Clear out hair and gunk clogging your shower drain fast with simple DIY methods. Use baking soda, vinegar, boiling water, plungers or drain snakes to quickly unclog a blocked shower drain yourself without chemicals.
Shower drains commonly get clogged for a few main reasons. Understanding what may be blocking your drain can help guide you towards the best solution.
Showers provide the perfect opportunity for loose hair to make its way down the drain. Over time, built up strands can create a hairy mass that impedes water flow. Excessive shedding and thicker hair types are more prone to this issue.
The residue left behind from shampoos, body washes, and bar soaps can slowly accumulate inside shower drains. Soap scum sticks to the pipes, hardening over time and narrowing the path for water.
Bits of dirt, dead skin, and other debris commonly wash off our bodies during bathing. Small particulates can collect in drains and combine with hair and soap scum to form clogs.
Knowing the usual suspects behind your shower drain issues can help you address the problem in a targeted manner. With this knowledge, you’ll be on your way to an open, freely draining shower.
One of the simplest ways to clear out hair, soap scum, and debris from your shower drain is to remove it by hand. This low-tech solution can effectively pull out accumulated gunk and get your water flowing freely again.
Tools made specifically for removing clogs include small plastic drain claws or barbed wires that you can insert into the drain opening. Carefully fish around to snag and extract offending clogs. For a DIY approach, you can unbend a sturdy wire hanger to make your own drain cleaning tool.
Make sure to put on a pair of rubber gloves before getting your hands dirty. This protects you from coming into direct contact with wet hair, soap scum, and any grime lurking in the pipes.
Once you’ve extracted any large clumps, thoroughly scrub the drain and immediate pipe areas to dislodge clingy gunk. Focus on fully removing all hair, soap film, or particles. You may need to make several passes to clear it all out.
Manually unclogging a simple hair or debris clog takes just a few minutes. However, take care not to force tools past drain crossbars or deeply into pipes to avoid damaging plumbing. For thorough cleaning, routine maintenance helps stop extensive clogs before they form.
A basic sink or toilet plunger can be an extremely effective tool for unclogging your shower drain. The suction force generated by plunging can help dislodge the blockage and get your water flowing freely again.
For shower drains, opt for a standard sink plunger (round rubber cup) over a toilet plunger (folded rubber flange). The sink plunger seals tight over the drain opening to penetrate the clog.
Fill the drain with a few inches of water before beginning plunging. The water creates pressure against the clog when you plunge. Lean into the plunger and create an up-and-down motion to generate force.
After a few minutes of vigorous plunging, check to see if the clog has cleared by running the shower. If not, repeat the plunging process. The clog may take multiple plunging sessions to fully dislodge it.
With some forceful plunging, you can knock loose hair, debris, and other gunk clogging your drain. Make sure to give the drain a thorough scrubbing afterward to remove any remaining buildup.
Pouring boiling water down your shower drain is an easy DIY method that can help dissolve and dislodge clogs. The heat and force of the water is effective at breaking up clumps of hair, soap scum, and other debris.
Bring a full kettle of water to a rolling boil. You want plenty of hot water to send cascading down the pipes.
Stand safely aside when pouring, as splashing hot water can cause burns. Drape a towel over the drain opening to prevent splash back.
Carefully pour the boiling water down the drain in a steady stream. The rush of hot water can help melt and push through clogs that are deeper down the pipes.
Pouring boiling water is completely safe for your pipes when done occasionally. It’s an eco-friendly method that can break down stuborn clogs without harsh chemicals. It’s an eco-friendly method that can break down stuborn clogs without harsh chemicals.
Allow your drain time to cool before attempting to remove any remaining debris by hand.
For protein-based clogs from hair, soap scum, and other residue, homemade solutions using baking soda and vinegar can help dissolve the gunk. The chemical reaction between acidic vinegar and alkaline baking soda releases fizzing bubbles that penetrate clogs.
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, coating the pipes. Let sit for a few minutes.
Pour 1 cup of heated white vinegar down the drain. The acidity helps break down oils and residue.
Pour a kettle of boiling water to flush everything down. The baking soda and vinegar work to clear soap scum, hair, and debris clogs.
This DIY treatment is safe for your pipes. For tough clogs, repeat the process once a week until fully cleared. Be sure to routinely remove hair from drains to prevent excessive buildup.
When simple solutions can’t clear a blocked shower drain, using a drain snake or auger can help reach deeper clogs. These tools are designed to be fed down pipes, using mechanical action to hook and dislodge stubborn obstructions.
Protect Your PipesMake sure to only feed the auger into the horizontal pipe - never vertically which risks damaging plumbing. Only twist further if hitting a blockage.
Retrieve the Clogp>p>p>
p>If DIY methods haven’t successfully unclogged your shower drain, chemical drain cleaners may be an option to try as a last resort. However, exercise caution with these products as they can damage plumbing if used improperly.
Ventilate the AreaWork in a well-ventilated area, opening windows and turning on fans. The fumes from caustic drain cleaners can be overpowering.
Limit Exposurep>p>p>
Installing shower drain screens is an effective preventative measure to keep your shower flowing freely. These simple screens trap hair and debris before it can go down the drain and lead to clogs.
Look for a drain screen specifically designed for showers. The fine mesh should allow water to pass through easily while catching hair and particles. Stainless steel or plastic screens are durable options.
Thoroughly clean the shower drain so the screen can lay flat and seal tightly. Use a wire brush or auger to remove any existing hair or debris.
Simply set the drain screen in place over the drain opening. The outer edges should fit snugly against the sides of the drain. There is no need for tools or adhesive.
Check the drain screen regularly and remove any accumulated hair or soap scum. Use tongs for quick removal and cleaning. Proper maintenance prevents clogs from forming under the screen.
Installing a drain screen takes only minutes but provides long-term clog prevention. By keeping hair and debris out of your shower drain, you can avoid blockages and keep water flowing freely.
While many clogged shower drains can be cleared with common DIY methods, serious blockages often require a professional plumber. If you’ve exhausted homemade remedies without success, it’s time to call in an expert.
Don’t continue using a fully or partially blocked shower, as overflow and leaks can cause water damage.
They’ll also identify and address the root cause, whether it’s a buildup of hair and soap scum or serious pipe damage.
Water booster pumps are devices used to increase water pressure and flow when existing household levels are too low. They work by increasing the speed that water moves through pipes. Assess if you need one.
Read MoreHave the right emergency plumber tools on hand like plungers, wrenches, drain augers, and pipe cutters. This plumbing toolkit allows homeowners to tackle minor clogs and leaks before they become bigger issues. Call now if you need emergency plumbing service and repairs.
Read MoreIf you have a plumbing emergency like a burst pipe or gas leak, it’s crucial to remain calm, shut off the water supply, evacuate if needed and call a professional plumber right away to prevent further damage.
Read MoreBeverly Hills, 2209 NSW
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