If you have a shower, at some point or another, you’ll find yourself facing a clogged shower drain.
If you know anything about plumbing, you know to NEVER use chemical drain cleaners that corrode your plumbing. So how should you clear a shower clog?
4 Steps to Unclog a Shower Drain
Follow these steps to clear your drain yourself without harming your home in the process.
Step 1: Remove the drain screen or stopper
Most shower drain pipes are covered by a screen or stopper, so step one is removing it. Carefully set all screws and pieces inside a receptacle or off to the side to ensure they don’t accidentally end up down the drain.
Step 2: Remove the blockage
If you have a drain snake: Feed one end into the drain until it catches, then retract the snake with the blockage.
If you don’t have a drain snake: Grab a wire hanger or any piece of sturdy wire and bend one end into the shape of a small hook with pliers. Then, work the hook down the drain until it catches the clog and pull the blockage out of the pipe.
Step 3: Check the drain
After removing the blockage, turn on the hot water and let the shower fill with a few inches of water (it should be just enough to cover the lip of the plunger). If you have a tub, you’ll have to seal the overflow opening by stopping it with a wet rag to ensure the plunger will be effective.
Keeping the plunger vertical, plunge the drain five to ten times. Afterward, remove the plunger and check to see how quickly the water drains from the tub or shower. Continue plunging until the water drains out as normal.
Step 4: Call a plumber
If all else fails, contact your trusted plumbing professionals to clear your drains. If you have recurring or frequent clogs throughout your home, our team can help find the source of the problem and get it taken care of for good.
3 Tips to Avoid Shower Drain Clogs
Prevention is the best medicine. Follow these tips to protect your drains and prevent future clogs:
- Clear drains regularly. You may clean your shower, but how often do you clean your shower drains? You can DIY a natural drain cleaning solution with vinegar and baking soda to help keep your drains clear throughout the year.
- Cover the drain. There are many easy products you can use to cover your drain and prevent debris from going down it. Invest in a TubShroom or a mesh screen to catch hair and bath products before they can create a clog.
- Switch soap. Did you know your soap can be a major factor in bathroom clogs? Bar soap causes soap scum buildup, which can lead to clogged drains. Protect your drains from unnecessary buildup by switching to a shower gel that doesn’t leave residue behind.
Professional Drain Clearing Services
Don’t wait until you have a clog to start taking these measures. If you have any questions about how to remove clogs from your shower drains or need a professional to do the job, call the team at Tritan Plumbing! We have proven, successful methods that take care of even the toughest clogs. Visit our Facebook or contact us at (815) 515-4062 today!
