How to unclog shower drain

How to Unclog Shower Drain: Effective Methods to Prevent Clogs and Dislodge Blocks

A slow-draining shower can be a frustrating and unacceptable experience, leaving you feeling underwhelmed by the lack of water pressure. But, instead of calling in a professional, you can use some simple yet effective methods to unclog shower drains and enjoy a refreshing bath or shower every time. In this article, we’ll outline the steps and techniques to tackle common shower drainage issues and free up your stuck drain.

Why Do Showers Get Clogged?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s understand what causes shower drain clogs. Main culprits include:

• Hair accumulation and tangles, especially after hairstyling or removing wigs/sweatbandanas
• Soap scum buildup, mildew, or mineral deposits forming on the drainage pipes
• Foreign objects and debris, like jewelry, toy parts, or coins, fallen down the drain
• Long-term neglect of cleaning and regular maintenance

Method 1: Plunge Away the Obstruction

1. Wear protective gloves, and remove as much water from the shower as possible by using towels or a shop vacuum.
2. Partially remove any visible hair from the drain and surrounding area, if necessary. You can also use a plumber’s snake tool or a manual drain snake tool to loosen knots.
3. Pour baking soda (3-4 teaspoons) down the drain, ensuring it reaches the clogged pipe.
4. Follow it with hot (not boiling) water, so the mixture moves down the pipeline.
5. Use an electric drain plugger (cost around $25-$50, depending on brands) or simply a plunger to create vacuum pressure. Position the plunger over the shower drain, hold it firmly for a few moments, and maintain the pressure during plunging up and down a few times, allowing the mix to disintegrate the buildup.
6. Repeat Step 4 two more times and inspect the drainage after each repetition.

Method 2: Chemical Solution Injection

1. Purchase and pour a quantity of drain cleansing solution (for example, Biokleen Natural Drain Cleaner at around $2.50 -$5.50) down the drain, holding the bottle almost vertical to eliminate air pockets.

1. Next, pour hot, but not scalding hot, water around the edges (not directly, to avoid chemical washout); let it all drain before evaluating the effectiveness.