How To Unclog a Shower Drain

Is your shower drain blocked? A clogged drain is a common household problem, but you can often fix it yourself quickly and easily. This guide offers several solutions, starting with the simplest methods and progressing to more involved techniques.

Understanding the cause of your shower drain blockage helps you choose the most effective solution and prevent future issues. Different blockages require different approaches. The most common culprits are:

• Hair: Hair is the most frequent culprit in shower drain clogs. It tangles and traps soap scum, creating a stubborn blockage.
• Soap Scum: Soap combines with minerals in hard water to form a sticky residue that clings to pipes and contributes to clogs.
• Small Objects: Small items like jewellery, toys, or even cotton buds can accidentally fall into the drain and obstruct water flow.
• Mineral Build-up: Hard water can lead to mineral deposits inside pipes, restricting water flow and eventually causing blockages.

Identifying and addressing the cause of clogs is vital for maintaining healthy pipes and optimal drainage. Persistent blockages can lead to:

• Slow Draining: A partially blocked drain indicates a build-up of debris that will eventually lead to a complete blockage.
• Standing Water: Standing water in your shower is a clear sign of a significant blockage.
• Pipe Corrosion: Chemical build-up from certain cleaning products can corrode pipes over time.
• Foul Odours: Decomposing organic matter trapped in a clogged drain produces unpleasant smells.

The “best” way to unblock a shower drain depends on the blockage’s severity. Often, simple methods prove effective. However, more stubborn blockages require more involved techniques. Start with these easy fixes and progress to more intensive methods if necessary:

• Step 1: Boil a kettle or pot of water.
• Step 2: Carefully pour the boiling water directly down the drain.
• Step 3: Wait a few minutes and check if the drain clears. This method works well for minor clogs caused by soap scum or grease.

• Step 1: Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain.
• Step 2: Follow with one cup of white vinegar.
• Step 3: Cover the drain with a plug or cloth to contain the fizzing reaction.
• Step 4: Wait 30 minutes, then flush with hot water. This combination effectively dissolves hair and other organic matter.

• Step 1: Prepare the Plunger and Drain: Ensure the rubber cup is soft and pliable. Run it under hot water if stiff to improve the seal. Remove the shower drain cover, if possible, for direct clog contact. Cover the overflow drain with a wet cloth to concentrate the plunging force.
• Step 2: Create a Water Seal: Fill the shower with enough water to cover the plunger’s lip. This is crucial as water transmits pressure better than compressible air. Position the plunger over the drain, ensuring a snug seal. Press down firmly but slowly to eliminate air pockets. If sealing is difficult, grease the plunger’s lip with petroleum jelly.
• Step 3: Plunge Vigorously: Maintain the plunger’s seal while applying firm pressure and quick pulsations. Vigorous thrusts move the clog back and forth, aiding in its breakdown.
• Step 4: Repeat and Check: Continue plunging for several minutes. Remove the plunger and check if the water drains. Repeat the process if necessary. Persistence is key.

If the simple methods haven’t cleared your drain, these more involved DIY solutions may be necessary:

When a plunger fails, a chemical drain cleaner may be the next step. Numerous products exist, each designed for specific blockage types. Enzymatic cleaners excel at dissolving organic matter like hair and soap scum, while caustic or acidic options tackle tougher clogs. Choose a cleaner suited to your situation. Always check compatibility with your plumbing system – some are unsuitable for PVC pipes or septic systems. Popular Australian brands include Draino, Mr. Muscle, and Earthwise (for a more environmentally friendly option), most can be purchased from Bunnings.

• Step 1: Select the Right Product: Assess your clog and choose a suitable cleaner. Check labels for compatibility with your plumbing. Consider environmentally friendly options like Earthwise if appropriate for your blockage.
• Step 2: Protect Yourself: Wear sturdy gloves and goggles to protect your skin and eyes. Ventilate the bathroom by opening a window or using an exhaust fan to disperse fumes.
• Step 3: Apply the Cleaner: Carefully pour the recommended amount of cleaner down the drain, avoiding splashes.
• Step 4: Time and Flush: Set a timer according to the product instructions. Once the time elapses, flush the drain thoroughly with hot water.

