Standing water around your feet in the shower is more than a nuisance. Slow shower drains are usually caused by hair and soap buildup, but leaks around the drain can be much more serious, letting water get under the pan and into the floor or ceiling below. In Markham's two-storey homes, a stain on the kitchen ceiling is often the first clue of a failing shower drain upstairs.
We clear slow shower drains and repair leaking drain assemblies so water goes where it should, down the pipe.
Shower Drain Repair Around Markham
Upstairs ensuites are a feature of many Markham homes, and a shower drain leak there can show up as a stain on the kitchen or family room ceiling. If you notice a stain after showers, don't wait: water under a shower pan can damage subfloors and framing before anything appears below.
Basement showers in finished lower levels and second suites bring their own issues. They're often used less, so traps can dry out and let sewer gas into the space. Running water in them regularly helps, and we can check the drain if smells persist.
Tiled shower floors with linear drains have become popular in renovations. They look great, but they need correct installation and occasional cleaning. We service both traditional centre drains and linear drains.
Hair is the main culprit behind slow shower drains in almost every home. A good hair catcher and regular cleaning go a long way toward avoiding repeat calls.
If your shower drain has been slow for a long time, we'll also check the line beyond the trap to make sure the problem isn't further down.
For shower bases that are cracked or failing, we'll explain the options, from repair to replacement, so you can plan the right fix.
Weekly habits help too. Running hot water for a minute after showers and clearing the hair catcher every few days keeps most shower drains flowing freely without any tools.
Signs You Need Shower Drain Repair
Your shower drain needs attention if:
- Water pools during showers. Hair and soap scum restrict the drain or trap.
- Bad smells from the drain. Buildup in the trap or a dry trap in a rarely used shower can smell.
- Ceiling stains below the shower. Water may be leaking around the drain body or a cracked pan.
- Gurgling after draining. Venting or partial blockage issues can cause gurgling.
- Loose or damaged drain cover. Missing screws or a cracked cover allow debris into the pipe.
How We Do It
- 1
Assess
We check drainage speed, the drain body and, if accessible, the area below.
- 2
Clear the drain
We remove buildup from the strainer, trap and line using the right tools.
- 3
Test for leaks
We flood-test around the drain to see if water escapes at the seal.
- 4
Repair or reseal
Drain gaskets and bodies are resealed or replaced; cracked pans are discussed with options.
- 5
Confirm
We run water and check drainage speed and any access points below.
Why Choose Markham Plumbing
We don't just clear the clog and leave. We check whether your shower drain is sealing properly, because a hidden leak can cause far more expensive damage than a slow drain ever would.
- Clog and leak checks
- Flood testing
- Clear options for pans
- Tidy work
Shower Drain Repair FAQs
How do I keep my shower drain from clogging?
Use a hair catcher and clean it regularly. Avoid pouring oils or thick products down the drain.
Can a shower drain leak without me seeing it?
Yes. Leaks often appear as ceiling stains or damp spots in the room below.
Why does my basement shower drain smell?
A shower that isn't used often can have a dry trap. Running water regularly refills the trap.
Can you repair a leaking drain without removing tile?
Often the drain can be resealed from above. Cracked pans or bases may need more work, which we'll explain.