How to Unclog a Shower Drain

How to Unclog a Shower Drain

It's embarrassing to see murky and lukewarm water when taking your bath because water drains slowly or doesn't drain at all in your bathroom. In some instances, the standing water may be emitting an unpleasant odor.

Standing water in your bathroom indicates that your shower drain is clogged, and it could be caused by a buildup of soap scum, hair, and excess dirt. As a homeowner, you need to find out the source of the clogged drain to prevent it from happening again. You also need to know whether it is something you can handle or call plumbers from Mr. Rooter Plumbing for professional help.

It is advisable you try unclogging the shower drain using the procedure suggested in this article by professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing.

Steps to unclog the shower drain

We recommend methods of unclogging the shower drain based on their success rates and our most preferred method is the:

Manual procedure

This is the fastest way for shower drain cleaning but it's better for those who can withstand unpleasant smell (pregnant women should not use this method to avoid vomiting).

The manual procedure is done by removing the obstruction, and you need to have the following:

  • A flashlight
  • Disposable hand glove and
  • A needle-nose plier

Procedure

Remove the drain cover and shine a flashlight into the drain. This will enable you to see the clog. If the clog is close to the surface, you can put on the hand glove and get it removed.

However, if it is down the pipe, the needle-nose plier can be used.

Then cover the drain and test it by pouring a lot of water. Hopefully, your drain will be flowing normally. If this method isn't working, then check out the next one.

The boiling water method

This method can clear the blockage and can be used by people who do not have the requirements for the manual unclogging method.

Procedure

Boil water and use a funnel to pour it down the drain. Note, you should not use boiling water to avoid damaging your pipes. Put off your gas/stove after boiling the water and stay for thirty-sixty seconds before using the water.

This method is for clogs that are deep down the pipe, but it has not been proven effective for those trying to clear out a severe blockage.

Unclog the drain with a plunger

You need enough suction for this method to be effective but it's good to give it a try if other methods above aren't working.

Procedure

Add petroleum jelly at the edge of the pad and plunge as many times as possible. This will work out if the blockage is towards the surface of the pipe

The baking soda and vinegar method

This is a natural method that wouldn't cause damages to your plastic pipes and is also effective. You will need.

  • A cup of baking soda and vinegar
  • Boiled water

Procedure

Try to scoop all the water using a small bucket and pour the baking soda down the drain.

You need to wait for about 10 minutes before pouring the vinegar and within a short time, pour the boiled water down the drain.

Call for professional help

To keep your drains flowing all year round, you need to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to get a professional drain cleaning service. Our service and expert advice will help prevent your drains from frequent clogging.

Request Service

Contact us for all of your plumbing needs. If requesting an service, please know that this is NOT a confirmed appointment. Someone will call you to confirm the appointment day and time.