How to Unclog Your Shower Drain

Ways to Unclog Your Shower Drain

A shower drain can be clogged by a number things: soap, hair, dirt, and more. When a clog occurs, the water may drain slowly or not drain at all. We know how stressful this can be, but fortunately, there are a few ways to clear the clog on your own. Before trying any methods, it is important to remove the drain cover. Learn about the different ways to unclog your drain with Stephens Plumbing, Heating & Conditioning.

Baking Soda & Vinegar Solution

Creating a baking soda and vinegar solution is one way to try to remove a clog. It is suggested that you pour ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar into the clogged drain. Cover the drain for about an hour to allow the solution to work effectively. When an hour has passed, pour boiling water down the drain.

Plunger

A plunger can be a helpful tool to unclog a shower drain. Before beginning the process, we recommend purchasing petroleum jelly, as it will help with the seal. When you are ready, put the jelly on the edge of the plunger’s cup. Then place the plunger over the drain and begin plunging. Once you believe the clog is gone, run water into the drain.

Boiling Water

There are times where boiling water may work to clear a clog or help break up the debris. If you have PVC pipes, we do not recommend this method as it could melt them due to the heat. Boiling water best works on pipes made of metal material.

Chemical Drain Cleaner

Another way to unclog your drain is by using a chemical drain cleaner. When handling chemicals, it is important to wear protective gear including rubber gloves and eyewear. Make sure to read the instructions thoroughly, using the appropriate amount of cleaner. Open windows in your bathroom to allow for proper ventilation. Once you have finished pouring the solution down the drain, run your shower.

Snake

Lastly, another option for unclogging your drain is using a drain snake, also known as a plumber’s snake. Many hardware stores allow you to rent drain snakes for a certain amount of time or you can choose to purchase one to have on hand. The snake should be placed inside the drain and go down until it reaches the clog. When the clog is hit, it is time to turn the snake and pull it up, hopefully with the debris attached to it. After you complete this process, run the water in your shower to ensure the clog is gone.

Contact Stephens

If you are finding that these at home methods aren’t unclogging your shower drain, call the professionals at Stephens Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. Our expert plumbers will come assess the situation and work diligently to help you unclog your drain. Showers are one of the most used fixtures in a home, and we understand how frustrating it can be when things are not working properly. We are proud to serve customers in the South Bay and Orange county with high-quality work, offering them affordable prices and expert service. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!