A clogged shower drain is a common but annoying problem. Shower drains can get clogged for several reasons. Some of these reasons are artificial, and others are natural. Whether artificial or natural, Orca Realty advises you can avoid all shower drain clogs with proper maintenance.
However, if you wake up one morning to find that your shower is not draining because of a clog, what should you do? The right steps for clearing the clog in your shower drain depend on the cause of the problem and the location of the clog inside the drainpipe.
Here, we will explore different options for clearing a clogged shower drain. The methods can be done by anyone using tools and materials found in most homes. But if the problem persists after using the prescribed techniques, you may want to call your plumber.
5 ways to unclog a shower drain
These five methods let you unclog your shower drain without damaging your pipes.
Pull out the clog by hand
This should be your first response. Since it involves using your hands, it is advisable to wear rubber gloves while doing this. This method works for clogs that are directly inside the drain opening. To clear a clogged shower drain by hand, do this:
- Wait until all the water drains out of the shower (might take some time).
- Remove the drain cover by unscrewing or prying it open.
- Look inside the drain to see what is blocking it (use a flashlight, if needed).
- If the clog is within reach, stick your fingers into the drain and remove it.
- If the clog is too far for your fingers, use a screwdriver or hook to remove the clog.
Pour boiling water down the drain
If the first method is impossible, or you used it, but the drain is still blocked, you can use this option. Hot water will dissolve any grease or caked soap inside your shower drain. Use this method is simple:
- Heat a large amount of water until it boils.
- Pour the hot water down your drain.
- If possible, use a funnel to channel the water.
- Make sure to avoid damage to delicate shower accessories.
You may need to do this more than once to get the desired results. This method will give you good results if you are dealing with soap scum and grease. For other types of clogs, you may need to combine them with other methods to get the best results.
Use a plunger
Using a plunger requires some skill. Also, you have to use the right kind of plunger. There are two kinds of plungers; one for sinks (other drains) and another for toilets. Toilet plungers have a flange that is absent in regular plungers. To unclog your shower drain using a plunger:
- Learn the proper technique for using a plunger.
- You may need to add some petroleum jelly around the edge of the suction cup.
- Pour some water in the shower to make sure the end of the plunger is submerged.
- You will need to apply some effort.
Use baking soda and vinegar
This method is a natural alternative to chemical drain cleaners, which can harm plumbing pipes and the environment. When mixed, baking soda and vinegar produce a fizzy reaction that is strong enough to dislodge blockages inside a shower drain. Here is how to use them:
- Pour a cup of baking soda into the drain and wait a few minutes.
- Follow it with a cup of vinegar and wait another few minutes.
The mixture is strong enough to dissolve balls of hair inside the drainpipes. If you don’t get the desired results, combine this method with method two. Wait a few minutes and pour boiling water into the drain after the vinegar and baking soda combination.
Use a plumber’s snake
Also known as an “electric eel” or “toilet jack,” Plumbers’ snake is a fairly inexpensive and easy tool to use. It is also very effective because it allows you to get to places inside the drain that your fingers cannot reach. It will also remove clogs where a plunger is ineffective. To use a plumber’s snake, follow these steps:
- Remove the drain cover and insert the snake into the drain.
- Turn the handle counterclockwise until you feel resistance.
- Push with a little pressure until the snake won’t go further.
- Turn the handle clockwise to reel the snake in.
- This should remove any clogs inside the drain.
- Test the drain by pouring water into it.
If you don’t see results with these methods, you may be tempted to use a chemical drain cleaner. We do not recommend chemical drain cleaners because they damage your pipes, even though they will remove blockages.
If the above methods don’t work, the next best step is to call a professional plumber. After the plumber has finished their work, you may want to ask their advice on preventing future shower drain clogs.