5 Ways to Unclog a Shower Drain

Nothing is more frustrating than taking a relaxing shower, only to look down and find you’re standing in ankle-deep water. A clogged shower drain is a nuisance that requires attention before it floods your bathroom. Fortunately, unclogging a shower drain doesn’t always require calling a plumber. With some simple DIY techniques, you might be able to solve the issue yourself.

Start with Boiling Water

Pouring near-boiling water down the drain is the simplest and least invasive method. Fill a large pot with water and heat it until it steams. Then, slowly pour the water down the drain, pausing between pours to let it work through the clog. After pouring the boiling water, test the drain by turning on the showerhead to see if the obstruction has cleared.

NOTE: Skip this step if you have PVC drainpipes, as hot water can damage them.

Get Your Hands Dirty

If boiling water doesn’t do the trick, you might be dealing with a hairy situation. Do a pair of gloves and remove the shower drain cover. If you can see the clog, pull it out with your fingers. You can also use needle nose pliers or a straightened wire coat hanger to pull out as much of the clog as possible. After that, try the hot water method again to flush out any remaining debris.

Turn to Vinegar and Baking Soda

Another effective way to unclog a shower drain involves two household items: vinegar and baking soda. Pour up to one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one or two cups of vinegar. You’ll hear a fizzing sound, which tells you the mixture is doing its job. Let it sit for several minutes before flushing the drain with hot water.

Break Out the Plunger

Still, got a slow shower drain? Reach for your trusty plunger. Just make sure it’s a classic cup plunger, not a flange plunger designed for toilets. Place the rubber cup over the drain opening and run enough water to submerge the lip. Then, use rapid up-and-down motions to dislodge the clog. After about 30 seconds of this, run the water to see if the drain has cleared.

Rent a Drain Snake

Sometimes, the clog is too far down to reach without a specialized tool. This is where a plumber’s snake, also known as a drain auger, comes in handy. Insert the snake into the drain until you hit something solid. Then, twist and turn the handle to break apart and hook the clog, pulling it out slowly once you’ve secured it.

Get a Plumber’s Help

Unclogging a shower drain can be a hassle. If you’ve tried these DIY methods without success, call Parley’s PPM Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We are a family-owned company serving the Draper area since 1979. Trust us to give your clogged shower drain the attention it deserves. You can reach us at 801-226-3033 if you live in Utah County, or call 801-229-2665 if you’re a Salt Lake County resident. You can also fill out our online contact form, and we’ll get back to you shortly.