It’s the worst feeling: You’re in the middle of a hot shower and the water is just suddenly not going down the drain like it’s supposed to. And of course, adding to your frustration, it’s often hard to know how the clog even happened.
Drain debris accumulates over a long period of time, as hair and other rogue bits get collected and slowly build up while restricting water from passing through your pipes.
Even though extreme cases require a professional’s assistance, there are ways to fix clogged drains pretty quickly, with little to no money. And no matter how you choose to fix the issue, taking care of clogs promptly is the best action when considering the health and long-term quality of your plumbing fixtures. Plus, standing water can be a prime spot for bacteria growth, mildew, and even bugs.
With a little research, learning how to unclog a shower drain is very doable. So check out our tips down below. In no time, you'll have a squeaky-clean shower drain.
Thumbnail Photo: Flickr / Daniel Oines
How To Unclog A Shower Drain With Standing Water
1. Remove the standing water as best as you can using a bucket or large container. Eliminating the water will help you further investigate the problem and avoid a buildup of bacteria or bugs. You do not need to remove the standing water if you are immediately using the plunging method (see below).
2. With rubber gloves, remove any visible blockage that can be safely grabbed with your hands.
3. If you are working with a shower or tub drain that includes a strainer, disconnect this fixture with a screwdriver or pair of pliers.
4. From here, consider one of the methods below for clearing the drainpipe on your own.
1. Unclog A Shower Drain With Baking Soda And Vinegar
One of the best things about the Spruce's baking soda and vinegar method is that these two items are most likely hanging out in your pantry already.
1. Boil a pot of water (or use very hot tap water) and slowly pour it down the clogged drain as far as it goes. If the drain is completely stopped up, only pour a small amount to avoid more standing water.
2. As much as possible, dust the baking soda into the open drain and allow to sit for several minutes.
3. Gradually pour vinegar down the drain, enjoying the fizziness that occurs when the baking soda meets the vinegar. This chemical reaction helps break up the initial material in the pipes, hopefully loosening it all up for a final flush.
4. Pour a second pot of very hot water down the drain to remove the sitting vinegar, and hopefully enjoy a cleared drain.
5. A few repeats may be necessary.
2. Grab The Plunger
Unsure of how to plunge a shower drain? Look no further. If the chemical reaction approach doesn’t do the trick, Roto-Rooter suggests taking out the plunger. The goal is to move the gunk around sufficiently to help release the blockage.
1. If there is not already standing water present, add two to three inches to the basin to help enhance the plunging pressure.
2. Place the opening of the plunger fully around the drain, creating a seal. Any opening will not allow the proper air movement.
3. With both hands, and preferably gloves, push and pull with a good amount of vigor — both directions will help the process.
4. Remove the plunger and test the drain. Repeat three to four times as necessary.
3. Use A Snake To Unclog A Drain
If you still see no relief, you may want to buy or rent a drain snake (also called a cable auger). Do It Yourself recommends doing as much research as possible on the type of drain snake that's appropriate for your particular drain. When you head over to the hardware store, ask for additional advice on purchasing or renting the snake — this will protect the longevity and safety of your pipes.
Note: This is a method for those with more plumbing confidence and experience. So if all other methods have failed — and getting a plumber is not an immediate option — at least seek professional advice before using a snake to fully clear out the blockage.
4. Use Chemicals — Sparingly
Harsher chemicals are not the best tactic for unclogging drains. The San Francisco Chronicle claims that bleach can be harmful to the pipes themselves, and give off dangerous fumes. Many plumbers have said similar things about Drano: Its long-term use can decrease the longevity of pipes, exposing you and the water supply to harsh chemicals.
5. Try Wire Hangers
According to Delta Faucets, a similar tactic to the cable auger is using a wire hanger to clear the drain.
With this method, you also want to be careful not to damage pipes, but as a one-time fix, it can do the trick. Open up the hanger and gently thread the wire into the drain, shifting as you go and hopefully hooking the drain blockage.
How To Prevent A Clogged Shower Drain
If you make sure to clean your shower drain regularly, you should be able to save yourself the hassle of ever having to unclog it. This takes even less effort than the methods listed above and keeps your drain sparkling.
According to Lifehacker, it takes "nothing more than pouring a gallon of hot/boiling water down your drain. This occasional chore helps loosen any hair or gunk clogging the main pathway and pushes it down." Make sure to flush it for five minutes afterward with warm water to make sure everything is washed out of the drain.
Remember to always remove any hair from the drain after you shower. If you have a lot of hair or if it's really long, consider investing in a hair catcher to grab it before it falls down the drain.
If All Else Fails, Get A Professional
Clearing a drain is a pretty gross hassle to add to your day, but a hot shower with a functional plumbing system will be well worth all the elbow grease and experimentation. Keep this guide handy the next time a clog gets in the way of your busy day. But if all these methods fail, a professional’s help is the best path to ensure your drain gets safely cleaned.
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