A slow or clogged shower drain is a problem that just about everyone faces once in a while. While it’s always best to call a licensed plumbing professional to deal with a serious drain clog, there are still a few things that you can try first. Let’s go over the steps you can take to unclog your shower before you call a professional.
1. Remove the Drain Cover
Before you do anything else with your drain, you need to remove the drain cover. Some drain covers can be pried open without any trouble, while others may require you to remove a few screws with a screwdriver. Either way, make sure you wear gloves and possibly eye protection to protect yourself, especially if you’re not sure what’s causing the clog.
2. Remove Trapped Hair and Debris
One very common cause of shower clogs is a buildup of hair, grease, soap, and debris that gets caught in the drain. You may see some of this when you remove your drain cover. You should be able to remove at least some of this by hand. This likely won’t solve all of your problems — the clog is usually deeper within your plumbing — but it will still make your job a little easier. Just be careful if there is standing water in your shower or tub. You can still remove excess debris if there is water, but it can be more difficult because it makes things slicker and can weigh clogs down.
If you can see debris in the drain and it’s too far to reach with your fingers, you can try fishing it out with a straightened wire coat hanger. Just make a hook at the end of the wire and insert it down the drain. Again, this may not completely remove the source of your problem, but it should make things a little easier.
3. Try Clearing the Drain With Boiling Water
If you have metal pipes, you can try clearing your clogged shower drain with boiling water. Simply boil a kettle of water on your stove and pour it slowly down your drain. Afterwards, turn on your shower to run some water down the drain. Keep in mind that this solution only applies if you have metal pipes; boiling water can damage PVC plumbing.
4. Try Vinegar and Baking Soda
If the boiling water doesn’t clear your drain, you can try making your own cleaning solution with vinegar and baking soda. Mix 1/3 cup of vinegar with 1/3 cup of baking soda in a heat-resistant cup and pour the solution down the drain. You’ll need to act quickly since the solution will start fizzing immediately. Wait one hour, and run hot water down the drain to flush out any remaining solution and any hair it may have dislodged.
5. Use a Plunger
You can also use a plunger to try and unclog your shower drain. Remove the drain cover and place the cup of the plunger over the drain. Run enough water in the shower to cover the lip of the cup, and move the plunger up and down rapidly. With any luck, you’ll force out the clog. Run some water down the drain to make sure the clog is gone.
6. Snake the Drain
A drain snake or auger is a flexible tool that goes down the drain to break up clogs. Some are electric and may require a power drill to use properly, while others are manual. Either way, they’re designed to rotate inside the drain and break up enough of a clog to allow water to pass through.
To use a snake, your plumber will insert it into the drain until it hits a clog. They’ll turn the handle clockwise to hook the clog and allow more of the snake down the drain. If they feel resistance, it means the snake is grabbing clogs and breaking them apart. When there’s no more resistance, enough of the clog has been removed to get water flowing through your plumbing. Your plumber will slowly turn the handle of the snake counterclockwise to remove the snake and anything it may have picked up.
7. Use a Chemical Drain Cleaner
If all else fails, you can try clearing your drain with a chemical drain cleaner. This should only be used as a last resort. Drain cleaners are caustic enough to break up most clogs, but they can damage your plumbing if they are used too often. Put on some rubber gloves to protect your hands from the cleaner, and make sure you have plenty of ventilation. Slowly pour the cleaner down the drain and wait to let the chemicals do their job.
Call AP Plumbing for Assistance
If you’ve tried everything to unclog your drain and nothing seems to work, you’ll need help from a plumbing professional. That’s where AP Plumbing can help you. We are a plumbing company serving Rochester, Syracuse, and the surrounding areas in New York. We are available for residential clients in emergencies, and we offer other services such as gas line installation and water heater services.
To learn more about our plumbing services or if you have a seriously clogged shower drain, call AP Plumbing in Syracuse or Rochester, NY today.
