A Guide to Unclogging a Shower Drain
A Guide to Unclogging a Shower Drain
Hair and soap will undoubtedly build up in your shower drain if ignored, leading to a blocked drain and standing water. It may be tempting to try a quick remedy to remove a hair clog or any other blockage but that might just be a temporary fix. Instead, try these simple tips for unblocking a shower drain without using harsh chemicals or calling a plumber.
Why Is My Shower Not Draining Properly?
The most typical reason for a clogged shower drain is the buildup of hair, dead skin, soap scum, and other debris. The most effective ways to prevent a buildup are to remove hair from the plughole after each shower and to clean the shower drain on a regular basis. Limescale build-up can also clog shower drains, especially if you live in an area with hard water. If you feel this is causing the blockage, there are many ways to de-scale your pipes with household items ranging from a cup of vinegar to lemon juice. Our dedicated guide has more ideas for cleaning limescale from your bathroom.
Here’s the 6 Ways To Unblocked A Clogged Shower Drain
If you have a slow-draining shower, get on the rubber gloves and try these easy ways to clear the drain before considering the need for someone to re plumb it for you.
#1. Using Hot Water
Even though hot water probably won’t clear out a shower drain fully, it’s always a good place to start. If the blockage is caused by a buildup of soap scum, pouring some hot water down the drain will clear it. Boil the kettle, then let it cool for a few minutes before emptying it down the drain to help unclog a shower drain. Don’t use boiling water because it can warp your pipes and worsen a clogged drain.
#2. Using a Plunger
If the blockage is close to the plughole, this tried-and-true drain unblocking method may be useful. Using a plunger may help in drawing out whatever is causing the clogged drain. If you’re having trouble getting adequate suction from the plunger, try applying Vaseline around the edges.
#3. Pouring Baking Soda and Vinegar
White vinegar is a well-known cleaner for a variety of tasks, including unclogging a shower drain. Follow this approach to clear your drain using baking soda and vinegar:
- First, pour a cup of baking soda followed by white vinegar down your drain to unblock it. Wait two to three minutes, then add a cup of white vinegar. The mixture will begin to bubble and fizz.
- Put the plug and let it work for about an hour.
- After an hour, pour hot but not boiling water down the drain.
- The vinegar and baking soda solution should release any hair or soap residue, allowing hot water to rinse out the pipes and clear the clog.
If the problem continues, repeat the method. Keep in mind that, while this is a more environmentally friendly way to clean your shower drains, it is still rather caustic, so don’t overdo it.
#4. Look Deeper Down The Drain
If nothing else works, it’s time to go down the drain and manually remove that blockage. Here’s how to go deeper into your shower drain and get to the bottom of the issue:
- Remove the drain cover. It may be held in place by a screw, or you could pry the drain cover off using a flat-head screwdriver.
- To see down the drain, use a torch. If the blockage is visible and easily accessible, remove it.
- If the blockage is beyond your reach, use a hook to extract whatever is stuck. Straighten a wire coat hanger and use the hooked part to pull out the blockage.
- If you are still unable to remove anything, you may need to use a plumber’s drain snake. Slide it into the drain until it reaches the blockage, then spin the handle to pull it back out.
#5. Using Chemicals to unblock a shower drain
If the previous procedures haven’t worked, it’s time to try the last resort: chemical drain cleaner. Your local supermarket or DIY store should have a variety of drain unblocker solutions. Carefully follow the directions on the bottle, then flush the drain with hot water to remove the blockages.
Keep in mind that you should not use this method to clean your shower drain on a regular basis because the harsh chemicals may damage your pipes over time.
#6. Call in a professional plumber
When you’ve done all of the things listed above and still can’t solve the problem, there’s only one thing left to do: call the plumber. If you live in an older home and are suffering repeated blockages, it may be time to upgrade your pipes. If you have low water pressure in your shower, consider installing a pump to increase water flow and improve your shower experience.