A clogged shower drain can turn your peaceful morning routine into a frustrating ordeal. Imagine standing in ankle-deep water because your shower drain just won’t do its job. But don’t worry – unclogging a shower drain is often simpler than it seems.

What You Will Learn:

  1. Quick Fixes: Learn the most effective DIY methods to unclog shower drains using items like a drain snake or plunger.
  2. Prevention Tips: Discover how to prevent future clogs with regular maintenance and proper use of drain cleaners.
  3. When to Call a Professional: Know when it’s time to seek help from a professional plumber.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand how to tackle clogged shower drains and keep your shower flowing smoothly in the future. Let’s dive in.

Preventing a Clogged Shower Drain

Modern bathroom with a clean, flowing shower drain, illustrating how to unclog a shower drain.

While it isn’t always hard to clear a clogged shower drain, it’s still best to try to prevent clogs in your shower drain. Clogged drains can be annoying to deal with; the pipes can be challenging to access, and deep clogs are often tricky to get. Here are some easy ways to prevent having a clogged drain in the first place.

Use a Tub Strainer or Drain Screen

  • These inexpensive tools catch hair and other debris, preventing them from going down the drain.

Brush Your Hair Before You Shower

  • This helps reduce the amount of hair that ends up in the drain.

Wipe the Shower Free of Loose Hairs When You’re Done

  • Simply wiping down the shower can prevent a buildup of hair and soap.

Pour Boiling Water Down Your Pipes Once a Week

  • Boiling water helps dislodge soap scum and debris. Be cautious if you have PVC pipes, as the hot water might damage them.

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar Monthly

  • Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down your drain. The chemical reaction can help clear out buildup.

Avoid Pouring Dirty Mop Water or Wastewater into the Shower Drain

  • This can introduce more debris and scum into your pipes.

The City of Everett’s Public Works Department highlights that grease and hair are major culprits for clogs. Unlike biodegradable waste, grease and hair accumulate and cause blockages, leading to slow drains and potential backups. They recommend using drain strainers to catch hair and properly disposing of grease and food scraps to prevent clogs in the tub drain and shower floor.

The University of Texas at Austin also advises against using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can corrode pipes. Instead, homeowners should regularly check for leaks and avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper. Keeping drain traps clean and knowing your main water shutoff valve’s location can prevent severe issues.

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Local Plumbing Services for Clogged Drains

When dealing with a clogged shower drain, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly to avoid further damage and inconvenience. For residents in the Dallas area, Intown Plumbing offers expert plumbing services to unclog and maintain your shower drains. Our experienced plumbers use advanced tools and methods to ensure your drains are clear and functioning efficiently.

Our Local Services Include:

  • Drain Cleaning: Professional cleaning services to clear stubborn clogs and prevent future blockages.
  • Shower Drain Repair: Comprehensive repair services to fix any issues with your shower drain.
  • Preventative Maintenance: Regular maintenance to keep your shower drain clear and your plumbing system running smoothly.
  • Emergency Services: Prompt response to urgent plumbing issues, including severe clogs and backups.

Choose a Service Area Nearby:

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, please visit our Service Areas Page.

How to Fix a Clogged Shower Drain

Cleaning out a clogged shower drain with a gloved hand.

If you do have a shower drain clog, don’t panic. You may be able to dislodge it on your own. Try these methods in order, as they go from simplest to more difficult.

Use Boiling Water

  • Let the shower drain completely. Then, slowly pour a good amount of boiling water down your shower drain. You don’t have to remove your drain cover for this, and you shouldn’t use this method if you have PVC pipes, which can be damaged by extremely hot water.

Clean the Drain Cover

  • Remove your drain cover and clean it of any hair, soap scum, and debris that has built up on it. A hair clog may sit at the top of the drain, where you can remove it with your fingers. If it’s too far down to reach, use a hair clog removal tool or a straightened wire coat hanger and fish out the debris.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

  • Mix a solution of ⅓ cup of vinegar and ⅓ cup of baking soda. Once your shower has drained completely, transfer the mixture into the drain and let it sit for twenty minutes to an hour. The fizzing, bubbling action may dislodge any clogs it runs into.

Plunger Method

  • To use a plunger, remove the drain cover and put the rubber cup of the plunger over the drain. Then add water by running the shower or pouring it into a recessed drain to cover the plunger cup. Move the plunger handle up and down rapidly to move the clog.

Auger/Plumbing Snake

  • Remove the drain cover and insert an auger (also called a plumbing snake) into the drain, rotating as you push forward. Continue until you’ve hit something, then secure the auger and retract it– and the clog.

When to Call a Professional

Intown Plumbing service van ready to assist with how to fix a clogged shower drain.

If you’ve tried everything and your shower is still clogged, you likely need professional help. If that’s the case, you need the friendly pros at Intown Plumbing! Give us a call at 469-207-1400 or email us at [email protected] for all of your plumbing needs.