How to shower with a drainage tube? A comprehensive guide to safe bathing

September 27, 2025 •

5 min read

According to numerous hospital guidelines, it is often permissible to shower with a drainage tube in place, typically after the initial 48 hours post-surgery. However, the process requires careful preparation and adherence to strict hygiene protocols to prevent infection and avoid complications. This guide explains exactly how to shower with a drainage tube safely and effectively.

Quick Summary

Taking a shower with a drainage tube involves keeping the insertion site dry, securing the drain and bulb properly to avoid pulling, and using mild soap on the rest of the body; always confirm with your surgeon's specific instructions first to ensure safety and prevent infection during your recovery.

Key Points

Pre-Shower Preparation: Always consult your surgeon, wait the prescribed time, and gather all supplies beforehand, including waterproofing materials and a way to secure the drain.
Secure the Drain Properly: Use a lanyard, cloth strap, or specialized holder to secure the drainage tube and bulb, preventing any accidental tugging or pulling during the shower.
Waterproof the Insertion Site: Seal the drain site with plastic wrap and waterproof tape, or a purpose-made waterproof dressing, to keep it completely dry and prevent infection.
Shower Gently: Use lukewarm water, avoid direct spray on the incision site, and use a clean, mild soap and washcloth for cleaning, limiting strenuous movements.
Post-Shower Care: Gently pat the area dry, remove any waterproofing, check the site for issues, and re-dress it as necessary with clean materials, re-securing the drain to your clothing.
Monitor for Signs of Infection: Watch for fever, increased redness, pain, swelling, or changes in drainage appearance and odor, and contact your healthcare provider if these symptoms occur.
No Soaking: Avoid baths, hot tubs, and swimming until your doctor gives explicit permission, as these can increase the risk of infection.
Milking as Directed: Follow your care team's instructions for milking the drain tubing to prevent clots and ensure proper function.

Essential preparation before you step into the shower

Before you turn on the water, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your safety and comfort. Always consult with your surgical team to confirm when it is safe for you to begin showering. Waiting at least 48 hours after surgery is a common guideline, but specific timing can vary.

Gather your supplies

Gather all necessary items and place them within easy reach to minimize movement and strain. This includes:

Waterproofing materials: Plastic wrap and waterproof tape, or a specialized waterproof dressing cover.
Securement device: A lanyard, cloth strap, or specialized drain holder to manage the drain bulb and tubing.
Hygiene products: A clean washcloth, mild, unscented soap (antibacterial soap may be recommended), and a clean, dry towel.
Safety gear: A shower chair and non-slip mat for stability, especially if you feel weak or dizzy.
Drain-specific supplies: A measuring cup if you need to empty the drain before or after showering, as directed by your doctor.

Secure the drain and tube

Properly securing the drain is critical to prevent accidental tugging or displacement, which can be painful and damaging.

Use a lanyard or a cloth strap tied loosely around your neck or waist to attach the drain bulb.
Use a safety pin or a dedicated drain holder to attach the bulb to the lanyard. Ensure the tubing is not kinked or twisted.
Ensure the bulb hangs in a way that its weight does not pull on the insertion site.

Protect the insertion site

The drain insertion site must remain dry to prevent infection.

Apply a waterproof dressing or seal plastic wrap over the insertion site, taping the edges securely to your skin to create a watertight barrier.
If your drain is covered by a specialized waterproof bandage (like Tegaderm), you can likely leave it intact as directed by your care team.

Step-by-step guide for a safe shower

With your supplies ready and drain secure, you can now proceed with your shower. Move slowly and deliberately throughout the process.

During the shower

Water temperature: Use lukewarm water. Hot water can increase swelling and make you feel faint.
Avoid direct spray: Keep the shower head from spraying directly onto the drain site. Let the water cascade gently over your body.
Gentle cleaning: Use a clean washcloth and mild, unscented soap to wash your body. Avoid scrubbing the area around the drain insertion site. Let soapy water run over it gently like a waterfall.
Limited movement: Keep arm movements limited, especially if the drain is in the chest or armpit area. Avoid reaching or stretching.

