4 Best Methods to Unblock a Shower Drain

Imagine this: you’re enjoying a shower, and suddenly, the water starts to rise around your feet.

It won’t drain properly, and it feels like you’re standing in a mini pool. Sometimes, it also brings along that awful smell.

This is a common drainage issue that happens to most people at some point. It’s usually caused by hair, soap, or other build-up in the drain

No need to panic, though! Because, you can fix many blocked drains yourself.

In this article, we’ll talk about the best methods for unblocking a shower drain and how to prevent it from happening again.

But, if you ever need help, don’t forget that you can reach out to Neighbourhood Plumbing’s blocked drain service.

4 Ways to Unblock a Shower Drain

There are different ways to unblock a shower drain, depending on how bad the clog is. Some methods are simple and can fix the problem fast. Others may take a little more time. Let’s look at the best ways to get that water flowing again.

1. Using a Plunger

A plunger is a very simple tool that you probably already have at home. It can be very effective for clearing shallow blockages.

Tools Needed:

• Plunger
• Rubber gloves (optional)

Steps:

1. Check if there is enough water in the shower to cover the plunger’s rubber part.
2. Place the plunger over the drain and press down gently.
3. Pull up sharply to create suction.
4. Repeat this action several times.
5. Pour water down the drain to check if the blockage is gone.
6. If the water starts to flow again, great! If not, you may need to try another method or call Neighbourhood Plumbing to unblock your shower drain.

2. Using a Plumber’s Snake

A plumber’s snake is a tool that is flexible enough to go deep into your drain and break up stubborn blockages. If the plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a plumber’s snake.

Tools Needed:

• Plumber’s snake (also known as a drain auger)

Steps:

1. Insert the snake into the drain.
2. Turn the handle as you push the snake into the drain.
3. Keep turning until you feel the blockage break up.
4. Remove the snake and rinse it off.

3. Using Chemicals

Chemical drain cleaners are a quick fix for tough clogs. These cleaners work by dissolving the clog, making it easier for the water to drain.

However, you need to be careful when using them to unblock shower drains. Always read the instructions and wear gloves to protect your skin.

Tools Needed:

• Chemical drain cleaner
• Rubber gloves

Steps:

1. Pour the drain cleaner into the drain.
2. Wait for the recommended time on the product.
3. Flush the drain with hot water.
4. Check if the clog is gone.

4. Using Your Own Hand

If the clog is right near the surface and visible, you can remove it with your own hand. Make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands.

Tools Needed:

• Rubber gloves

Steps:

1. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
2. Reach into the drain and grab the blockage.
3. Dispose of the debris in a trash bag.
4. Clean your hands and the area around the drain.

How to Prevent Clogged Shower Drains

Now that you know how to unblock drains, especially unblocking shower drains, let’s talk about how to avoid this problem in the future. It’s much easier to prevent a clog than to fix one. Here are some simple tips to keep your drains clear.

1. Avoid Flushing Improper Items

It’s very important not to flush anything down the drain that could cause a clog. Items like wet wipes, cotton balls, or sanitary products can easily get stuck in the pipes and cause a blockage. Sometimes, they can make gurgling drains.

Also, these things don’t break down in water and can cause bigger plumbing issues down the line. Always throw these items in the trash instead of flushing them.

Don’t use baking soda and vinegar to clean it too. Since it can create oxidation, leading to the corrosion of the pipes.

If you’re not sure whether something is safe to flush, don’t risk it. If it’s not toilet paper or human waste, don’t flush it.

2. Clean Out Hair Regularly

Hair is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to clogged drains. If you don’t clean the hair from the drain cover often, it can build up and cause blockages.

To help with this, you can use a mesh drain cover that will catch hair before it goes down the drain. Cleaning the drain cover regularly will prevent hair from getting stuck in the pipes.

You can also buy a drain cover with a built-in hair catcher. This makes it even easier to keep your drains clear.

3. Be Careful with Soap Scum

Soap scum can build up inside the drain over time. It can mix with hair and other debris, causing a clog.

To prevent this, try using liquid soap instead of bar soap. Liquid soap doesn’t leave behind as much residue.

Also, it helps to wipe down the drain and walls after each shower to keep soap scum from building up.

If you notice soap scum building up, give the drain and the walls a quick scrub every once in a while to prevent future problems.

Conclusion

A clogged shower drain is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to be a huge hassle to unblock shower drains.

With these simple methods, you can fix the clog yourself and save some money.

Don’t forget to follow the prevention tips to keep your drains clear in the future.

If you find that unblocking your shower drain is too tough to remove on your own, don’t hesitate to reach out to Neighbourhood Plumbing.

We’re here to help with any plumbing problems you might have!