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5 Best Ways to Unclog a Shower Drain

Clogged drains are always a pain, but a clogged shower drain is even worse. A slow-draining or completely clogged shower drain is not only annoying but can also lead to water damage if left unaddressed.

No one wants to stand in a puddle of water while they shower, and a backed-up drain can quickly turn into a plumbing nightmare.

If you're dealing with a clogged shower drain, never fear! There are a few simple ways that you can unclog your shower drain and get things flowing again.

How to unclog a shower drain?

There are a few different ways that you can unclog your shower drain, depending on what you have on hand and how serious the clog is.

1. Remove the Drain Cover and Clean It Out

The first step is to remove the drain cover and give it a good cleaning. Over time, hair, soap scum, and other debris can build up on the drain cover and cause clogs.

Be sure to clean off both sides of the drain cover so that water can flow freely through it. If your drain cover is old or damaged, now might be a good time to replace it with a new one.

2. Use Boiling Water to Melt Away the Clog

If your drain is clogged with grease or hair, boiling water can often do the trick. Pour a pot of boiling water slowly down the drain, and then wait a few minutes before running the water again.

This method works best if you catch the clog early before it has a chance to build up.

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3. Try Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are two household staples that can be used to unclog just about anything—including your shower drain.

First, pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup of white vinegar.

Plug the drain with a wet rag and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes before flushing with hot water.

4. Use a Plunger

If boiling water and baking soda don’t seem to be doing the trick, you may need to try using a plunger. First, make sure that there is enough water in the tub or shower so that the plunger is covered.

Put the plunger over the drain hole and push and pull it up and down vigorously until the clog is dislodged.

Once the clog is gone, run hot water down the drain for several minutes to flush away any residual debris.

5. Contact A Professional Plumber

If you’ve tried all of these methods and your shower drain is still clogged, then it’s time to contact a professional plumber who can help clear out more stubborn blockages.

A Somerville plumber will have access to powerful tools and equipment that can quickly clear away even tough clogs so that you can get back to enjoying your showers again!

How To Unclog A Shower Drain With Standing Water

The first step is to remove the drain cover. This will give you access to the clog so that you can break it up and clear it out. If the clog is caused by hair, you can try using a plunger to force it through the drain.

Put the plunger over the drain hole and push and pull the plunger up and down. Be sure to use plenty of force so that the clog will be dislodged.

If the plunger doesn't work, you can try using a wire hanger. Straighten out the wire hanger and then fashion it into a small hook shape. Insert the hook into the drain and see if you can snag the clog.

Once you've snagged the clog, pull it out of the drain. If you can't get a wire hanger into the drain, you can try using a plumbing snake.

How To Unclog A Shower Drain Without Tools

Nobody likes a clogged shower drain. A slow-moving drain can be frustrating, and a completely stopped one can ruin your whole day.

  1. The first step is to remove the drain cover. This will give you access to the hair and other debris that's causing the clog. Once the cover is off, use your fingers or a set of tongs to pull the hair out of the drain. If you don't have any hair clogging your drain, move on to step two.
  2. The second step is to pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. This will help break up any soap scum or other gunk that's causing the clog. If you don't have any soap scum or gunk in your drain, move on to step three.
  3. The third step is to pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. This will help break up any Grease That May Be Causing Your Drain To Clog. If you don't have any grease in your drain, move on to step four.
  4. The fourth and final step is to mix 1/2 cup of salt with 1/2 cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. This will help kill any bacteria that's causing the clog.

How To Unclog A Shower Drain With Bleach

A clogged shower drain can be a major annoyance, preventing you from enjoying a relaxing shower. However, there is no need to call a professional to fix the problem—bleach can help you unclog your shower drain quickly and easily.

Step 1: Remove the drain cover. To do this, simply unscrew it or pop it up with a pair of pliers. If your drain cover is difficult to remove, you may need to apply some WD-40 or other lubricant first.

Step 2: Pour a cup of bleach into the drain. Allow the bleach to sit for several minutes before proceeding to the next step. This will help kill any bacteria that may be causing the clog.

Step 3: flush the drain with hot water. Doing this will help clear away any debris that has been loosened by the bleach. You may need to repeat steps 2 and 3 a few times before the clog is completely cleared.

How To Snake A Shower Drain

Start by removing the shower drain cover. This will give you access to the drain hole. Insert the end of the snake into the drain hole and start cranking the handle in a clockwise direction.

The snake will work its way down the drainpipe, hopefully clearing any obstructions along the way.

If the clog is stubborn, you may need to insert the snake a few times before it's completely cleared. Once the water starts flowing freely again, run some hot water down the drain to flush away any remaining debris.

Finally, put the shower drain cover back in place and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done!

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Best Drain Cleaner For Shower

A clogged shower drain can happen for a number of reasons: hair buildup, soap scum, or even a foreign object like a toy or jewelry.

Whatever the cause of your clogged drain, there is one product that is guaranteed to get the job done right:

Drano Max Gel Clog Remover.

Here's why Drano Max Gel is the best drain cleaner for shower drains.

Drano Max Gel Clog Remover is safe for all types of pipes. Whether you have PVC, metal, or plastic pipes, Drano Max Gel will not harm them. This is important because some drain cleaners can damage your pipes, which can lead to bigger problems down the road.

Drano Max Gel Clog Remover is also effective on all types of clogs. Hair, soap scum, and grease are no match for Drano Max Gel.

The thick formula clings to your drain pipe and attacks the clog from all angles. And because it's gel-based, it won't splash back up at you when you pour it down the drain (unlike some other Drain cleaners).

Final Thoughts

Clogged drains are no fun for anyone. But with a little know-how, you can clear them up quickly and easily. Hopefully, this blog post has taught you a few new tricks for unclogging your shower drain.

If you're still having trouble, don't hesitate to call a professional. They will have the tools and expertise to get your drain flowing freely again in no time.

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