the surface. They are non-invasive and can scan surfaces without causing damage.
Before using your moisture meter, it is important to check its calibration to ensure accurate readings. Most meters come with a calibration check feature or a calibration block, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for frequency and procedure. It is also a good practice to periodically test your moisture meter against known moisture levels to check its accuracy.
When using a moisture meter to check for excess moisture in your shower pan, follow these general steps:
- Perform a visual inspection of the area before taking any measurements.
- Take multiple moisture readings in the area around the shower pan and weep holes.
- Compare these readings to those taken on a known dry material in the same area to establish a baseline.
- If the readings indicate high moisture levels, this could be a sign that your weep holes are clogged and need to be cleared.
By using a moisture meter, you can identify potential water issues and address them promptly, preventing further damage and ensuring your shower remains in good condition.
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Protect weep holes with gravel or a plastic protector
To protect weep holes with gravel or a plastic protector, you must first identify the location of the weep holes. Weep holes are small openings that are inserted in brick facades or windows to allow water to escape, preventing moisture buildup inside the home. They are often located at the bottom of exterior walls, above doors, windows, and other openings, appearing as vertical gaps in the mortar joints between bricks.
Once you have located the weep holes, you can proceed with protection. One option is to use gravel or tile chips. Place pea gravel or tile chips around the lower drain connections to keep the weep holes clear when mortar is placed on top. This will facilitate better water flow and prevent debris accumulation.
Alternatively, you can use a plastic weep hole protector. These protectors are designed to prevent insects and rodents from entering cavity walls through drainage and ventilation holes. They are made of high-quality stainless steel and are easy to install, often not requiring any tools. Ensure that the protector suits the size of your weep holes and provides adequate ventilation.
It is important to note that before installing any protection, you should inspect and clear the weep holes of any blockages or debris using a flashlight, mirror, small wire brush, compressed air, or a pipe cleaner. Additionally, avoid using sealants or caulking on weep holes, as this can trap moisture and lead to long-term structural damage.
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Clear weep holes with a wire hanger
To clear weep holes with a wire hanger, you'll first need to locate the weep holes themselves. These are small holes that are located under the shower pan, around the drainage pipe. Start by removing the drain cover and clearing away any large debris, such as soap scum or hair.
Once you've located the weep holes, take your wire hanger and straighten it out. You can then use it to poke out and clear any debris, lime scale, or mineral buildup in the weep holes. If there is hair caught in the holes, you may need to hook the pieces with the hanger and pull them out.
If the weep holes are blocked by something more solid, such as mortar or tile grout, you may need to use a different method or tool to clear them. In some cases, you may need to pull up the entire shower base and remake it to properly clear and prevent blockages in the weep holes.
It's important to note that you should wear rubber gloves and ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and turning on the bathroom fan before attempting to clear the weep holes. Additionally, if you have a new shower installation, it is recommended to let the shower floor dry for a few days before using it to prevent moisture buildup.
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Remove drain cover and rinse with hot water
To clean your shower pan weep holes, you will need to remove the drain cover and rinse with hot water. This is a simple but important task to keep your shower functioning properly and to prevent water from building up and seeping into the floor.
First, put on some rubber gloves to protect your hands and open the windows and turn on the bathroom fan for ventilation. Then, locate the drain cover in the centre of your shower and carefully unscrew it. You may need to use a screwdriver to do this, depending on the type of drain cover you have. Once the drain cover is removed, set it aside in a safe place so you can easily access it again later.
With the drain cover removed, you should be able to see the drainage pipe and the small weep holes surrounding it. These holes are crucial as they direct excess water into the drainage system, preventing water buildup under the shower pan. Over time, these holes can become clogged with minerals, dirt, debris, hair, or excess tar, so it is important to clean them regularly.
To clean the weep holes, turn on the shower and adjust the water temperature to the hottest setting. Allow the hot water to run for several minutes, rinsing the drainage pipe and weep holes. The hot water will help dissolve any built-up dirt and minerals and wash away any debris that may be blocking the holes. If you notice any hair caught in the holes, use a straightened wire hanger to hook and pull it out.
After thoroughly rinsing the drainage pipe and weep holes with hot water, you can then turn off the shower and screw the drain cover back into place. Ensure that it is tight and secure before using your shower again. By regularly cleaning your shower pan weep holes and drain cover, you can help maintain the functionality and longevity of your shower.
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Frequently asked questions
If you notice that the grout around your drain appears to be wet, it could be a sign that your weep holes are clogged. However, it could also be due to shade variation in the grout colour. To determine whether the weep holes are clogged, perform a moisture survey with a digital moisture meter or plug the drain overnight and check if there is any moisture weeping from the weep holes after 30 minutes.
First, put on some rubber gloves and open the windows and bathroom fan for ventilation. Then, unscrew and lift off the drain cover to locate the weep holes. Use a straightened wire hanger to poke out any debris or hair caught in the holes. Finally, turn on the shower to the hottest temperature and rinse the drain pipe and weep holes before replacing the drain cover.
To prevent shower pan weep holes from getting clogged, place tile spacers, pea gravel, or plastic weep hole protectors around the holes before installing the mortar bed. This will create a barrier that catches debris and prevents it from entering the holes.
Clogged shower pan weep holes can lead to water buildup under the shower pan, resulting in a constantly wet shower floor. This can cause issues such as mould and mildew growth, unpleasant odours, and potential water damage to the surrounding area.