Frequent use of chemical drain cleaners can accelerate pipe wear. These products often contain harsh chemicals that can negatively impact waterways and ecosystems. Consider the environmental impact when choosing and disposing of these products. Explore gentler alternatives for routine drain maintenance. For example, regular use of boiling water, baking soda and vinegar, or a drain strainer can prevent many clogs from forming in the first place.

• Step 1: Locate the screws holding the drain cover in place. They may be hidden under decorative caps.
• Step 2: Unscrew the drain cover and remove it.
• Step 3: Clean any visible hair and debris from the drain opening and the underside of the cover.
• Step 4: Reassemble the drain cover.

When conventional methods fail, a plumber’s snake, or drain auger, is an effective drain cleaning tool that provides a more aggressive unclogging approach. Mastering this tool empowers you to conquer stubborn clogs.

• Step 1: Initial Insertion and Rotation: Extend a few inches of the cable into the drain. Turn the handle clockwise while pushing downward, guiding the snake through pipe curves.
• Step 2: Extending and Encountering Resistance: For tougher clogs, extend more cable until you meet resistance—this signifies a blockage.
• Step 3: Breaking Through or Hooking the Clog: Continue rotating the handle. You’ll either break through the clog or hook it for removal.
• Step 4: Retracting and Cleaning: Slowly retract the cable, cleaning accumulated debris as it emerges. This prevents reintroducing the gunk into the drain.
• Step 5: Second Pass (If Necessary): If the clog persists, repeat the process. Vary the angle and apply moderate thrust to dislodge stubborn obstructions.

Balance force and finesse. Avoid excessive force when encountering resistance; gently wiggle and rotate the snake through tight spots. Excessive pressure risks pipe damage. Feed the cable slowly to feel the pipe’s layout. Rotate continuously for optimal auger effectiveness.

The drain trap, a U-shaped pipe beneath your shower, plays a crucial role in drainage. It holds water to block sewer gases but can also trap hair, soap scum, and debris.

• Step 1: Locate and Remove the Trap: Access the P-trap, usually located beneath the shower basin, by removing the drain cover. You might need to access an access panel or open the floor beneath the shower. Use a pipe wrench to loosen the slip nuts at both ends of the trap. Have a bucket ready to catch water and debris.
• Step 2: Clean and Inspect: Hold the trap over the bucket and examine its interior using a flashlight if needed. Scrub away grime with a small brush or flexible cleaning tool. Rinse thoroughly. For stubborn blockages, soak the trap in hot water and vinegar.
• Step 3: Reassemble and Check for Leaks: Reconnect the trap, hand-tightening the slip nuts first to prevent cross-threading. Then, secure them with a pipe wrench, avoiding over-tightening. Run water to test for leaks. If leaks appear, tighten the nuts slightly or use plumber’s tape.

Preventing shower drain clogs is easier than clearing them. Implement these simple strategies:

• Install a Drain Strainer or Hair Catcher: These inexpensive devices trap hair and other debris before they enter the drain. Clean them regularly.
• Flush with Boiling Water Weekly: A weekly flush of boiling water helps dissolve soap scum and grease build-up.
• Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain: Dispose of grease and oil in a separate container, not down the drain.
• Regularly Clean the Drain: Periodically remove the drain cover and clean any visible debris.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar Monthly: A monthly baking soda and vinegar treatment helps maintain clear drains.

Standing water in your shower indicates a blocked drain. First, protect your hands with rubber gloves and remove the standing water with a cup and bucket. Dry the area around the drain with a towel. Next, clear any visible debris from the drain opening and remove the drain cover if possible to access any blockage just below the surface. Try pouring small amounts of boiling water down the drain to dissolve the clog. If this doesn’t work, use a plunger. Apply petroleum jelly to the plunger’s rim for a better seal, place it over the drain, and plunge vigorously for about three minutes. Flush with hot water for three minutes, followed by cold water for two minutes to check if the drain clears. Repeat if necessary. If the plunger fails, try a mixture of ¾ cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar. Cover the drain and let it fizz for an hour before flushing with boiling water. For stubborn clogs, use a drain snake or a straightened coat hanger with a hook to break up the blockage. If these methods prove unsuccessful, it’s time to call a plumber from TrueFlowing Plumbing and Drains.