6 Easy Steps On How To Unclog Shower Drain

Learn how to unclog a shower drain here: assess the situation, pour boiled water down the drain, mix baking soda and vinegar to pour in the drain, pump the drain with a plunger, use a wire hanger to fish hair or other persistent clogs, and finish it off with another flush of hot water.

Besides the detailed instructions for each step to unclog a shower drain, you will find specific tips about unclogging a shower drain with standing water, hair, without tools, and naturally. Read on and discover all the possible solutions to your drain problem.

How To Unclog Shower Drain?

The practical tips to unclog a shower drain are to assess the situation, pour boiled water down the drain, mix baking soda and vinegar to pour in the drain, pump the drain with a plunger, use a wire hanger to fish hair or other persistent clogs, and finish it off with another flush of hot water.

1. Start by identifying the severity of the clog. Is it a slow drain or a complete blockage? Understanding the extent of the issue will guide your approach.
2. Boil a kettle of water and carefully pour it down the drain. The hot water can help dissolve soap scum and loosen up debris, making it easier to flush out.
3. Unclog the shower drain naturally by mixing equal parts baking soda and vinegar. Pour the mixture down the drain and let it fizz for about 15 minutes. Then follow it up with hot water to wash away the loosened gunk.
4. Grab a plunger and vigorously pump it over the drain. The suction action can dislodge stubborn clogs, allowing water to flow freely again.
5. Straighten out a wire hanger and use it to fish out any trapped hair or debris lurking in the drain. But remember to be gentle to avoid damaging the pipes.
6. Run hot water down the drain for a few minutes to flush out any remaining residue. Voila! Your shower drain should be as good as new.

Unclogging your drain is essential to avoid future problems, such as pipes bursting or plumbing leaks. If you have specific issues with hair in your shower drain, read the next section.

How To Unclog Shower Drain Hair?

To unclog a shower drain with hair, remove the drain cover if possible. Then, use a pair of gloves to pull out any visible hair or debris from the drain. If necessary, use a drain snake or a wire hanger to reach further down and pull out stubborn clumps of hair.

Follow up with baking soda and vinegar to dissolve any remaining residue and solve this common plumbing issue in the most modern of houses.

How To Unclog A Shower Drain With Standing Water?

Begin by scooping out as much standing water as possible with a bucket or cup. Use a plunger to create a seal over the drain and plunge vigorously to dislodge the clog. If the water does not drain, use a drain snake or wire hanger to break up the blockage.

Once the water drains, follow up with hot water to flush out the rest of the debris.

How To Unclog A Shower Drain Without Tools?

Pour boiling water down the drain to help loosen the clog. Then, add baking soda and vinegar to create a fizzing action that breaks down debris. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes before flushing it with hot water. 

If necessary, use a plunger to dislodge the clog further, relying on the force of the water to do the heavy lifting. Finish by running hot water down the drain to ensure it is clear and flowing smoothly.

With these simple steps and the help of Wisercosts' plumbers, you will understand how to unclog a shower drain and enjoy uninterrupted, refreshing showers again!