Tackling a Clogged Shower Drain: What You Need to Know

Shower drains, unfortunately, don’t clean themselves. While you might regularly clean the shower floor and wipe around the drain, many people overlook the importance of removing the drain cover to clean what’s underneath until drainage becomes an issue.

So, what should you do if you have a clogged shower drain? And how can you prevent it from happening again?

What To Do With a Clogged Shower Drain

First of all, what causes these clogged shower drains? A slow drain usually means a clogged drain. While a clogged toilet or kitchen sink might be caused by a large obstruction, shower drains tend to slow down gradually as they collect hair, lint, and residue from bath products over time.

Start by checking your drain for any visible obstructions. Hair clumps are usually the main issue. If nothing is visible on the surface, remove the drain cap and take a closer look inside, using a flashlight if needed. Clear out anything that might be blocking the drain.

Next, make sure your drain is fully open. Check that there’s enough space between the drain stopper and the pipe for water to flow through. The way to do this will depend on your specific drain type. Some drains have stoppers you can unscrew and remove completely, while bathtub-showers often have a switch under the faucet that controls the drain. Make sure any stopping mechanism isn’t accidentally blocking the flow.

If you’ve cleared any obstructions and ensured the drain is open, but the water still won’t drain, it’s time to tackle the clog directly.

How To Work With Clogged Shower Drains

Here are some simple methods to remove or dissolve a clog:

1. Remove the Clog by Hand: If the clog is near the surface, put on rubber gloves and carefully pull it out. You can use small plastic hooks made for this purpose. Avoid using wire hangers as they can damage your drain.

2. Use a Drain Snake: A drain snake, available at hardware stores, is a flexible tool that helps break up or pull out clogs. Use the hand crank to send the snake down the drain. Disposable plastic versions are also available and are easy to use. There are certain drain snakes that are a tad more difficult to use, so in any case, call a professional plumber!

3. Pour Boiling Water: If you can’t see a clog and the drain snake didn’t work, try pouring boiling water down the drain to dissolve soap scum and other soft buildup. Repeat this a couple of times if needed.
4. Try a Natural Drain Cleaner: Mix 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar. First, pour boiling water down the drain, then add the baking soda-vinegar mixture. Let it sit for 15 minutes, and flush with more boiling water.
5. Call a Plumber: If none of these methods work, it’s time to call in the professionals at Local Service Pro Plumbing!

Why Call Local Service Pro Plumbing?

We’re here to help whenever you need us. We know that plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, day or night. Your local plumber can be quickly dispatched to your home in the San Fernando Valley and Greater Los Angeles Area.