How to Unclog Your Shower Drain?

Along with a clogged toilet and no hot water, a clogged shower drain can be one of the most inconvenient plumbing issues. While a clogged kitchen sink can be fixed with a flick of the garbage disposal switch, we do not have that luxury in shower drains. Instead, we will have to implement some other tools and techniques. Don’t worry though, Neighborhood Plumbing is here to help. If the following tips are confusing or if you have any specific questions or concerns, then please feel free to call our office directly. We are more than happy to help.

Boil Some Water
Boiling hot water is a great way to break down grease and other obstacles that are clogging your drain. While we use hot water to shower, this method requires boiling water. Remember to be very careful when dealing with hot water. Once you’ve boiled some hot water, preferably a gallon or two, slowly pour it down the drain. With some luck, you will have a clean drain without having to use any other complicated tools or techniques.

Hand Snake or Coat Hanger
More often than not, the main culprit for shower drain blockage is hair. Luckily, a hand snake or coat hanger are great and quick ways to clear these sorts of clogs. If you do not have a hand snake, grab a coat hanger and shape one end into a hook. Unscrew the drain cover and send the hand snake or coat hanger down into the drain to fish out the built-up hair. This should make a huge difference.

Baking Soda and Vinegar (Or Salt)
We have all experienced the “volcano” experiment with baking soda and vinegar. Mixing these two will cause a chemical reaction that causes bubbling or fizzing. This mixture is a great way to combat grease, grime, and hair that has built up in your shower drains. You can either mix the baking soda and vinegar then pour it down the drain or you can pour the baking soda first and follow up with some vinegar. In either case, remember to run hot water through the shower drain afterward.

Dish Detergent for Some Slip
Are the drains still clogged? Try using a lubricant such as dish detergent to loosen the build-up of hair that is blocking your drain. Pour a quarter cup of dish detergent followed by boiling water. This should free the hairs from the inside of your drains and the boiling water should send it all down the line.

Still Having Issues?
If you have tried all of these methods and are still having issues, then give Neighborhood Plumbing a call for extra assistance. If we cannot help over the phone, then we would be happy to have a technician visit your location. Our highly skilled plumbers will prioritize materials that will most quickly and safely remove the clogs. Using harmless chemicals is especially important if you have a septic system installed in your property. Give us a call today and speak with one of our friendly team members. We look forward to helping.