We all like to pretend it isn’t happening at first, but eventually it becomes undeniable… the pool of water at your feet in the shower is getting deeper and deeper each day. If you’re wondering how to unblock a shower drain, you’re not alone.
Clogged shower drains usually come down to the same two or three culprits – clumps of hair, accumulated residue from soaps and other bathing products, or built-up lint and other debris.
Sometimes it’s a very easy fix. Simply check the drain and if there’s anything sitting on the surface, pull it out of the way and the water will start to drain like normal. Another common occurrence is that the drain stopper is too tight against the entrance of the pipe, so there’s no gap for water to drain. You may just need to unscrew it a little to allow space.
Failing these two quick and easy remedies, it’s time to dig a little deeper.
Common Causes of a Blocked Shower Drain
Before diving into how to unblock a shower drain, it’s helpful to understand what’s causing the blockage in the first place. The most common culprits include:
- Hair buildup: One of the biggest offenders, hair collects over time and binds with soap scum, creating a stubborn clog.
- Soap residue: Some soaps contain fats that mix with water minerals to create a hard, sticky substance that clings to pipes.
- Product buildup: Shampoos, conditioners, and body washes can leave a residue that slowly narrows the drain passage.
- Foreign objects: Small items like razor covers, jewellery, or bottle caps can accidentally fall in and block the drain.
- Hard water deposits: If you live in an area with hard water, mineral buildup can restrict water flow over time.
Preventative Tips – How to Keep Your Shower Drain Clear
Prevention is always better than cure. Once you’ve learned how to clear a blocked shower drain, here’s how you can stop it from happening again:
- Use a drain cover: A simple drain catcher will trap hair and debris before it enters the pipe.
- Flush with hot water weekly: Pouring boiling water down the drain once a week helps dissolve any minor buildup.
- Regularly clean the drain stopper: Remove and rinse the drain stopper every couple of weeks to prevent soap and hair accumulation.
- Use a natural cleaner: A monthly mix of vinegar and baking soda can help break down residue before it becomes a full blockage.
Here are three of the best ways to unblock a shower drain.
#1 – Use your hand, a hook or a drain snake to remove the clog
Once you remove the drain stopper and peer into the pipe below your shower, you might immediately see the cause of the blockage, in which case you can simply put on some rubber gloves, reach in and pull it out with your fingers.
If you can see the blockage but it’s a little too far down the pipe for you to reach, try using something with a hook to scoop up the obstruction. Coat hangers are a popular choice, although be careful not to damage your pipe.
You can also use a drain snake – a nifty retractable tool that you’ll find in any decent hardware shop. This is often one of the most effective methods if you’re looking for how to clear a blocked shower drain manually.
#2 – Pour boiling water down the drain
Depending on what kind of blockage it is, you might be able to dislodge the obstruction with boiling hot water. Residue like built-up soap remnants, for example, will easily dissolve with a little boiling water.
Try this process two or three times over the space of a few minutes and if it still isn’t working, mix a cup of vinegar with a cup of baking soda and pour this down the clogged shower drain. Wait for 15 minutes, and then follow with more boiling water.
Hopefully you’ll hear some gurgling and the blockage will be gone. This is often considered one of the best ways to unblock a shower drain without using harsh chemicals.
#3 – Call a licensed plumbing professional
At this point, it’s recommended that you bring in the big guns. A blockage that can’t be resolved with boiling water, natural cleaning products or contraptions like the drain snake are best left for qualified and experienced experts.
At Plumbform, we have more than 17 years’ expertise as Brisbane’s premier residential and commercial plumbing service. Our friendly plumbers are fully licensed and highly experienced in blocked drains, excavation, leak detection, gas plumbing and more. If you’re unsure how to unclog a shower drain effectively, our team can handle it with ease.
We’ll make quick work of unclogging your shower drain, using industry-leading equipment and state-of-the-art CCTV pipe inspection technology.
Contact Plumbform
Call 0424 794 641 or submit our online quote request form and we’ll be happy to assist with unblocking your shower drain anywhere in the Greater Brisbane Area.
