For many, taking a shower after a long day is a perfect way to unwind. That is—until you notice standing water gathering around the drain. This problem can mean only one thing: your shower’s drain is clogged.
Shower drains can become blocked for several reasons, from hair and soap scum to massive tree roots. Are you unsure how to unclog shower drains? Here are three methods that will help you clear clogged shower drains all on your own—no professional plumber is necessary.
Grab a Pot of Boiling Water
Boiling water is the first step in battling soap and grease clogs. This alone won’t unclog your shower drain, but when combined with other cleaning products, it can work wonders.
To unclog a shower drain with boiling water, ensure that you pour the water slowly and carefully down the drain. Follow this with a DIY drain cleaner (see below), then pour a second pot of boiling water to help wash out debris left behind by the blockage.
Combine Baking Soda & Vinegar
Consider using a DIY drain cleaner! Chemical cleaners are often harsh on pipes, causing more harm than good.
One effective DIY drain cleaning method is a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Mix ⅓ cup of baking soda and ⅓ cup of vinegar. Once combined, pour the baking soda and white vinegar down the drain, then let it sit for up to one hour. Afterward, flush the shower drain with a pot of boiling water or run hot water directly from the tap. Repeat the process one to two times as necessary.
Physically Remove the Clog
If you’ve failed to unclog shower drains with the previous methods, it’s time to pull on the gloves to physically get rid of the clog. There are a few tools that you can use to clear clogged shower drains:
Plastic Hooks
You can remove clogs close to the surface with your fingers or plastic hooks. These hooks are effective for hair clogs and smaller objects that you can easily get ahold of. You should avoid using a wire coat hanger to clear clogged shower drains since they can damage your drain pipes. After all, the last thing you want to do is cause more trouble for your plumbing system.
Plunger
Additionally, you can use plungers to clear clogged shower drains. Before you use a plunger, clear your shower of any standing water. If you’re having trouble creating a strong seal, place petroleum jelly along the plunger cup.
Drain Snake
Using a drain snake is also effective in clearing clogged shower drains. Drain snakes, which can be electric or manual, have a metal wire that you insert into the drain. Turn the hand crank until you reach the clog—then simply pull it out. You can find drain snakes at your local home improvement store, but consult a professional plumber for assistance if you don’t feel comfortable using this tool to unclog shower drains.
Contact Us For Drain Cleaning
These three methods are great for removing pesky clogs that are getting in the way of your shower. However, some tough clogs might require you to call a plumber. Davis Heating, Air & Plumbing performs everything from drain cleanings to septic tank plumbing in Rocky Mount, VA.
Do you need a professional to help unclog shower drains? Contact us to learn more about our plumbing services in Roanoke, VA, today!
