It easier to hire a plumber for unclogging a shower drain. But, doing it yourself is not as difficult as you think. You can solve a lot of clogged shower drain problems by using some simple methods and tools. Once unclogging the shower drain is done, then you need to prevent or reduce the chances so that it will not happen again. Actually, you have to minimize these things for normal flow. Below are some methods for how to clear a clogged shower drain. You need to read all the articles to know some of the best ways for unclogging your shower drain. After that, you can try one of the mentioned methods and unclog the shower drain.
Commercial Drain Cleaners
If you want something stronger than baking soda, vinegar, then chemical cleaners can be an alternative. There are many commercial products that are designed to clear the shower drain blockage.
Using chemical cleaners is a fast, easy and affordable method if you’re too busy to spend a lot of time fixing the problem by yourself. Just pour the chemicals down the drain and leave it, and also follow the directions that are given on the label. Always be careful when working with chemicals, taking enough precautions beforehand by ensuring the room is well-ventilated, and protecting the hands with sturdy rubber gloves.
Remove the Blockage by Hand
Washing hands with soap If you can see the blockage right inside your drains, you can have more success in pulling out the clog. If you want to do this, you need to wear rubber gloves. Remove the cover and then use a light to look inside your drain. If you can see the clog, and it is within your reach, pull it out with your fingers. Removing shower drain blockages by hand is the best method to reduce blockages and clog frequency. The most common debris blocking shower drains are caused by little objects or hair. So, if you remove them and flush the pipes by running the shower, you can restore normal flow again.
Try Using a Plunger
The blockage nature, where the clog is in the drain, and the drain’s design will determine how successful plunging will be. For example, if the clog is deep and made of hair, then you can struggle to get sufficient suction to plunge to be effective.
You should follow these steps for unclogging the Shower Drain with a Plunger
- Try adding petroleum jelly to the edge of the suction pad to obtain a better seal.
- Add water to the shower so that the plunger’s end is submerged.
- Plunge vigorously.
- Plunging is a method that has a low success rate when we talk about showers, but you can try it because the time and prices are minimal.
Boiling Water
This trick is the easy one. You just need to fill the teakettle (or a large saucepan) with water, and then you will bring it to a boil. Next, pour the water directly down the drain a bit at a time, giving the hot liquid the chance to work its way through the clog in between every pour. The water’s temperature will break up and dissolve the gunk that’s blocking your drain. Try this if your plumbing consists of metal pipes; do not use boiling water if you have PVC pipes, as it will cause joints to loosen.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
This solution is very easy and possibly you have done this in your volcano project in your elementary school. That same chemical reaction that fueled the papier-mâché mountain will double as a powerful house cleaner.
You need to mix baking soda (1/3 cup) with vinegar (1/3 cup) in a heat-resistant measuring cup. When it will fizz, pour the solution down your drain. If it is possible, then let it there for 1 hour. Then turn on the bathtub faucet and run hot water down the drain to help flush the mixture via the pipes. The reaction will break the grime that caused the backup in the pipe.
Coat Hanger
For a nasty clog, you will need to roll up your sleeves and then snake the drain. It is easier than you think.
Wear rubber gloves, then utilize a screwdriver to unscrew the shower drain cover. Once it is removed, then you need to straighten a wire coat hanger and retain a small hook on the end. Put the wire down the drain to take out any hair, soap scum, or other debris that is causing the clog. After you have pulled out all that you can, pour boiling water down the drain and replace the drain cover.
Natural Ingredients
If the clog is caused by hair or some other things, then you can unclog a shower drain by grabbing vinegar, baking soda, heat some water. Pour some baking soda down the drain, with an equal amount of vinegar. permit the solution bubble and foam for some minutes, and then follow with the kettle full of hot (but not boiling) water. Let the mixture be there for some hours. If the drain still is not flowing freely, repeat the procedure. If you do not have any vinegar, you can try equal amounts of salt and baking soda, followed by hot (but not boiling) water.
Wet and Dry Shop Vacuum
You can try this method also. Set it to vacuum liquids, and put the hose over the drain before you turn it on. The suction from the wet or dry vacuum will release the clogged shower drain. To avoid shower, drain clogs, run hot water down the drain at the end of each use. If your drain doesn’t have a better screen or cover, you can buy plastic or metal ones at most hardware improvement stores, or in the household goods section of several grocery stores. Taking good care of your plumbing of home can save you frustration, time, money.