How to unclog a shower drain

11/20/20232 min read

You're in the shower. You turn on the water, and it starts to drain out of your shower drain. But before you can finish washing your hair or shaving, there's a sudden blockage that causes all of the water to back up into your tub.

What causes this? How can you fix it? And more importantly: how do I get my morning routine back on track?

In this post we'll answer all of these questions and more as we walk through how to unclog a shower drain!

Tools and Materials Needed

Plunger
Drain snake
Vinegar (1 cup)
Baking soda (1 cup)
Bucket large enough to fit over the drain trap, with a little extra room at the top for water to collect in cl is bad.

Steps to Unclog a Shower Drain

Remove the drain cover.
Use a plunger or drain snake to remove the clog.
Flush the drain with hot water, then let it sit for 30 minutes before you run any more water.

Tips for Unclogging a Shower Drain

Clean the drain cover regularly. You can use a toothbrush or other small tool to remove hair, soap scum and other debris that may have accumulated on the surface of your shower drain cover.
Use baking soda and vinegar to remove clogs. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into a funnel and insert it into your clogged shower drain; then pour 1 cup white vinegar down following behind it. Let sit overnight before rinsing out with hot water in morning (or until you're ready).
Use a drain snake for tougher clogs

Troubleshooting a Clogged Shower Drain

Check for blockages. The most common cause of a clogged drain is a buildup of hair, soap scum, and other debris. If you notice that your shower drain is slow to drain or has stopped draining check for objects that may be blocking it. This could include toys, towels, or other items that have fallen into the drain while you were taking a bath or showering.
Check for broken pipes. If you've tried removing any visible obstructions from your shower drain but still can't get it working again, there might be something wrong with your plumbing system itself--and this requires professional attention rather than DIY solutions like those outlined above! You should call an experienced plumber immediately if: (1) Your shower drains slowly when it used to flow freely; (2) Your toilet has been running constantly since yesterday morning without stopping; (3) There's been no hot water coming out of any faucets since last night at midnight...

Preventative Maintenance

Clean the shower drain regularly.
Inspect the drain cover regularly.
Use a drain snake for tough clogs.

When to Call a Professional

If you can't locate the clog, or if it's too difficult to remove, call a professional plumber. If you're unsure whether or not your drain is leaking, hire one anyway. A professional will be able to tell you if there are any serious issues going on behind the walls of your home and what steps need to be taken.

Conclusion

To conclude, here are some tips to help you prevent future clogs:

Avoid pouring oils and fats down the drain. Grease can build up in pipes and cause blockages, so it's best to dispose of these items in the trash instead.
If you have a garbage disposal, make sure that it is properly before putting food scraps down there--if not, they may get stuck in the blades or catch on something else inside your plumbing system.