5 Easy Ways To Unblock a Clogged Shower Drain

If there’s one thing that will quickly turn a cruisy morning wake-up routine into one of pure frustration, it’s a clogged shower drain. The last thing you want to find is your shower becoming a swimming pool, complete with unpleasant odours and snail-paced, slow drainage – all of which are common indicators of shower drain blockages. These clogs are typically the result of a mix of hair and soap scum, as well as other debris, finding its way into the drain opening. Hard water build-up can also contribute.

Regardless of whether you’re looking to conquer frequent and stubborn clogs or just a one-off blockage, dealing with it quickly and in the right way is important. Here are 5 simple and cost-effective methods of unblocking a clogged shower drain, as well as some helpful tips to prevent future shower drain blockages.

It sounds too simple to work, but the boiling water method can be a surprisingly effective way to unclog a shower drain, especially if it’s a mild blockage caused by soap residue or built-up grease.

Carefully pour boiling water directly into the shower drain, ideally in two or three slow stages to give the heat time to break down the gunk. This works best if your pipes are metal or modern PVC pipes; older systems may not handle boiling water quite so well, so maybe use just hot or warm water if your pipes are significantly older.

We recommend avoiding this method if your pipes are already under strain or you’ve used commercial drain cleaners, as combining the two can release harmful fumes. But for blocked shower drains at the minor end of the spectrum, hot water can do surprisingly more than you’d perhaps imagine.

If you’re not keen on using harsh chemicals, a simple mix of baking soda and white vinegar can act as a powerful natural drain cleaner.

Start by pouring half a cup of baking soda into the clogged shower drain, followed by a full cup of white vinegar. The fizzy chemical reaction will help break down hair clogs, soap scum, and other debris stuck just beneath the drain cover. Cover the drain and let the mixture sit for around 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with hot or even boiling water (if your pipes can handle it).

This gentle method works well on light to moderate shower drain clogs, and it’s generally kinder to both your drainage systems and the environment.

When you’re staring down a blocked shower drain and the water’s not budging, it might be time to get hands-on. These basic tools can help remove hair and soap scum, other debris, and visible obstructions with minimal fuss:

• Plunger – Add a dab of petroleum jelly to the rim of the plunger cup for a tighter seal, then plunge hard to create suction and shift the clog.
• Wire coat hanger – Unwind it and feed the coat hanger hook end into the drain opening to fish out hair from beneath the shower drain cover.
• Drain snake or plumber’s snake – Great for reaching deeper shower drain clogs that a hanger can’t reach.
• Rubber gloves – Always wear rubber gloves when pulling gunk from clogged shower drains. It’s gross and will almost certainly get messy. Be prepared.
• Remove the drain cover – Most drain covers unscrew easily, giving you full access to any clogged drain surprises lurking below.

With just a few everyday items and a mildly strong stomach, you can often tackle even the most stubborn shower drain blockages without calling for backup.

Commercial drain cleaners can be a tempting, quick fix for a clogged shower. However, they’re not without risks and should be considered a last resort among the variety of DIY methods.

These products use strong chemicals to dissolve hair clogs, soap scum, and other debris lurking in your shower drains. While they can clear a blocked drain fast, they may also damage pipes, especially older ones or systems with fragile PVC pipes. Using them too frequently can weaken your drainage system and harm the environment.

Should you choose to use them, always follow the instructions carefully, never mix products, and avoid combining them with the boiling water method, as the reaction can create dangerous fumes. If the blockage persists after using a chemical solution, it’s a sign your clogged shower drain needs more than just a DIY liquid fix.

If you’ve tried every DIY trick in the book and your clogged shower drain is still misbehaving, it’s time to call in the big guns. Some shower drain clogs are just too deep, stubborn, or downright mysterious for home remedies to fix.

A qualified, licensed plumber comes armed with the right tools and know-how to get your blocked shower draining properly again without damaging your pipes. If you’re dealing with frequent blocked drains or unpleasant smells, it could point to bigger plumbing issues in your drainage system. And for that, you’re legally required to use a licensed plumber anyway.

Stop Clogs Before They Start: Easy Prevention Tips

The best way to deal with a clogged shower drain is to avoid getting a clogged shower drain from the get-go. These quick preventative measures can help keep your shower drains clear and flowing:

• Use a drain cover – A simple shower drain cover can catch hair and other debris before it enters the drain.
• Clean the cover regularly – Remove built-up hair and soap scum to keep the drain cover effective.
• Run hot water weekly – A blast of hot water helps clear light residue and keeps water moving freely.
• Avoid greasy products – Heavy conditioners, oils, and bath scrubs can solidify and contribute to blocked drains.
• Perform monthly cleaning – Use baking soda and white vinegar as a natural treatment to break down early buildup.

A little regular effort can go a long way toward preventing unpleasant, soggy surprises from future shower drain clogs.

Keep Your Shower Draining Smoothly – and Your Feet Dry

No one wants to stand ankle-deep in murky water thanks to a clogged shower drain. Irrespective of the initial cause, a blocked shower drain is certainly annoying. Thankfully, however, it’s usually fixable.

From the boiling water method to a trusty plunger or natural drain cleaner, there are plenty of ways to restore proper water flow without reaching for harsh chemicals. Regular maintenance like using drain covers, removing build-up, and running hot water weekly can help prevent clogs from forming in the first place.

And if your shower drain clogs keep coming back? It’s probably time to hand the job over to a professional plumber who knows what they’re doing.

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