Clean a shower P-trap from above by removing only the grate or removable trap insert, pulling out visible hair and sludge, gently using a suitable hand drain tool if needed, then flushing with warm tap water. Most shower traps are concealed, so do not dismantle the waste or remove the shower.
Cleaning the trap from above
Wear gloves and eye protection. Have a towel, the correct cover tool, a plastic hair hook or long tweezers, and warm tap water ready.
If chemical drain cleaner is present, do not reach into the drain or insert a tool: trapped liquid may splash. Do not add or mix products. Follow the label and tell your plumber what was used. For exposure advice, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
Remove the grate: Use its screws, supplied lifting key or the manufacturer’s specified method. Stop if it does not release normally. Do not lever against tiles, force the cover or rotate the sealed drain body.
Remove visible debris: Pull hair, soap residue and sludge upwards with a plastic hair hook or long tweezers. Put it in the rubbish rather than pushing it deeper.
Clean a removable insert: Some shower wastes have a basket, cup or trap insert beneath the grate. Remove it only as directed by the manufacturer, noting its position. Wash it with warm water, mild detergent and a nylon brush. Check its seals, then refit it in the same position so the trap works correctly.
Clean a concealed trap bend carefully: If there is no insert, gently feed a small hand-operated drain tool into the waste and withdraw it regularly to collect debris. Stop if it jams, kinks or meets firm resistance. Do not use a powered auger or force a tool into concealed pipework.
Flush and test: Run warm tap water into the drain, refit the insert and grate, then run the shower at moderate flow. Water remaining in the trap is normal and forms the seal that blocks sewer gases.
Cleaning from above may not clear a blockage farther along the drainage line.
What to avoid and when to stop
Do not unscrew the shower waste flange, dismantle concealed plumbing, or disturb tiles, floors, ceilings or waterproofing.
Stop and arrange a licensed plumber if:
- the grate or insert requires force to remove;
- the tool repeatedly meets firm resistance;
- the water rises or normal flow does not return;
- the blockage quickly returns; or
- several fixtures drain slowly or back up.
If sewage backs up, stop using affected fixtures, avoid contact and keep people and pets away from the contaminated area.
Work on concealed sanitary plumbing or drainage may require an appropriately licensed plumber in NSW. If safe cleaning from above does not resolve the problem, contact our licensed Sydney blocked shower plumbers.