Shower tray not draining - Advice needed

[V1nny]

I have been getting our Motorhome ready for a very brief second trip out since lockdown. The last time we used it was for a few days last August. While cleaning the shower tray this afternoon I found it isn’t draining.

I have tried a flexible brush which is like a tiny brush on the end of a wire about 5 feet long and although I can get it down the pipe it still doesn’t drain away.

If it was in the house I would try a plunger, bleach, Mr Muscle drain cleaner or a combination of all three. but I don’t know if these methods could damage the plumbing in the Motorhome? Can anyone offer any advice please? I’m not the best with DIY and I’m worried I could make the problem much worse if I try the wrong thing.

 

[mistericeman]

I have been getting our Motorhome ready for a very brief second trip out since lockdown. The last time we used it was for a few days last August. While cleaning the shower tray this afternoon I found it isn’t draining.

I have tried a flexible brush which is like a tiny brush on the end of a wire about 5 feet long and although I can get it down the pipe it still doesn’t drain away.

If it was in the house I would try a plunger, bleach, Mr Muscle drain cleaner or a combination of all three. but I don’t know if these methods could damage the plumbing in the Motorhome? Can anyone offer any advice please? I’m not the best with DIY and I’m worried I could make the problem much worse if I try the wrong thing.

I've solved ours doing that on a couple of occasions, by letting the tray fill with some water then forming my palm into a sort of plunger (tray has a channel around edge so it's a bit tricky BUT doable...)
Then performing a plunger like action...
There is seldom a great fall from tray to tank so it can get filled with soap etc.

 

[Canalsman]

I have used Mr Muscle in the past without any problems besides the following.

One piece of advice. Do not leave beyond the stated length of time before flushing. Leave it too long and the plastic tray can discolour. This happened to me ...

A plunger is fine too but don't apply too much force. Shower trays can crack.

 

[V1nny]

I tried using my hand, and then gently tried the plunger. The water seemed to get forced away but it still didn’t look like it was draining so I went to get the Mr Muscle. When I came back I noticed water dripping from the rear corner of the van. Definitely not where there should be coming from!!

I’ve left a message for the caravan mechanic I use for habitation services and repairs to call me back. Before I make things even worse!!

 

[Millie Master]

As others have said Mr Muscle, simply follow the instructions and all should be well.

Prior to the start of each season we do the Muscle treatment to the sinks and shower tray as well, we find that it helps to stop any smells.

 

[jacquigem]

Cheap coca cola ?

 

[Obanboy666]

The shower on my recently sold Pilote occasionally started to slowly drain eventually that slow that the tray filled up.
Used a plunger which worked a treat, 3/4 plunges and cleared everytime.

 

[campervanannie]

I have a small funnel that I place upside down over the drain and blow through the narrow end that worked on mine when it wasn’t draining properly.

 

[r4dent]

Have you got a trap on the drain pie, and if so have you removed the bowl and cleaned it?

 

[V1nny]

Latest update. I think the blockage is clear. Somewhere in the process I have caused the connection between the shower waste and the waste water pipe to leak. I’ve been back and forward to hardware shops, Screwfix and Toolstation trying to find a suitable replacement washer. I can’t get a exact match and every one I’ve tried still leaves a small leak into the Motorhome garage from the threads onto the shower waste

 

[Phantom]

I have a small funnel that I place upside down over the drain and blow through the narrow end that worked on mine when it wasn’t draining properly.

I've got that image in my mind now!

 

[Canalsman]

Try some PTFE tape on the thread.

 

[Phantom]

Maybe use some sealant on it if the nut is not split?

 

[witzend]

What I do regularly with a hose is hold the end in the drain then seal it with a piece of rag and get my assistant to turn the hose on by doing all 3 they keep a good flow

 

[V1nny]

I have a small funnel that I place upside down over the drain and blow through the narrow end that worked on mine when it wasn’t draining properly.

That’s a bit too technical for an incompetent like me!!

 

[V1nny]

Try some PTFE tape on the thread.

Thanks. I will try that.

We have decided to just go away for one night so we can manage without using the shower in the van.

The caravan mechanic is booked for next Monday, so if I haven’t fixed it by then I’m sure it will be an easy job for him. I’m just sorry I’m really not good at DIY.

 

[V1nny]

Maybe use some sealant on it if the nut is not split?

I will try the tape recommended by Canalsman, and if that doesn’t work I will get some silicon

 

[campervanannie]

I've got that image in my mind now!

Well somebody told me to do that with an empty bog roll tube but I improvised with a small funnel.

 

[Herman]

If you where parked on a slight incline it would cause you shower tray to not empty, also occasionally I noticed ours has not drained when I'm in the shower so I just use my foot as a plunger and it starts draining immediately.
Your leak was probably cause by using a the plunger and may just need slackening, pushing home and retightening.

 

[molly 2]

I have back filled the gray tank through the drain until the water starts to fill the shower tray forcing gunge into the shower tray