Hair is the bathroom drain’s worst enemy; therefore, it can be the source of your issue. If you discover yourself wading in the water while attempting to take a soothing shower, there may be a clog in your shower drainage preventing the water from draining perfectly.
There are various methods to unclog the shower drain; however, disconnect the drainage screen or plug to enter the drain before you begin. The issue is fixed when a hair clog collides with the screen or barrier. A screwdriver is generally all that is needed to remove the screen, cork, or cover.
If it doesn’t work, look down the sewer to see whether you can discover the source of the problem. Switch on a led bulb or use a flashlight to examine the drain. Once you’ve identified the source of the clog, try one of these seven home methods to unclog the bathroom drain.
How to Unclog Shower Drain
Here are some of the seven finest techniques to unblock the shower drain yourself before calling a plumber to come to your rescue.
1. Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain
This can occasionally break down the debris or greasy clogging the drain and clear it.
- Bring the water to a boil on the burner.
- You should pour boiling water down the drain.
- It’s preferable to use a strainer or something to keep the water contained as you pour. This prevents water from splashing on any expensive shower or bathtub equipment.
This approach may not function independently, particularly if you have a significant obstruction built up over the years and contains lots of disheveled hair. However, when combined with another approach indicated below, it may partially eliminate the block and work ultimately.
2. Try Using a Plunger
The nature of the obstruction, the location of the clog in the pipe, and the architecture of the drain will all influence how effective the plunge is. For example, if the blockage is severe and composed of hair, you may fail to get enough pressure for successful plunging.
- Try applying petroleum jelly to the pressure pad’s edge to improve the seal.
- Fill the shower to the point where the plunger’s end is submerged.
- Plunge with vigor.
Plunging is also another strategy with a low success rate for showers; however, it is usually worth trying because the costs and time required are average.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar
This is a more realistic option than utilizing cleaning chemicals.
- Put a cup of baking soda down your sewer.
- Wait a little bit.
- Pour another cup of vinegar down your drain as well.
- Wait a few hours to observe if the hair clog dissolves.
- Pour heated water down the sewer to clean it out.
Although this method is more environmentally friendly and will not harm PVC pipes, you may still need chemicals.
4. Remove the drain cover and manually remove the clog
This procedure has a reasonable possibility of success, but it requires hands; therefore, it is recommended to wear protective gear when handing your shower drain.
- Remove the drain cover by unscrewing it.
- In most cases, you must remove a central bolt.
- You can also remove the drain cap with a screwdriver.
- Look down the drain to see if there’s a blockage.
- Use a flashlight if necessary.
- Pull the clog out with your fingers if you can reach it.
- You should use technique five if method four does not work.
This is an excellent approach for removing clogs produced by small objects or hair, but it is ineffective for removing clogs caused by mineral buildup. You could still have to use chemicals or some other way.
5. Use a Hook
One of the oldest approaches for resolving these issues is unclogging the shower drain and has a good track record.
- If you can’t access the clogs by hand, try pulling it out with a loop of wire.
- Make a tool out of a wire coat hanger by adding a hook to the end.
If your drain is clogged due to mineral accumulation, this may not be the ideal approach to clear it.
6. Use a Plumbers’ Snake
This is also another inexpensive approach for clearing jams that will not cost you any money. This strategy is also more often than not practical. It has a high rate of success.
- Push the snake down the drain until the obstruction is reached.
- Return the snake to its original position by turning its handle.
- Run water through the drain to ensure that the clog has been eliminated.
Clogs produced by roots necessitate more than simply a plumber’s snake, and many clogs do not even require the use of this equipment.
7. Use Chemicals
Most hardware stores sell powerful chemical cleaners designed to unclog shower drains and other plumbing problems. Please pay strict attention to the written instructions.
- Follow the guidelines on the package and avoid using too much. The quantity you use will vary.
- Put on gloves and eye protection.
- Do not combine your chemicals. This could result in toxic gas.
- You should pour chemicals down the drain.
Many things can go wrong if you use chemicals carelessly. They can damage your pipes, mainly when you use them a lot. However, using chemicals is usually a quick, simple, cheap way. You can cut down on how much you will use them by preventing future blockages.
