The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Shower Drain

It’s time to clean your shower drain, especially if it smells bad or looks moldy. While it’s not the most pleasant task, it only takes a few minutes. Regularly cleaning your shower drain is essential not just to avoid standing water or slow drainage, but also to prevent odors, mold, pests, leaks, and frozen pipes in winter. 

So, how can you fix it? We’ve simplified the process with this step-by-step guide. You’ll learn how to clean a shower drain, use a snake to unclog it, and the best methods to clear debris and buildup effectively.

How To Clean a Shower Drain: Why It’s Important

Mold and germs can grow in a drain that has accumulated hair, soap scum, and other debris. This is not only visually offensive, but it also emits overpowering, disagreeable odors that may be harmful to your health and induce nausea, migraines, and respiratory discomfort. You can guarantee a better living environment and a cleaner, fresher bathroom by routinely cleaning your shower drain.

How To Clean a Shower Drain

Clogs and bad smells can be avoided by keeping your shower drain clear. To guarantee that your shower drain stays clear and functional, adhere to following expert advice.

1. Getting ready

All standing water should be let as much as possible to drain before using any equipment or cleaning supplies. To assist in forcing the water down the pipes if it is draining slowly or not at all, use a plunger.

2. Take off the drain cover

After emptying the shower, take off the drain covers and any stoppers. Certain covers can be wrenched off, while others are fastened in place with screws. To take off the cover, use a flat-head or Phillips-head screwdriver. Clear any hair and product accumulation from the surrounding area.

3. Visible, Clear Debris

Remove the drain cover to allow you to see inside the drain and clear out any debris, soap scum, and loose hairs. To remove hair clumps and other blockages, you can use needle-nose pliers or your hands, if you’re wearing gloves.

4. Examine the Drain

To see if the drain is still clogged, run water down it. For a deeper clean, move on to the following procedures if it drains slowly.

5. Employ vinegar and baking soda

Pour one cup of white vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda down the drain to make a natural cleaning solution. This will cause a fizzy response that aids in the removal of dirt. To make the reaction stronger, add one more cup of vinegar. After letting the mixture settle for 30 seconds, rinse the mixture through the pipes with a shower. To make sure the drain is clear, run the water for a minute.

6. Make use of a snake for drains

Use of a drain snake can be necessary if the obstruction continues. Deeper clogs can be reached and removed using this equipment.

Steps:

1. Insert the Snake: Remove the drain cover and push the snake into the drain pipe until you feel resistance.
2. Rotate the Snake: Rotate the snake to catch or break up the clog.
3. Dislodge the Clog: Once resistance decreases, slowly pull the snake out and dispose of the clog.
4. Test the Drain: Run the shower at full force for a few minutes to ensure the drain is clear.
5. Clean the Drain Cover: Clean the drain cover with hot water and an all-purpose cleaner, then replace it.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your shower drain, prevent clogs, and maintain a pleasant and hygienic bathroom environment. If the problem persists, consider contacting a professional plumber for further assistance.

Whether it’s your toilet, shower drain, sink, or hot tub, Your Local Neighborhood Plumber handles it all with a smile. Plus, we provide some of the best specials available throughout the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles area. Call us today!