What Are The Best Ways To Unclog A Shower Drain?

Wondering if you can clear a clogged shower drain yourself? If you have a minor hair clog, a blockage caused by soap scum, or any other minor clog, you’ve got a few options to try unclogging a shower on your own. Here are a few top methods for that are recommended by the Wilco Relining Sydney blocked drain specialists.

1. Try Dish Soap & Boiling Water

First, pour a generous squeeze of dish soap into the blocked drain. Then, pour boiling water down the drain. The dish soap will help lubricate the clog and the boiling water will help break it up and push it further down the drain. You may want to repeat this process several times if it doesn’t work right away.

2. Use A Plunger

Using a standard rubber cup plunger may help break up a shower clog, particularly when combined with a few of the other methods on this list.

If there is standing water around the drain this is actually a good thing, since it will help create a seal for the plunger. If not, you may want to apply petroleum jelly around the edge of the plunger to create a tight seal.

Then, just pump away! Hopefully, you’ll be able to use the plunger to create pressure in the drain that will cause the hair and soap to break apart.

3. Use A Coat Hanger Or Plumbers Snake

First, remove the drain cover of your blocked drain. Then, unwind a wire coat hanger so that you can jam it down the drain. If the clog is near the drain opening, you should be able to pull it out or break it apart with the coat hanger.

Another option is a plumber’s snake, which you can buy at any hardware store. This is a flexible length of steel tubing with a drill-like tip at the end. You will simply unspool it into the drain, then crank it into the clog to break it up and clear out your shower drain.

4. Try Baking Soda And Vinegar

First, pour about a cup of baking soda down the drain, rinsing it down with a little bit of water, if necessary. You want the baking soda to be near the clog. Then, follow this up with a cup of vinegar. As you probably already know, the vinegar and baking soda will react by foaming up, and this reaction can help dislodge the clog.

5. Clear Blockages With Commercial Drain Cleaner

Wearing rubber gloves to protect your skin, pour a generous amount of drain cleaner into the clog based on the packaging instructions. Then, wait about 30-60 minutes depending on the instructions on the package, and run hot water down the drain to rinse away the drain cleaner and the clog.

Can’t Clear A Blocked Drain? Call A Plumber At Wilco Relining Now!

Unfortunately, it’s common for hair to clog drains in showers, particularly when it combines with soap and soap scum. If none of the above methods are working and you need more help, Wilco Relining is here for you.

As experts in plumbing maintenance and repairs, we can assist you with any plumbing issue in your home or business. So don’t wait. Contact us online or give us a call at 1300 512 737 to get the assistance you need anywhere in Sydney and the surrounding areas.