How to Clear a Clogged Shower Drain: 8 Methods
Have you been looking for how to unclog shower drain? A clogged drain can get can build up a huge mess. So, the earlier it is dealt with, the better. In this article, we’ll show you how you can achieve this with a few easy steps.
A sluggish drain is a blocked drain. A significant blockage may be to blame for a blocked toilet or kitchen sink, but shower drains typically slow down over time as they gather hair, lint, or residue from bath products.
A clogged drain is usually caused by a build-up of hair and soap scum that has accumulated over time. In this article, we have analyzed how to unclog the shower drain with easy steps.
How to Unclog Shower Drain
Unclogging a shower drain can be done with a variety of do-it-yourself methods. We’ll go through some of the most prevalent ways in this section.
Keep in mind, too, that if the blockage is large or deep enough, you may not be able to clear it using these methods. If this occurs, you should seek the assistance of a skilled plumber.
1. Remove the Clog by Hand
How to unclog shower drain. A blockage can sometimes be seen at the surface and is easily accessible. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and try to remove the blockage as thoroughly as possible.
Small plastic hooks are available specifically for this purpose. (It’s tempting to use a wire coat hanger here, but be careful: this will harm your drain.)
2. Use a Drain Snake
A drain snake, often known as a plumber’s snake, is a piece of flexible, retractable drilling equipment available at hardware stores.
You’ll shoot a metal wire down your drain using the snake’s hand crank to either break up or take out whatever is obstructing it.
There are also disposable plastic snakes available that don’t require any cranking and can even be used to unclog a toilet.
After each usage, be sure to clean your drain snake. If you have one, a plumber’s snake is highly recommended for unclogging clogged shower drains.
To reach tough clogs, these instruments may penetrate far deeper than hooks.
Simply push the snake until it approaches the block and is unable to advance any further. Then twist the handle to bring the trash to the top.
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3. Use a Pot of Boiling Water
How to unclog shower drain. If there are no apparent impediments obstructing the drain and a drain snake hasn’t worked. Contact with hot water can assist dissolve softer build-up around the edges, such as soap scum.
Repeat the process two or three times more if necessary.
The first remedy for a clogged shower drain is Boiling water. First, boil a kettle of water and pour it down the drain to complete this approach. Use a funnel to concentrate the water if possible.
It’s worth noting that this strategy is unlikely to work on huge blocks. It is, nevertheless, worth a shot on its own. If that doesn’t work, try combining it with one of the other techniques.
4. Use a Natural Drain Cleaner
How to unclog shower drain. Drano and other traditional drain cleaners don’t always perform as effectively as they say, and they’re full of dangerous chemicals.
On mild blockages, natural DIY cleaners can be equally as efficient as commercial cleaners. 1 cup vinegar (distilled white vinegar is ideal) and 1 cup baking soda, combined to free the drain.
Pour boiling water down it first, then add the baking soda-vinegar combination and wait 15 minutes. Rinse with extra hot water if necessary.
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5. Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution
Baking soda/vinegar is a decent option if you want something stronger than boiling water but not as toxic as chemicals.
Fill your shower drain with one cup of baking soda. Allow the baking soda to remain for a few minutes in the drain. This will allow enough time for it to cover everything.
Pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain after that.
This should, in theory, dissolve any hair or debris in the drain. It will, however, take a few hours. After a certain amount of time has gone, add some hot water to the mix.
6. Remove the Debris With a Hook
How to unclog shower drain. The next step is to manually remove the obstruction. You may be able to accomplish this with your hands in some circumstances, but just for hair and tiny things close to the service.
Anything else will need a longer, more capable instrument.
A wire coat hanger is a good investment. Then unwind it and form a hook out of it. Remove as much of the blockage as possible, then flush with boiling hot water.
Keep in mind that if you have a mineral accumulation obstruction, this procedure is unlikely to work.
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7. Try Chemicals
How to unclog shower drain. Chemicals should be used only when you have tried other options. For one thing, dumping it down the drain is bad for the water supply.
They can also cause irreversible harm to your drains, particularly if they’re older.
Having said that, they’re also a cost-effective and efficient way to clear a blockage. Just make sure you handle them with caution. In enclosed places, many unclogging agents are harmful.
8. Call a Plumber
If you’ve tried everything on this list and your shower is still not draining properly, you may be dealing with a more serious issue.
Some issues will be more difficult to resolve than a hair and debris blockage.
Unforeseen situations arise, and we have no control over them. Tree roots sprouting through your pipes is one such scenario.
This is more prevalent than you may imagine, and it’s also a lot more costly problem to solve. A plumber may use a camera to see down into your pipes and tell you exactly what’s wrong.
Also, If your shower is draining slowly or even backing up, you could have a clog on your hands. There are a variety of techniques to deal with a clogged drain, and we’ve just outlined nine of the most effective.
Of course, a plumber is an expert at this, so if the problem persists, you may need to bring in professionals.
Some issues may be beyond a homeowner’s ability to solve with simple equipment and chemicals. However, for most clogged shower drains, these solutions will be sufficient to restore full draining speed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are FAQs concerning the processes involved in unclogging one drain.
How does boiling water unclog a drain?
How to unclog shower drain. Sure. Boiling or scalding hot water with vinegar, baking soda, dish detergent are time proven to flush out the gunk, if that’s the cause.
For more stubborn debris often have to remove and clean the trap, and run a stick down the drain pipe.
Most clogging is grease buildup. Scalding hot water will gradually wash that out, even faster with acidic vinegar and cleaners, or it’s call a plumber.
Whenever grease goes down the drain assembly, a bowl of hot water should be oured in to make sure nothing sticks around.
How do I unclog my bathtub drain with standing water in it?
Follow these steps to unclog your bathroom drain:
▸Pour 1 cup of water down your drain
▸Put the half cup of baking soda down the drain
▸Mix in the vinegar with your second prepared cup of water
▸Pour in the vinegar/water mixture down the drain with the added baking soda – Things will begin to bubble/fizz, this is good, it means things are working!
▸Cover the drain to allow the chemistry to take place between the vinegar and the baking soda
▸Set the timer for 10minutes to allow the formula to take care of your clog
▸Pour another cup of boiled water down your drain to flush out the remaining clog
How do I unclog a bathroom drain with boiling water?
How to unclog shower drain. Generally, you’ll be able to clear a clog in metallic pipes by simply pouring in a bowl of boiling water, slightly at a time.
Don’t pour boiling water down PVC pipes, which might be broken by the warmth. This easy repair could or could not work, nevertheless it’s value a attempt.
After the boiling water goes down the drain, run some water within the bathe to see if the clog is cleared.If the drain remains to be clogged, the issue could also be a soapy clump of tangled hair, which you can pull out with your finger.
You may pull it out even when water is standing within the bathe, so long as the water is just not too sizzling to the touch.If the clog is beyound reach, you can unscrew or the drain cowl. Then straighten out a wire coat hanger and make a small hook on the finish.
CSN Team.
