How to Fix Clogged Shower Drain?

If you have ever experienced it, you might know a clogged shower drain is very annoying. Whether it is a shower drain or sink drain, in both situation you will not be able to use shower or sink. Well, the shower drain is not always clogged due to the hair but it also can occur due to the dirt and soap in the bathroom. 

No matter what the reason is, one should know how to fix a clogged shower drain. So, in this blog post, you will get to know how you can fix clogged shower drain.

Also Read: Top 11 Best Shower Panel Systems For 2023

Why is my shower drain not draining? 

Your shower’s drainage issues can occur due to a variety of factors. The major reason for the clog is the blockage in the pipes and obstruction in the drain around the drain hole. Also, there can be issues of frozen pipes and damaged pipes by plants.

Due to all these reasons, your shower drain will not work properly and cause more problems in your bathroom.

How to Fix Clogged Shower Drain? 

Unclogging a shower drain can be done using a variety of techniques. So, let’s discuss the most common techniques. 

You will have to take into consideration that if the blockage is deep and you will not be capable of removing it using these methods. If this situation occurs then you will need to call a qualified plumber.

Also, your remedy will be more effective if you can determine the source of the blockage. This will help you to use an accurate solution to the problem. Thus, the most effective methods are given below:

  1. Using Boiling Water 
  2. Using Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution 
  3. Using Hook to Remove the Debris 
  4. Using a Plumber’s Snake 
  5. Try Chemicals 

Using Boiling Water

Boiling water is the first thing you must try to use on your blocked shower drainage. To use this technique, you will boil some water in a kettle, then pour it into the shower drain. If the filter is available, you must try to focus on the flowing water using a filter.

You will have to remember that if there is deep clogging in the drain, this technique will not be applicable. Also, if it doesn’t work for you, you should try another method.

Using Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution

Do you want to try something stronger than boiled water but without the risk of toxins? Baking soda and vinegar are effective alternatives for this. Thus, this method is similar to the volcano science project. 

First of all, you will fill the drain of your bath with one cup of baking powder. Then you will have to wait for a few minutes letting the baking soda soak in the drainage. It will be sufficient to cover everything in the shower drain. 

After that, flush the drain with a glass of white vinegar. Hopefully, this will clean hair or dirt in the shower. But it will take a few hours. After sometime, you will need to pour some hot water into the drain.

Using Hook To Remove the Debris

Using hooks to remove the debris from the drain is the direct method of clearing the blockage. You can easily and effectively perform this technique with your hands in some cases. But it is only applicable for hair and smaller items close to the drain. Anything else will need a wider tool to clear the blockage. 

For this method, you will use wire-coated hangers. You will have to unwind it and give it a hook-like shape. Then you can pull out as much of the obstruction as you can before adding some boiled water.

Using a Plumber’s Snake 

It is highly preferable to use a plumber’s snake to unclog a blocked shower drain. If there is a deep blockage in the shower drain, the use of a plumber snake will work effectively. 

You will start pushing the snake downward until it comes closer with the blockage. It must be stuck there. After that, you will rotate the lever to lift the trash to the top. 

Unfortunately, a plumber’s snake won’t be able to solve tree root piercing.

Try Chemicals 

There are specific chemicals available in the market to clear the clog in the shower drain. The chemicals are inexpensive ways to clear a blockage. 

Well, the use of chemicals should only be the last option. One reason is that when it is poured down the drain, it is bad for the groundwater resources. In enclosed areas, many unblocking chemicals are hazardous. You will have to handle them carefully. 

Additionally, if your pipes are outdated, they will cause irreparable damage.

Can I use the shower Plunger to fix the Shower Drain?

After utilizing the homemade baking powder, vinegar, and hot water approach, you can push your drain using a plain plunger. Just like a toilet plunger, a shower stopper is used in the bathroom. 

With the use of this tool, you will apply force to the obstruction. Thus, you must be careful using the shower plunger.

When to Call a Professional?

You will have to call a professional plumber if none of these solutions clear your blocked shower drain. This indicates that the blocked area of the drainage is too deep for you to clean.

In some cases, you will have to replace the leaking pipes of your bathroom. Also, you can acquire the guidance of a plumber.

It is advised to avoid DIY remedies if you have any issues with body hair and messy accumulation. You should immediately consult a plumber.

Also Read: How to Use a Shower Squeegee in a Correct Way

Conclusion

I am sure that this post has given you ample knowledge about how to fix a clogged shower drain. You can use homemade remedies as well as use chemicals to fix the clogged drain. But if you are allergic to the chemicals, you must avoid the use of chemicals in your bathroom.

You can pick any of the methods that will suit your requirements. Also, if no technique will work, you can call a professional plumber for this. It is all up to you to choose the method for your bathroom drain! 

So, let me know which technique is more effective to apply.