The Best DIY Ways to Unclog a Shower Drain

Many people are troubled by a clogged shower drain. There seems to be no end to these mundane, annoying experiences just like going to the dentist and taking a driving test. However, there are ways to unclog a shower drain!

It is useful to learn about some ways to unclog a shower drain as a clogged drain can lead to mould development and flooding, burst or leaking pipes. If you find yourself standing in dirty and soapy water, here are some ways to solve this problem:

Pour Boiling Water

Boil a pot of water on the stove and make sure it is easy to handle for transporting around. Then pour the water down the drain slowly. Use a funnel to protect anything else in the tub.

Wait fifteen minutes and try to run water from the tap. The heat should melt the grease or soap that builds up in the drain. Move on to the next solution if it does not work.

Pull Out the Clog

Using your hands to get the clog out can be a very quick and easy way to unclog the drain. First, wear a rubber glove and remove the drain cover. Some drains need you to take out the screw at the middle and sometimes you can pry the drain cover off with a screwdriver. Next, look inside the drain to see where is the clog with a flashlight. If you can reach the clog, pull it out with your hands, if not, go to the next solution.

Use A Plunger

The next thing you want to do is dislodge the clog with a plunger. Use a classic plunger for shower drain, and add water to the tub or shower to submerge the cup’s end, which helps with suction.

Press the cup down to get a seal, and you can start to plunge. By plunging, you crate suction inside the drain that can dislodge clogs, but it will not always work as deep and entrenched clogs could not be removed. After plunging, if the water still builds up with the tap on, consider the next way.

Use Drain Cleaner

Remember to not use chemical drain cleaners, because they can damage pipes and hardware severely. You should try a safe at-home cleaner by following these steps:

Pour a cup of baking soda into your drain and pour a cup of vinegar after several minutes. Wait for an hour or two to get them mix. The two should create a fizzing reaction that clears clogs, then you can boil some water to clear the remaining clogs.

Use a Plumber’s Snake

This is a spiral-shaped wire that goes down your drain to remove the clog physically. It is also known as an auger. First, feed the snake down the drain until you feel resistance, which is the clog. Slowly turn the crank on the handle in a clockwise direction as you push the snake down. This will help to grab on to the clog and pull it up. 

If you feel that the clog is too big or deep to be removed, stop and call a professional for help as continuing could damage your pipes.

Call the Professionals

After trying all the methods, it is possible that the clogs are still there. Now you can call a professional drain cleaning service to clean up the stubborn clogs. There can be many options to clear clogs. Some high-quality plumbing companies have hydro-jetting and camera inspections. These can remove clogs and check the cause of the drain so that you can prevent the next one. 

Please call us if you need an experienced drain cleaning service, we promised to offer you the quickest solutions for your shower drain.

So there you have it, some ways to unclog a shower drain. Hopefully one of these methods will work for you so that you can clear the clog and avoid any further damage. 

Remember, if the clog is too deep or big, it is best to call for a professional drain cleaning.