How Do You Unclog Your Shower Drain?
Hopping into your shower only to discover that your drain is clogged and you’re standing in a puddle of murky water is not the ideal way to start your day.
A clogged shower drain is often caused by a build-up of matted hair, soap, and/or grease. This problem occurs more frequently in homes where one or more of the occupants has long hair.
Signs of the start of a clogged shower drain:
- Water pools around the drain
- Water drains very slow
- The drain makes noises
5 Ways to Unclog Your Shower Drain
- Pour boiling water down your drain
- Use baking soda and vinegar
- Remove the drain cover and try to pull the blog out
- Use chemicals
- Call a plumber
Pour Boiling Water Down your Drain
Pouring boiling water down the drain can help to break down the soap that is holding the clog together. Unfortunately, this method may not be effective if there is a blockage that contains matted hair. We recommend using this method in conjunction with some of the other options.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
This is a natural alternative to using harmful, cleaning chemicals. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain and wait a few minutes. Next, pour a cup of vinegar down and wait a couple hours. Later, pour boiling water down the drain and see if the clog has been cleared.
Pull Out the Clog
This method is generally very successful, but it requires you to use your hands or another object, such as wire or a plumbers’ snake, to pull the clog out. We recommend using rubber gloves when reaching into your drain. This is a great option to use in addition to the other methods described in this article.
Use Chemicals
Most hardware stores sell strong chemical cleaners that are designed to unblock drains quickly. If you decide to go this route, take the proper precautions and follow the instructions on the package carefully. Don’t resort to chemicals often as repeated use can damage your drain pipes.
Call a Plumber
If you don’t have time to take your drain apart and you are uneasy about using chemicals, then call a professional plumber.
If the clogged shower drain is too far gone and you can’t afford to wait, call Universal Plumbing & Heating at 604-873-3551 for 24/7 Emergency Service.
