Shower drain clogged - black crumbs from shower drain

Hello everyone,

I had a clogged drain in my shower and tried to solve the problem with the plunger. Unfortunately, a lot of fine, black, sand-like grains came up. Now I am afraid that the water pipe from my drain is slowly dissolving. Has anyone had a similar experience? What could this black sand be? Do I need to call a plumber for this, or can I solve the problem in another way? I really hope someone can help me.

Best regards
Manni

lots of fine, black, sand-like grains

That sounds like coffee grounds. If the sink drain is nearby and cups with unfiltered brewed coffee are rinsed out, it first accumulates in the bend of the sink drain. Subsequent water surges then stir it up and only wash it a little further. If a shower drain is close by and adds hair, you get top-quality "reinforced" coffee cement in the pipe. With very hard water, the stuff turns concrete gray and overall becomes a special treat for sensitive noses. Drain pipes themselves do not dissolve into soot particles or the like.

Do you have a photo of it?