A clogged shower drain is not difficult to fix, but you need to have some necessary plumbing expertise to pull off this feat. The good news is that even if you have never unclogged a shower drain before, you can quickly learn about the mechanics.
Most clogged shower drain solutions are relatively straightforward to perform if you know what you’re doing. Unless the problem is so complicated that only a plumber can fix it, there are several ways that you can quickly repair a clogged shower drain.
Here are seven types of clogged shower drain solutions that you might like to try:
1. Use a plunger.
Plunging is one of the most effective ways to unclog a shower drain. Whether plunging works or not will depend on the severity of the blockage and how your drain is designed. If the clog is deep inside the drain, especially when the culprit is hair, getting enough suction to plunge could be extremely difficult. In these instances, add petroleum jelly around the suction pad’s edge, which will help the suction.
Remember to add water to your shower, allowing the plunger to fully submerge in water before you plunge vigorously. Plunging is among the easiest types of clogged shower drain solutions since anyone can do it. However, this method alone may not completely clear your clogged shower drain.
2. Pour boiling water into the drain.
In case the clog is held together by grease or soap, pouring boiling water down the drain will break it and clear the blockage. To unclog a drain using hot water, pour the boiling water into a shower drain using a funnel. Be cautious as you pour the boiling water to avoid spilling it on yourself or your expensive bathtub accessories.
It’s important to note that pouring boiling water into your shower drain may not clear the clog completely, especially if it has accumulated over time. You may have to use this solution in conjunction with another. Take your pick from those listed above and below.
3. Pull out the clog manually.
If you don’t mind using your hands, using this method to unclog your shower drain is highly likely to succeed. For your own safety, remember to wear gloves. To manually unclog your shower drain, start by pulling out the drain cover. This may involve removing the middle screw or prying the lid off the drain using a screwdriver. Once the drain cover is out, use a flashlight to look inside the drain. If you can see the clog, attempt to remove it with your hand or fingers.
Where manual unclogging fails, perhaps because your fingers cannot reach the clog, you can use a hook to pull the blockage out. To unclog your shower drain using a hook, insert a hooked wire into the duct (such as a coat hanger) and start fishing for the clog. Once you hook the offending clog, pull it out gently until every bit comes out.
This method of removing clogs is highly effective, although it is not ideal for shower drains with clogs resulting from mineral buildup.
4. Use a plumber’s snake.
The plumber’s snake is also known as an ‘electric eel’ or ‘toilet jack.’ It is an inexpensive way of removing clogs. In most cases, a plumber’s snake will clear your shower drain clog with ease.
To use the plumber’s snake for unclogging, push it down the shower drain until you can feel the clog. Then, turn the handle of the plumber’s snake until the clog comes out. To be sure the clog has cleared, pour water into the drain.
5. Use chemical solutions.
You may use chemical solutions to unblock your shower drain. Carefully follow the instructions on the packaging and make sure you use the recommended amounts. As you handle the chemicals, wear goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands.
Next, pour the chemicals into the drain. If you resort to using chemicals to clear the shower drain, do it in such a way that it does not damage your drainage pipes.
6. Use vinegar and baking soda.
If you want a natural solution to chemical detergents, baking soda and vinegar are a perfect solution. Start by pouring a cup of baking soda into the drain and then wait for a couple of minutes.
Next, pour a cup of vinegar and wait for a few hours to allow the clog to dissolve. Once the clog has sufficiently dissolved, pour boiling water into the drain to clear whatever residues may be left.
7. Call a plumber.
If you suspect the clogging situation is too complicated for a DIY attempt, place a call to your plumber. You may also not want to handle chemicals or get your hands dirty. You also have no option than to call a plumber if all your manual attempts have failed.
While you might consider calling a plumber as the last resort, you could save yourself the trouble and get one from the get-go.