How to unblock a shower drain
Looking for how to unblock a shower drain? We’re here to help. In this guide, we share the best way to unblock a shower drain to resume normal service and get everything flowing freely again.
What’s causing your blocked shower drain?
Before we look at how to unclog a shower drain, it’s good to understand the possible cause of the problem to help prevent it from reoccurring.
The most common reasons for a blocked shower drain include:
- Hair: As hair accumulates in your shower drain, it can create a tangled web that catches soap scum and other debris, eventually causing a blockage
- Soap scum: Over time, soap scum from your bath and shower products can build up on the inside of the pipes, making it harder for the water to drain freely
- Hard water: Hard water contains minerals that can accumulate within the pipes and lead to blocked drains
- Foreign objects: It may be that a small item has accidentally made its way down the drain, such as a bit of plastic or a bottle cap
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5 simple ways to unblock a shower drain
One of the main culprits of a shower blockage is hair. So first things first, remove any hair that has gathered around the shower plug hole.
Next, read through our five clogged shower drain solutions, below – most of which can be tackled with items you already have at home.
How to clear a blocked shower drain
1. Boiling water
One of the simplest ways to break up minor blockages is to carefully pour boiling water down the drain. However, this method is typically only effective on blockages caused by soap scum or similar.
2. Baking soda and vinegar
If you have baking soda and vinegar in your kitchen cupboards, they could provide a natural solution for your blocked shower drain! Here’s how:
- Pour one cup of baking soda down the shower drain
- Follow with one cup of white vinegar
- The solution will fizz – leave it to work its magic for about 15 minutes
- Rinse the drain with boiling water
This method is also effective for freshening your drains every once and a while. However, it shouldn’t be used too often as the vinegar could corrode old pipes and damage rubber seals.
3. Plunger
A classic plunger could be just the ticket for sorting out your blocked shower drain.
This method is best used when there is standing water in the shower.
With the plunger over the plug hole, press down firmly to create suction and pump the plunger several times. You may need to repeat the process before the water drains.
4. Drain snake
The next method you can try to unblock your shower drain is with a drain snake. These can be purchased relatively cheaply from most DIY stores.
To use, insert the drain snake into the plug hole until you feel resistance, then twist and gently push it to break up or remove the clog. You might be surprised to see what you manage to pull out!
5. Chemical drain unblockers
A shop-bought chemical drain unblocker can be an effective way to deal with a shower blockage, but it should be used with caution.
Make sure to read the instructions before use and take care pouring the solution into the drain to avoid splashes.
If DIY attempts to clear your shower blockage are unsuccessful, search for a local drain clearance expert. They will safely and efficiently unclog your drain using appropriate tools and techniques.
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How to unblock a shower drain with standing water
Often, the best way to unblock a shower drain with standing water is by using a plunger.
- It may be necessary to first scoop out some of the standing water to avoid it overflowing while you tackle the issue
- Place the plunger over the plug hole, press down to create suction, and pump the plunger several times
This should successfully unclog the shower drain and allow the standing water to flow freely down the plug hole.
Find reliable drain clearance experts in your area
A blocked shower drain can often be fixed using a DIY approach.
However, if DIY methods don’t work to clear your blocked shower drain, or if you’re repeatedly dealing with shower blockages, it’s time to call in the experts.
Just type your postcode into the box below to find highly rated drain clearance specialists in your area.
FAQs
Why does my shower drain keep backing up?
One of the main reasons for blocked shower drains is a build-up of hair. Avoid this by using a hair catcher when using the shower. However, if your drain keeps backing up, it could be due to an issue further down the drain line. A professional drain clearance expert can diagnose and fix the problem.
Will boiling water unclog a shower drain?
It is possible to clear a blocked shower drain with boiling water, but this only tends to be effective for minor blockages caused by soap scum, for example.
What can I pour down my shower drain to unclog it?
You can pour several things down your shower drain to unclog it. The first option is boiling water. If this doesn’t work, try a solution of one cup baking soda and one cup white vinegar. After leaving the mixture to fizz in your drain for 15 minutes, rinse with boiling water. If this method doesn’t work, you can try a shop-bought chemical drain unblocker.
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