How to Keep Weep Holes Unplugged in the Shower

Plugs

• After the weep holes are created around the sub-drain, it is critical that they are plugged while the other layers of the shower pan base are laid down. One good way to do this is to place nails with large heads and thick shafts into each weep hole. Then, when the tar or other material is applied over the top of the shower base, the holes won't become clogged with the material.

Pea Gravel

• Pea-sized gravel stones that are too large to fall into the weep holes are another useful tool for preventing plugs during construction. This is a good method if you're using deck mud or a similar substance for building up the layers of your shower pan. Put gravel in a ring around all the weep holes to prevent mud or cement from running into the holes as you work.

Products

• You don't have to rig a do-it-yourself solution for preventing your weep holes from getting plugged. There are also premade manufactured products designed to do exactly that. Many companies that make showers and bath fittings offer weep hole protectors. Basically this is just a plastic piece that you install over the weep holes to prevent clogs. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and your weep holes should stay unplugged.

Cleaning Weep Holes

• Sometimes, after the shower has been built the weep holes may become clogged by mineral deposits. This is more likely in places where there is very hard water.These deposits clog the weep holes, but you may be able to clear them. Pull out the drain cover in your shower and look for the small holes around the exterior rim of the drain. Use a stiff wire to poke through the holes to clear any deposits sticking to the hole walls.