How to Clear a Clogged Shower Drain

In my opinion, it’s ideal to save the cost of hiring a plumber if at all possible, so today let’s go over how to clear a clogged shower drain.

The great majority of clogged shower drain issues may be resolved with a few simple and easy-to-use tools and methods.

Once the shower drain has been unclogged, you should focus on preventing or lowering the likelihood of it clogging again.

These methods I recommend for clearing a clogged shower drain.

Boiling water should be poured down the drain.
Make use of a plunger.
Baking soda and vinegar (chemical-free option) are great for cleaning.
Remove the drain cover and manually remove the obstruction.
Make use of a hook.
Make use of a plumber’s snake (also sometimes called a “toilet jack” or an “electric eel”).
Make use of chemicals.
Obtain the services of a plumber.

Below, I’ll go over each of these strategies in further depth.

The chemical approach, which is quick, straightforward, and inexpensive, but might damage your pipes if done frequently, is likely the only exception to this rule.

Unclogging a shower drain, in my experience, often necessitates a combination of several of these approaches.

1. Down the Drain, Pour Boiling Water

This can occasionally dissolve the soap or grease that is clogging the drain and clear the clog.
Using Boiling Water to Unclog Your Drain
Boil a pot of water.
Pour boiling water down the shower drain.
It’s recommended to pour the water through a funnel or something similar to keep it contained. You don’t want to splash hot water on any of your expensive shower or bathtub accessories.

Note: This approach may not work on its alone, especially if you’re dealing with a major blockage that has accumulated over time and contains a lot of matted hair. When used in conjunction with another approach indicated below, it may partially relieve the blockage and work completely.

2. Make an attempt with a plunger

The type of obstruction, the location of the clog in the drain, and the architecture of the drain will all influence how successful plunging is.

To improve the seal, apply petroleum jelly to the suction pad’s edge.
Fill the shower with enough water to submerge the plunger’s end.
Plunge with all your might.

Note: Plunging is another option that, in my experience, has a low success rate when it comes to showers, but it’s always worth a shot because the time and costs are so little.

3. Vinegar and Baking Soda (the Natural Alternative to Chemicals)

Rather than utilizing cleaning chemicals, this is a more natural option.

1 cup baking soda, poured down the drain
Allow a few minutes to pass.
Add a cup of vinegar to the drain as well.
Wait a few hours to see if the hair clog has disappeared.
Then try to pour boiling water down the drain to clear it out.

Note that, despite the fact that this method is more environmentally friendly and won’t harm plastic pipes, you may still need to use chemicals.

4. Remove the drain cover and manually remove the clog.

This procedure has a strong possibility of working, but it requires the use of your hands; therefore, I recommend wearing rubber gloves.

The drain cover must first be removed.
There may be a screw in the middle that needs to be removed.
A screwdriver can also be used to remove the drain cover.
Look into the drain to determine if the clog has dissolved.
If necessary, use a flashlight.
If the clog is within reach, try to grab it with your fingers and pull it out.
If you can’t reach it, try approach number 5.

Note: This approach works well for clogs produced by small objects or hair, but it is less efficient for obstructions caused by mineral buildup. It’s possible that you’ll need to employ chemicals or another way.

5. Employ a Hook

This is one of the oldest approaches for resolving these issues, with a high success rate.

If you can’t reach the clog with your hands, use a piece of wire for fishing it out.
Make a tool out of a wire coat hanger by adding a hook to the end.

Note: If your drain is clogged due to mineral accumulation, this may not be the best way to clear it.

How to Clear a Clogged Shower Drain