How to Unclog a Shower Drain

How to Unclog a Shower Drain: 2024 Guide

Having a clogged shower drain can truly put a damper on your day. Envision getting ready for a relaxing shower, only to find water pooling at your feet. Not as it were is it awkward, but it can moreover lead to foul odors and indeed potential water damage if left unchecked. 

The good news is, you don’t continuously require to call a handyman to settle this issue. With a few simple tools and a bit of persistence, you can unclog your shower deplete on your own. This guide will walk you through the most viable DIY strategies, while also offering advice on when it’s time to look for professional help.

Why Does Your Shower Drain Get Clogged?

Before you get to unclogging your deplete, it’s helpful to get it what causes the issue in the first put. Most clogs are caused by a combination of hair, soap scum, and everyday soil that slowly builds up over time. These materials accumulate and block the normal flow of water, creating a backup.

Common Causes of Shower Drain Clogs

  1. Hair Buildup

Hair is by far the most common cause of a clogged shower drain. When you shower, free strands of hair naturally drop off and get washed down the deplete. Over time, this hair can get tangled up and shape clumps that block water from draining properly. The longer the hair, the more awful the issue can get.

  1. Soap Scum

Believe it or not, your soap could too be contributing to your clogged deplete. Soap scum forms when soap blends with the minerals in your water, creating a sticky buildup that coats the inside of your pipes. Over time, this buildup thickens and can trap other debris, like hair and earth, causing a genuine clog.

  1. Soil and Debris

Think of all the soil and grime you wash off amid a shower—it doesn’t fair vanish. A few of it closes up going down the drain, where it can blend with cleanser rubbish and hair to make blockages.

How to Unclog a Shower Drain (Step-by-Step)

Whether your drain is somewhat backed up or totally blocked, there are a few strategies you can attempt to clear it yourself. From basic bubbling water to more progressed tools like deplete snakes, these methods will help you get your drain flowing freely again.

Method 1: The Boiling Water Technique

If your clog is caused by soap scum or grease, this simple method may do the trick.

  • Boil a pot of water.
  • Slowly pour the boiling water straightforwardly down the deplete in several stages, permitting it to work through the blockage.
  • After the water has drained, run the shower for a miniature to check if the clog has cleared.
  • Repeat the handle if needed.
  • Boiling water helps break down soap and oil clogs, making it a basic, chemical-free solution.

Method 2: Utilizing a Drain Snake

A drain wind is an inexpensive instrument that can reach deep into your pipes to clear stubborn clogs caused by hair or other debris. It’s accessible at most hardware stores and is a must-have for any homeowner.

  • Remove the drain cover if possible.
  • Insert the snake into the drain and thrust it down until you encounter resistance (this is likely the clog).
  • Rotate the wind whereas pushing it assist into the deplete to break up or capture the clog.
  • Pull the wind back out, expelling any hair or debris.
  • Run water to guarantee the blockage has cleared.

Strategy 3: Preparing Pop and Vinegar Solution

If you favor eco-friendly alternatives, this tried-and-true strategy is awesome for clearing direct clogs.

  • Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain.
  • Follow it up with one glass of vinegar.
  • Let the mixture sit for 15-30 minutes. You should hear a few fizzing as the solution works to dissolve the clog.
  • Afterward, pour boiling water down the deplete to flush out any remaining debris.

This method works particularly well for clogs caused by cleanser rubbish and other mild buildups.

Method 4: Plunger Power

A plunger can be an effective way to dislodge stubborn clogs, especially those caused by hair.

  • Cover the drain with the plunger, making sure there is enough water in the shower to submerge the plunger.
  • Push and pull the plunger rapidly to create suction that helps oust the clog.
  • Repeat the process for 30 seconds, then check if the water is draining properly.
  • If necessary, repeat the process until the drain is clear.

Method 5: Chemical Drain Cleaners

If natural methods don’t work, you can try a chemical drain cleaner. However, these should be used sparingly as they contain harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes over time.

  • Follow the instructions on the product label for safe use.
  • Pour the cleaner into the drain and permit it to sit for the recommended sum of time.
  • Flush the drain with hot water to evacuate the clog.

Read More: How Much Cost to Unclog a Toilet

Preventing Future Shower Drain Clogs

Now that you’ve effectively unclogged your deplete, the following step is to ensure it doesn’t happen again anytime before long. Proper maintenance can save you time and frustration in the long run.

Install a Drain Cover

A drain cover is an cheap and simple way to prevent hair and other debris from going down the drain. Just clean it frequently to keep the water flowing freely.

Standard Cleaning

Once a month, clean your drain with a blend of heating pop and vinegar, taken after by bubbling water. This helps break down soap scum and avoids hair from collecting interior the pipes.

Avoid Pouring Oil Down the Drain

Although this is more of an issue in kitchen sinks, some people utilize oil-based items like conditioners or shaving creams in the shower. These can solidify in the pipes and cause blockages over time.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While DIY methods can be profoundly effective, a few clogs are simply as well tough for home remedies. If you’ve tried everything and the water is still backing up, it’s time to call in a proficient plumber.

Professional plumbers have specialized devices, like hydro planes and industrial-strength snakes, that can clear indeed the most adamant clogs without harming your channels. They can too distinguish any underlying issues, such as pipe erosion or harm, that may be contributing to the problem. Contact Jersey Trenchless to unclog the drain in NJ.

Conclusion

Dealing with a clogged shower deplete is never fun, but with a few basic techniques and regular upkeep, you can keep your drains flowing smoothly. Here’s the best drain cleaners list. From utilizing eco-friendly solutions like baking soda and vinegar to calling in experts like Jersey Trenchless when required, you have all the devices at your disposal to prevent and solve drain clogs. Regular maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs and ensuring that your home’s plumbing remains in best shape.

You cannot copy content of this page