How To Fix Clogged Shower Drain? Complete Guide

Michael Bowen November 6, 2024

A clogged shower drain is a major annoyance in the bathroom. It causes water to pool in the shower and can also produce an unpleasant smell.

Fortunately, with a few simple steps and the correct tools, you can solve this problem quickly and efficiently.

This post will go over all of the causes of clogged shower drains and cleaning and maintenance tips to get your clogged shower drain running smoothly again.

Clogged shower drain: Causes

If you’ve noticed that your shower drain is clogged, it’s essential to determine the cause of the clog. A clogged shower drain can have many different reasons, from hair to soap scum, but no matter what the reason is, unclogging a shower drain is a simple process. Here are some of the most common causes of a clogged shower drain:

Hair

Hair can get stuck in your shower drain and form a clog. Hair can come from your own body or pets, so it’s essential to regularly clean out the drain to prevent a clog from forming.

Soap scum

Soap scum is a common cause of clogged shower drains. After a while, the buildup of soap scum can create a clog that a bathtub cleaner can’t cut through.

Hard water deposits

Hard water deposits can also lead to clogs, as the minerals in the water can build up and form a layer over the drain opening. And if the drain is old and worn out, it can also be more prone to clogging.

But whatever the cause, the solution is usually the same: you need to clear out the clog. It can perform with a plunger, a chemical drain cleaner, or a plumber’s snake. So don’t let a clogged shower drain stand in your way – take the necessary steps to get it cleared out!

Safety Tips

Having a clogged shower drain can be a frustrating experience. Not only does it cause standing water in the shower, but it can also present a safety hazard. It’s essential to know the safety tips for dealing with a clogged shower drain to ensure the safety of your home.

First and foremost, ensure the water turns off before unclogging a shower drain. You don’t want to get electrocuted in the process.

When removing the drain plug, be careful not to drop it down the drain. Also, you can use a wrench or pliers to hold it while you clean the drain out.

When using a plunger, be sure to place the plunger directly over the drain, and don’t use the suction to pull up on the walls or tiles.

When using a snake, wrap the cable around the outside of the plug so the line doesn’t get pulled into the drain. When using chemicals, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

By following these safety tips, you can help make sure you don’t end up in a dangerous situation when dealing with a clogged shower drain.

What you need?

Getting a clogged shower drain won’t be a big challenge, so don’t worry – a few tools break up clogs and allow water to flow freely.

Rubber gloves – Protect your hands from the water and soap scum from the drain.

Plunger – To clear the clog. You can also use a chemical drain cleaner, but the plunger is a simple and effective way of removing a clogged drain.

Snake – To remove hair and other debris from the inside of the drain.

Bucket: To catch the water from the drain as you clear it.

Cleaning agent – A chemical cleaner can also aid in unclogging.

Towel: To dry out the inside of the drain once the water has been turned off.

Once you’ve got all these tools, you’re ready to tackle that clog! It may take time and effort, but with the right tools and patience, you’ll have that shower drain flowing freely.

Preparing the shower drain

If you have a clogged shower drain, it’s time to fix it. The good news is that preparing the shower drain for repair is straightforward.

First, make sure the water is turned off.

Next, you will want to clear away any excess soap scum or hair clogging the drain. You can do this using a cleaning agent or a good scrub with a toothbrush.

Next, before unclogging the drain, lay down a towel or some other type of coverage under the drain plug. This will prevent the water from squirting and hitting you in the face as you clean the drain.

So the next time you have a clogged shower drain, don’t be intimidated. Just take a few steps to prepare it, and you’ll be on your way to a clog-free shower in no time.

How to unclog a shower drain?

Fortunately, unclogging a shower drain is relatively easy and can be done in just a few steps.

Source

First, ensure you have the proper tools for the job. You’ll need a pair of pliers, a bucket, and a plunger.

Next, fill the bucket with hot water and pour it down the drain. This will help loosen any debris that may be stuck.

Then, use the pliers to remove any hair clogging the drain. Once the debris has cleared, the plunger pushes the clog through.

Finally, pour boiling water down the drain to flush out any remaining debris.

The next time you have a clogged shower drain, don’t worry — follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be back up and running in no time.

Preventing a clogged shower drain

While it’s best to prevent a clogged shower drain in the first place, if one does occur, you can do a few things to speed up clearing it out. Here are a few tips for preventing a clogged shower drain.

After using the shower, be sure to clean the drain out. A quick brush of the gutter can save you a lot of hassle if you catch it early.

Avoid using too many soaps and shampoos in the shower. Building up soap scum can cause clogs, so be sure to rinse off your body thoroughly and avoid overusing the soaps and shampoos.

Avoid using scrub brushes and pads that can get stuck in the drain. Instead, use a more gentle cleaning agent like baking soda and vinegar.

With these simple steps, you can help prevent clogged shower drains and save yourself from a lot of hassle!

Troubleshooting tips

Clogged shower drains are a common problem, but the good news is that you can usually fix the issue on your own! The first thing you should do is remove the drain cover and inspect the inside.

If you’ve tried following the steps above and the clog still isn’t cleared, you may need to call a plumber.

If the clogging is due to too much soap scum, you can use a plunger with an included chemical.

You may need to feed it more cable If you use a snake and it gets stuck.

You can get your shower drain working again with a little effort and some troubleshooting tips.

When to call a professional

While unclogging a shower drain is straightforward, it’s always best to call a professional if you feel unsure. If you’ve tried to unclog the drain and it just won’t budge, or if you need help, it’s best to call a professional. A professional will have the right tools and training to get the job done right without any danger to yourself.

Last word

With these tips, you should be able to clear a clogged shower drain in no time.

However, clogged shower drains often require professional help. You can try a few things you can try on your own. You should remove the drain cover blockages for the move.

Another option is to use baking soda, vinegar, and hot water to break up any gunk or debris causing the blockage. Finally, you can use a chemical drain cleaner to dissolve stubborn blockages.

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