Everyone often faces the clogged drain issue at least once in their lives. This happens because shower drains get clogged due to soap scum or hair debris. With time, these blockages can get dense and slow down the draining process. You will feel frustrated since your relaxing shower gets turned into a disastrous experience.
To keep your mind at ease, this detailed guide covers how to unclog a shower drain in just three simple tips. They will both save your time and money in expensive plumbing services.
Unclog a Shower Drain at Home
You can easily use a few household supplies and tools to unclog your shower drain on your own. Mind you, regular unclogging of drains will keep your bathrooms super clean, functional and hygienic. Some other benefits include:
- No Water Damage: With water flowing down the drain, you can save your walls and floor from unnecessary damage.
- No Mold and Mildew: No water pooling/standing means no scum/bacteria buildup which causes several health risks.
- Good Drain Efficiency: With smooth water flow, you will love your shower experience.
- No Bad Odors: With no bacteria buildup, your bathroom will smell fresh at all times.
- No Plumbing Repairs: No standing water reduces any strain on pipes which prevents costly plumbing repairs.
How to Unclog a Shower Drain?
Without any specialized tools, you can easily unclog a shower drain in just three simple ways.
Boiling Water, Vinegar, and Baking Soda
This is the most low-cost and simplest solution to solve your clogged drain issue. Also, it is completely natural and helps in removing all minor clogs in no time. Being an eco-friendly and chemical-free method, you will find it completely safe for all types of pipes.
Steps To Follow:
- Boiling Water: You have to start by boiling some water. Now, pour it down the drain.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: Now, it is time to add half cup of baking soda directly into the shower drain. After this, add the same quantity of vinegar. This mixture will create a fizzy reaction that will break down all minor debris and even remove any existing odor.
- Let it Sit and Rinse: You have to let the mixture sit for 15-20 min. During this time boil a pot of water. Now, you have to pour it down the drain to flush all the debris and dirt.
Use a Plunger
Want to remove stubborn clogs? You can use a plunger to unclog a shower drain by creating a vacuum that removes all clogs. This powerful tool quickly breaks off all stubborn clogs without using any type of chemicals.
Steps To Follow:
- Create a Seal: Place your plunger over the drain and make sure that there is enough water in the shower basin to cover the plunger’s rubber cup.
- Plunge with Force: Press down and pull up firmly on the plunger in a quick and repetitive motion to create proper suction.
- Repeat if Needed: Check if water starts draining smoothly. Repeat the plunging process several times if necessary.
Use a “Snake” Cable
Commonly called a drain auger, a snake cable is ideal for deeper and more severe clogs that don’t get resolved using any of the above two methods. This helps to reach and remove deep clogs for proper pipe cleaning and restoring full drainage.
Steps To Follow:
- Insert the Snake: Carefully insert the snake into the drain and push it down until you reach a clog.
- Break Up the Clog: Turn the snake’s handle clockwise to break or latch on the clog. In case you feel a blockage, just gently push and pull the snake to loosen it.
- Remove and Rinse: Once you find the clog broken, just pull out the snake and rinse the drain with hot water to clear out any remaining debris.