How to unblock a shower drain: Professional tips & tricks

Dealing with a clogged shower drain can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it turns your relaxing shower into a pool of standing water.

Whether it's caused by hair, soap scum, or other debris, a blocked shower drain is a common issue that most homeowners will face at some point. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to tackle this problem and restore proper drainage.

In this guide, we provide six professional tips and tricks for unblocking your shower drain, helping you understand how to prevent future clogs and advising when it’s best to call a professional.

6 ways to clear a clogged shower drain

Clearing a clogged shower drain can often be done with a few household items and a bit of elbow grease. Here are our top tips and tricks to unblock your shower drain:

1. Use a cup of baking soda and vinegar

One of the most effective and eco-friendly ways to unclog a shower drain is by using a cup of baking soda and vinegar. This method works well for minor clogs caused by soap scum and hair.

Instructions:

1. Wear rubber gloves: Always wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
2. Remove the drain cover: If possible, take off the drain cover.
3. Pour baking soda: Pour a cup of baking soda down the clogged drain.
4. Add vinegar: Pour a cup of distilled white vinegar into the drain. A chemical reaction will occur, causing the mixture to fizz and bubble.
5. Wait: Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes.
6. Flush with hot water: Rinse the drain with hot water (do not use boiling hot water) to clear away the loosened debris.

2. Pour hot water down the drain

Sometimes, a simple method, such as pouring hot water down the drain, is enough to clear a minor shower drain blockage.

Instructions:

1. Heat water: Heat water until it’s hot (don't pour boiling water down the drain).
2. Pour carefully: Slowly pour the hot water down the drain in two to three stages, allowing it to work through the clog.

3. Grab a wire coat hanger

If the baking soda and vinegar method doesn’t work, a wire coat hanger can help remove the blockage manually.

Instructions:

1. Straighten the hanger: Straighten out a wire coat hanger, leaving a small hook at one end.
2. Insert into the drain: Push the hanger down the drain and use the hook to pull out any hair clogs or debris.
3. Remove debris: Dispose of the debris.

If the hanger doesn’t do the job, consider using a plumber's snake, also known as a drain snake, for a deeper clean. You can pick one up at any local DIY store.

4. Use a plunger

A plunger can be a highly effective tool for unclogging a shower drain.

Instructions:

1. Create a seal: Ensure there is enough water in the shower tray to cover the plunger’s suction pad.
2. Add petroleum jelly: Apply some petroleum jelly to the edge of the suction pad to create a better seal.
3. Plunge: Place the plunger over the drain and push down firmly, then pull up quickly. Repeat several times to create suction so it dislodges the clog.

5. Remove and clean drain covers

Often, debris accumulates just under the drain cover. Removing and cleaning it can help clear the blockage.

Instructions:

1. Remove the drain cover: Unscrew or lift off the drain cover.
2. Clean the cover: Remove any hair, soap scum, or debris attached to the cover.
3. Clean the drain: Use a small brush to clean out the inside of the drain.
4. Replace the cover: Once clean, replace the drain cover securely.

6. Buy drain cleaner

If the above methods aren't working, commercial drain cleaners can be used to dissolve stubborn clogs.

Instructions:

1. Choose the right product: Select a drain cleaner suitable for bathroom drains.
2. Follow instructions: Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions, usually involving pouring the cleaner into the drain and waiting for a specified time. Be sure to wear gloves around chemical cleaners.
3. Flush with Water: After the waiting period, flush the drain with water to remove the dissolved clog.

How to get hair out of a blocked drain

Dealing with a blocked shower drain can be especially frustrating for people with long hair, as hair tends to get trapped along with soap scum and other debris, creating a snowball effect and larger clogs.

The best methods for removing hair from shower drains are the coat hanger/drain snake method or dissolving hair in the shower drain using a strong drain cleaner. The chemicals in strong drain cleaners will help to break down the hair.

How to prevent a blocked shower drain in future

Preventing a blocked shower drain is easier than dealing with the aftermath. Here are some tips to keep your drain clear:

1. Use a drain cover: Install a drain cover or hair catcher to prevent hair and debris from entering the drain.
2. Clean regularly: Regularly remove and clean the drain cover to prevent build-up.
3. Avoid flushing debris: Don’t flush large amounts of hair, soap, or other debris down the drain.
4. Rinse with hot water: Pour hot water down the drain once a week to keep it clear.
5. Use baking soda and vinegar: Periodically use a baking soda and vinegar mixture to maintain a clean drain.

When to contact a JustFix professional

If you’ve tried all the above methods and your shower drain is still clogged, this could indicate a more serious issue within your plumbing system. It might be time to call a professional plumber.

Get in touch with a qualified plumber at JustFix, the home of high-quality service at affordable prices.

Our teams of Fixers work nationwide to provide you with professionals for fair, fixed prices. When you book online with us, we'll match you with a qualified local plumber who can clear your drain and get your shower back in working order at a time that suits you.