It is always better to avoid the expense of calling a plumber if you possibly can, and I generally find unclogging shower drains isn’t as difficult as people typically imagine.
Most clogged showers drain problems can be resolved by using simple methods and tools.
Below are my eight suggested methods for how to clear a clogged shower drain.
1. Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain
How to Unclog Your Drain Using Boiling Water
There are different ways to clear clogs, and this is one of them. Boiling water can be used in tandem with other methods.
The clog liquefies and is flushed down the drain, without needing to use chemicals or a snake.
Start by waiting for any standing water to drain. If the water doesn’t move down the drain in an hour, then the clog is likely too big to be removed with boiling water alone.
Put the second litre of boiling water down your shower drain if you can’t remove it with the first one (only use PVC pipes).
2. Try Using a Plunger
When it comes to unclogging a shower drain, many people reach for a plunger. And for good reason: plunging is an easy and inexpensive way to try to clear the blockage. Plus, it can take as little as minutes to get the job done.
There are a few things you can do to make sure you’re using the plunger effectively:
– Add water to the shower so that you can use a plunger more effectively.
– Plunge vigorously when trying to unclog your drain with a plunger.
– The benefit of using a plunger is that it only takes minutes and costs very little.
– If you are going to plunge, make sure the drain is clean before doing so.
– Use a wet towel to block the overflow opening when using your plunger.
– Fill the shower with water before plunging.
– The max number of plunges is 12.
After each successive plunge, remove the plunger to see if the water is draining correctly
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar (the Natural Alternative to Chemicals)
How to Unclog a Shower Drain Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
Three methods can be used to unclog a shower drain:
This works great in a clog.
This method is ecologically preferable and won’t cause damage to plastic pipes, but it could still require chemicals if the blockage is too severe for this method to work.
The third method involves using pressure to amplify the results of the first two methods. Baking soda and vinegar work best for clogs that are in place. If your shower drain is clogged, pour baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar. The chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar will help break up the clog. You may have to wait a few minutes before pouring boiling water down the drain to clear it completely
4. Take off the Drain Cover and Pull Out the Clog by Hand
How to Unclog a Shower Drain by Hand
To unclog a shower drain by hand, you’ll need:
A bucket or container to catch the water
A screwdriver
Pliers
Chlorine bleach
WD-40 or another lubricant spray
First, take off the drain cover. It can be removed with a screwdriver. Be careful not to damage it so that you can replace it later. Next, use pliers to reach into the drain and remove the clog. If this doesn’t work, pour chlorine bleach down the drain to disinfect it and break up any remaining clogs. Finally, spray WD-40 or another lubricant down the drain and reattach the cover.
5. Use a Hook
How to Unclog Your Shower Drain Using a Hook
If your shower drain is clogged and you can’t remove the clog with a plunger, there’s still hope: You can use a wire coat hanger to fashion a hook at the end of it. The best time to try this is when the blockage is just too far for your hands but not so far as to need a snake.
Find a wire coat hanger and straighten it out as much as possible. Feed the hook into the drain and try to use it to grab onto clumps that are clogging the works. If you manage to hook it, you should be able to drag it back out easily and remove it from the drain.
Wire snakes are small hooks used for reaching clogs that are too deep to be reached with your hands – but if you aren’t able or willing to go that far, using needle-nose pliers can help flatten loops and straighten a wire hanger so that it becomes more useful as a tool in this situation. To remove hair from the shower drain, use either a wire hanger or plastic drain snake with a hook – wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and avoid touching the clogs yourself! Safety first!
It’s important to be able to see where the clog is located, so be sure to have a flashlight handy. And it’s also important to hook onto the clog and pull it up as soon as possible so that water flow isn’t halted by a hairball in your sink or bathtub. You may need to repeat the steps several times to get all of the clogs out.
Turn on hot water and check if the clog is gone – if it is, great! If not, you can try using a baking soda and vinegar solution to clear a clogged drain. Put the drain cover back on if you can use the shower normally.
The hook may seem like an unusual way to unclog your shower drain, but it just might work – and it’s worth trying before resorting to bigger (and potentially messier) tools.
6. Use a Plumbers’ Snake (a.k.a. a “Toilet Jack” or an “Electric Eel”)
How to Unclog Your Shower Drain Using a Plumber’s Snake
If your shower drain is clogged, you can try to clear it yourself by using a plumber’s snake. A plumbers’ snake is a long, flexible metal coil that is inserted down the drain until it reaches the clog.
Once the snake has reached the clog, you can push and pull on it until the blockage is cleared. If a plumber’s snake doesn’t work, you can try using a manual hand snake.
A plumbers’ snake (or “electric eel”) is an essential tool for any homeowner who wants to be prepared for any plumbing emergency.
7. Use Chemicals
How to Unclog a Shower Drain Using Chemicals
If your shower drain is clogged and you’re unable to clear it using a plunger, you may need to use chemicals. Always follow the directions on the packaging and make sure not to use too much. Wear gloves and goggles when handling chemicals. Pour down the drain after using this method, as it could damage pipes if used repeatedly. Chemicals are only a solution for clogged drains that are beyond repair. Chemicals can be hazardous to your health and contaminate the environment, so use them carefully. Chemical treatments are the most expensive option and require lots of trouble. Chemical treatments are not a preferred or first choice of treatment because they cause lots of problems
8. Call a Plumber
If you are looking for an easy and quick solution, calling a plumber is your best bet. They will have the proper tools and knowledge to unclog your drain quickly and efficiently. Additionally, this option is the cheapest in the long run, as you won’t have to worry about any damage that may be caused by trying to fix it yourself.
However, if you are on a tight budget or don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, other methods can be used. These methods may take longer and be more complicated than simply calling a professional, but they can get the job done without spending too much money.
Blocked Drain Causes
There are several things that can cause a drain to become clogged. The most common culprits are hair, grease, and soap scum. When these substances accumulate in the drain, they can form a blockage that prevents water from flowing freely.
In addition, hard water can also lead to clogging. This is because the minerals in the water can coat the drain and create a build-up over time. And finally, tree roots can sometimes enter drains and create blockages as they grow.
Need Help? Get In Touch
If you’re having trouble with your clogged shower drain, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We can help!
You can schedule a job quoted at our contact number and we’ll be happy to help you out.
Call The Pipe Relining Company today to make an appointment and let us know what’s going on. We’ll do our best to help you out as soon as possible.
In addition, be sure to check out our blog for more helpful tips on plumbing and other home repairs. You may find the answer you’re looking for or at least some useful information that will come in handy later on.
