Keeping your shower and shower drain clean is essential to running a functioning home. Thankfully, you can remove shower clogs with several different methods. Here are some of our recommendations for unclogging a shower drain.
Use a Chemical Drain Opener
Follow the instructions on the drain cleaner bottle to remove the clog. Remember to wear eye protection and rubber gloves to stay safe when working with chemicals. If you follow the instructions and cannot remove the clog, let your plumber know what product you used on your drain. This way, they can accurately assess the severity of the blockage.
Choose a Natural Solution
Many DIY recipes are available to help you unclog your drain. Homemade cleaners can be safer than chemical solutions if handled with care. To open your drain, try one of these methods:
- Pour boiling water: Slowly pour a full kettle of boiling water down your drain, pouring only a little at a time. Do not try this method with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes because the hot water will damage the piping. After you finish pouring the entire kettle, run water in the shower to see if the drain is clear.
- Mix vinegar and baking soda: Mix one-third cup of baking soda and one-third cup of vinegar together. Pour the solution into your drain and let it sit for about an hour. After the solution has had time to fizz up and cleanse the piping, run hot water down the pipe to remove any remaining solution and debris.
- Remove the clog by hand: Some clogs are built-up soap and hair that are within reach. Remove your drain cover and shine a flashlight into the pipe. You can then fish out the clog if it is within reach.
Plunge Your Drain
A plunger can also remove shower clogs if you have already tried the above methods. Fill the tub with a small amount of water and cover the drain with the plunger. Plunge the drain a few times. If you need a better seal, remove the drain cover and directly plunge the pipe opening.
Prevent the Clog
You can take preventative measures to keep your drain open, including:
- Buy a hair catcher: Hair catchers cover your drain and collect the hair from showers. They keep the hair out of your drain and help prevent clogs. Be sure to empty your hair catcher regularly to avoid buildup.
- Pour boiling water down the drain: Slowly pour a kettle worth of boiling water down the drain once a week to remove bacteria, soap and grease before these things become a blockage.
- Avoid pouring dirty water down the drain: Dirty water like mop water contains soap and debris. Avoid pouring mop water down the drain to keep your pipes clear.
You want to keep your pipes as clean as possible to prevent future clogs. If you try these methods but still have a clogged drain, contacting a plumber is your best option.
Call a Trusted Plumber to Clean Your Shower Drain
If you need help unclogging your drain, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Syracuse can help. After being in business for over 50 years, we know what it takes to get the job done right. We offer 24/7 emergency services and upfront pricing for all your plumbing needs. Request an online job estimate today or call us for more information.
