Blocked drains are a nightmare for any homeowner, regardless of size or severity. If left untreated, they can create an extremely unclean environment and disrupt your home by causing damaging leaks and burst pipes. It is essential to take preventative measures to keep your shower drain in the best condition possible.
Over time, hair and soap can build up in the drainage pipes, causing a slow or clogged shower drain. A toy or household object may have fallen through the shower drain opening. Your soap scum and all the other stuff can all contribute to creating a clogged shower.
Look out for these signs of trouble with your shower drainage:
- Water drains slowly
- A strong odour wafts from the drain
- You hear a gurgling sound
- Other areas, like toilets, are blocked too
Try these five easy tips to tackle clogs from hair, soap scum, and grime in your shower drain. You can clear blockages quickly and prevent overflow or standing water, using items you likely have right at home.
Remember that for larger blocked drains, such as stormwater or sewer drain blockages, a licensed plumber is always recommended, as they have the best equipment and industry knowledge to clear your blocked drains.
What Is The Best Way To Unclog A Shower Drain And Keep Your Shower Drain Clear?
We have listed the best (and easiest) ways to clear shower drain clogs below:
1) Boiling Water
Got a slow-draining shower? Try this simple trick. Just boil water in a kettle and pour it down the drain. It’s great for smaller clogs caused by grease, soap scum, or hair that just need a light nudge.
Please ensure you only use boiling water on your metal or ceramic pipes, as using it on PVC will loosen the joints. This method is excellent for the environment, as no chemicals are used, and it is quick and easy to clear your clogged drain.
When working with boiling water, wear gloves to protect your hands from burns and scalds. Safety first!
2) Plunge
Depending on the severity and the item lodged inside the shower drains, a good plunge is sometimes all you need to unblock your drain shower. Wear your rubber gloves and line the plunger’s seal with petroleum jelly to help create better suction, making the plunger more effective.
This method is only effective on solid blockages such as toilet paper. A plunger should be large enough to cover the whole drain opening.
When using a plunger, ensure that the up and down strokes are vigorous and are applied with a good amount of pressure.
About ten strokes should do the trick, and this method may take a few attempts to get the obstruction moving along the pipework.
After drain cleaning, install a bare rubber or plastic drain cover to capture hair, soap scum, etc. Don’t forget to place the drain plug in place if it’s a bathtub drain.
3) Baking Soda And Vinegar
This chemical-free DIY remedy uses baking soda and vinegar to naturally clear a blocked shower drain. Pour boiling water down your drain, then add ½ cup of baking soda. Let the baking soda mixture sit for a few minutes.
Follow this step by pouring a mixture of 1 cup of vinegar (we highly recommend distilled white vinegar) and 1 cup of boiling water again. Let the mix react for 5-10 minutes. Finish off by flushing the drain once more with boiling hot water.
You can try the baking soda and vinegar method multiple times. Unlike a chemical drain cleaner that uses toxic chemicals, your vinegar and baking soda concoction won’t cause harm to the environment or your pipework.
4) Wire Hanger
A household metal coat hanger is a simple and effective way to unclog your shower drain. This method is beneficial for hair and soap scum build-up.
All you need to do is unbend the wire coat hanger and make a small hook on one of the ends. Feed it through the clogged shower drains and carefully fish out any objects or debris causing the blockage. When you feel resistance, you know you have reached the obstruction.
Carefully move the wire until you think you have anchored the object, and slowly retrieve it.
This method might need a couple of tries and a bit of patience, especially if you’re dealing with tight spaces. You could also use a drain snake, but you’ll need to pick one up from a local hardware store.
5) High-Pressure Jet Blaster
For tough blockages, a high-pressure jet blaster is the go-to solution. Experienced plumbers often have one handy since they’re excellent for clearing stubborn obstructions like tree roots.
With CCTV camera work, your shower drain blockage will be located and cleared simultaneously.
Need Professional Help? Call Your Local Blocked Drain Plumber
You should call your local licensed plumber for any major blockages, as they will know precisely how to get your blocked shower drain cleared effectively.
A drainage expert will unclog your shower drain clogs effectively and suggest how to prevent a plumbing emergency in the future.
Regular household drainage cleaning can eliminate build-up inside the pipes and monitor the condition of your existing pipe and drainage system.
Unclogging A Shower Drain With Simple, Easy Steps
Many things can clog shower drains, from long hair clogs to organic matter and small objects. Remember to wear gloves whenever you remove clogs. And only use hot water if you have metal pipes.
Drain covers are also a great way to prevent any blockages in your water flow. However, if none of the DIY methods work, a more severe problem may affect your plumbing system and vents.
At Fixed Today, we believe prevention is better than a cure, and we have the resources available to protect your property from overflowing drains and damaged pipework. Call us for an in-depth action plan for your clogged drains.
That is all for our guide on removing a shower drain clog DIY. Check out our blog for more tips and tricks on stubborn clogs, natural drain cleaners, preventing clogs, and more!