After the shower

Pat, don't rub: Gently pat your body dry with a clean, soft towel. Pat the drain site area last and with extreme care, or allow it to air-dry completely.
Remove waterproofing: Carefully and slowly remove any plastic wrap or waterproof dressings, peeling away from the skin. Be cautious not to pull on the tube or stitches.
Check the site: Inspect the drain site for any signs of moisture, redness, swelling, or unusual drainage. If the underlying dressing got wet, remove it and replace it with a fresh, clean one.
Re-dress the site: If required, apply a clean dressing using fresh gauze and tape. Ensure the area is completely dry before applying.
Re-secure the drain: Fasten the drain bulb back to your clothing securely with the safety pin or drain holder to prevent tugging as you move throughout the day.

Common challenges and solutions

Recovering with a drainage tube can present several challenges, but they are manageable with the right approach.

Problem: Drain feels heavy or is pulling

Solution: Use a more supportive method of securing the drain, such as a specialized post-operative garment or shower pouch designed for holding drains. A soft cloth strap around the waist or neck can also help distribute the weight. Always secure the bulb below the drain insertion site.

Problem: Insertion site is wet after showering

Solution: Your waterproofing method may not be effective. Ensure the tape is adhering properly to clean, dry skin all the way around the plastic wrap or dressing. Consider trying a dedicated waterproof shower cover from a medical supply store.

Problem: Fear of dislodging the drain

Solution: A helping hand can provide much-needed confidence and safety. Ask a family member or friend to be nearby during your shower. Using a shower chair and non-slip mat can also provide added stability and peace of mind.

Comparison of drain securing methods


Method	Pros	Cons	Best For
Lanyard or Shoelace	Readily available, inexpensive.	Can be uncomfortable on the neck, may rub against skin, less stable.	Short-term use, minimal movement.
Safety Pin to Clothing	Simple, cost-effective.	Risk of pulling fabric, potential for accidental unpinning or snagging.	Securing bulb after showering, low mobility.
Specialized Drain Pouch/Garment	Secure, comfortable, designed for purpose, can be worn under clothes.	Higher cost, requires purchase.	Frequent showering, long-term use, increased comfort.

Important precautions to remember

No soaking: Avoid all forms of soaking, including baths, hot tubs, or swimming, as this can introduce bacteria to the insertion site and cause infection. Wait until your healthcare provider gives you approval.
Observe for complications: Keep an eye out for signs of infection such as fever, increased pain, redness, swelling, or foul-smelling drainage. Also, watch for an increase in drainage or if the fluid turns bright red.
Regular monitoring: If your doctor has instructed you to measure drain output, be consistent with your recording to provide accurate information at your follow-up appointments.
Milking the drain: If instructed by your care team, remember to milk the tubing to prevent clogging before and after your shower.

Conclusion

Navigating personal hygiene with a drainage tube can be daunting, but with proper preparation and technique, it can be done safely. Prioritizing infection prevention by keeping the site dry and securing the drain properly are the most important steps. Always follow your surgeon's instructions and do not hesitate to ask for help when needed. A safe and gentle shower is an important part of your recovery, helping you maintain a sense of normalcy and well-being as you heal. For additional, expert-vetted information on surgical drain care, you can visit the American College of Surgeons patient resources, which provide clear guidance on proper drain management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most hospital guidelines permit showering approximately 48 hours after surgery, but you must follow your surgeon's specific instructions. It is critical to confirm with your care team before you attempt to shower for the first time.

You can cover the drain insertion site with a waterproof dressing specifically designed for showering, or create a waterproof barrier using a large piece of plastic wrap and medical-grade waterproof tape to seal the edges tightly to your skin.

Use a lanyard, a cloth strap, or a specialized mesh shower pouch to hold the drain bulb. Pin the bulb securely to the strap, ensuring there is no tension or pulling on the surgical site.

The drain tubing and bulb can get wet, but the insertion site where the tube enters your skin must be kept completely dry to prevent infection. Keep the drain bulb out of the direct stream of water.

Use a mild, unscented soap. Avoid harsh soaps or scrubs, and do not apply any lotions, creams, or powders near the drain site unless specifically instructed by your doctor.

If your dressing gets wet, remove the old one immediately after your shower. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel, let it air-dry completely, and apply a fresh, dry dressing.

Call your healthcare provider if you experience a fever, increased redness or swelling at the drain site, severe or increasing pain, or if the drainage becomes cloudy, foul-smelling, or bright red.

After drying and applying a new dressing (if needed), re-secure the drain bulb to your clothing using a safety pin, clipping it to a secure garment like an inner shirt or waistband.