Plumber issues warning about common cleaning product that can damage your shower

Cleaning the bath
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images/Image Source)


Amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, the last thing anybody wants is to fork out for an expensive repair at home.

And getting certain things fixed in the bathroom can cost hundreds of pounds, as they're often jobs that need to be done by a professional plumber. Because of this, it's important to know how to avoid causing damage - especially when it comes to your shower.

Expert Ryan McNicholl from plumbing parts suppliers Spares Direct has lifted the lid on some very common cleaning products that can do more harm than good when you use them in the shower - including one that many of us might use to deal with a blocked or slow-flowing drain.

He strongly advised against using a drain cleaning product to banish any blockages in your shower, as these often contain very harsh chemicals which can damage your shower pipes if it's used regularly. He said that these can also cause the rubber seals around your drain to deteriorate, which could end up being a very pricey repair job.

Similarly, you might find yourself reaching for the bleach in order to give your shower a clean, especially if you're dealing with mouldy areas around your tiles or sealants.

But Ryan warned: “Bleach is a strong alkali that can break down grout and erode the surface of tiles. It can also cause the colour of grout and tiles to fade over time.”

Damaged grout can cause leakages in your shower, which Ryan warned could cost up to £300 to re-grout - so it's best to steer clear of the bleach when trying to tackle mould.

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