There’s nothing worse than hopping in the shower and expecting a relaxing experience, only to end up in a puddle of backed-up drain water.
But, hey, it happens sometimes. Luckily for you, there are some quick solutions to fix the issue when it occurs.
If your bathroom pipes are giving you problems, don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll provide several solutions for fixing those pesky drain blockages. Keeping reading to learn how to unclog a shower drain.
1. Boiling Water
Boiling hot water is one of the quickest methods for unclogging a drain. If there are oils or other substances causing a clogged bathroom drain, hot water can normally strip it away.
To make sure this technique is effective, pour the boiling water down the drain. Wait a couple of minutes, and then pour some more.
Repeat the step two more times. Doing so ensures that enough water goes down the pipes and gets the job done.
2. DIY Cleaning Formula
Did you know you can make your own drain cleaner? It comes in handy when your pipes are backed up and you don’t want to go to the store. Also, if you prefer to use natural ingredients in your home, this method is for you.
Apple cider vinegar and baking soda have cleaning properties that work well for a clogged drain. Before pouring the solution down the pipes, use boiling water first. Doing so helps to clear things out a bit first.
Next, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Give it a couple of minutes to make its way down the pipes. Then, pour in a cup of vinegar.
The two ingredients will create a fizzy foam that will get the clog right out. Complete this method by running water down the drain to flush everything out.
3. Drain Snake
Sometimes you have to go directly to the source of the clogged drain, especially in showers. Chances are that hair in the pipes is causing the blockage.
You can use a storebought drain snake or make your own. If you have a wire hanger, unwind the clasps around the hook, and stretch it out. Be sure to keep the hook intact.
Next, stick it down the drain and pull out any debris that you can reach. Doing this technique should fix the issue.
You can also use your hands to pull out the gunk. If your shower drain is large enough for you to stick your fingers down in there, then do it with a pair of rubber gloves.
4. Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re wondering how to unclog a drain using a simpler method, try a wet/ dry shop vacuum. Before you begin, vacuum up the water in your shower first.
Keep the vacuum on the wet setting, and then place the tubing over the drain. The suction will help to release the clog out of the pipes.
5. Drain Cleaner Products
You can always use standard, store-bought products to fix a clogged drain. There are plenty of chemicals on the market that can fix the issue. Just be careful and make sure your bathroom is insulated.
Drain cleaning products are strong, and you don’t want to pollute the air in your bathroom. Also, put on gloves when using harsh drain cleaners. The chemicals could cause skin burns.
How to Prevent a Clogged Shower Drain
The above techniques work pretty well for unclogging a drain. However, when you have a blockage in your pipes, it’s an inconvenience. Therefore, it’s best to try to keep them as clear as possible.
One of the primary culprits of clogs in the shower is hair. However, a hair catcher is a good investment. It’s an inexpensive way to make sure that your drain stays as clear as possible.
When all else fails, you’ll probably need drain cleaning services. Some problems can’t be fixed with simple solutions. In those cases, it’s best to call in the professionals.
Common Reasons for a Clogged Shower Drain
Although hair strands are the primary cause of drain blockages, there are other contributors as well. Believe it or not, dead skin cells can clog your pipes too. That’s right, when you take a shower, old skin cells fall down the drain and stick to the pipes.
So does dirt. The dirt from your body can create an issue too. Have you ever taken a shower and seen brown/grayish residue at the bottom of the tub? That’s the stuff that clogs your drains.
Plus, if you live in an area with a beach, sand is a problem also.
Let’s not forget soap scum. Over time, soap scum deposits trap hair and other elements, creating a blockage. Luckily, soap is easy to wash away, which is why the boiling water method is so effective.
Your pipes could also have hard water. If so, the hard mineral deposits will solidify on the walls of your drains and cause clogs. To prevent this from happening, use a water softener for your water supply.
How to Unclog a Shower Drain: Professional Help
Knowing how to unclog a shower drain yourself is beneficial. But when the job is too tough, a professional plumber is the best option.
Sometimes the issue causing the drain blockage is bigger than you realize. In those situations, let the pros handle it.
Did you learn something from this article? We hope so! If you enjoyed this content, you’ll love our other posts as well. Feel free to browse the rest of our blog.
