Having a blocked shower drain can prove to be a real nuisance when you find yourself standing in an ankle-high puddle of luke-warm water around your feet that just won’t disperse from the shower basin.
Luckily, unblocking your shower drain will usually have a simple solution. Keep reading to find out the top 5 tricks to unblock your blocked shower drain.
1. Hot Water
Let’s start simple. Depending on the severity of the blockage, this one should get any scum build-up moving by simply pouring some hot water from the kettle down the drain. Make sure to leave the kettle water to cool for a few minutes before pouring, to avoid any pipe damage such as warping.
2. Baking Soda and White Vinegar
When faced with a blocked shower drain, these guys are your usual go-to’s. This homemade and natural remedy is a great first solution to try when it comes to unblocking your shower drain and avoiding harsh chemical products.
It is also a relatively simple one – all you need to do is fill a cup with baking soda and pour it down your drain. Once you have done this, wait a few minutes and follow it with a cup of white vinegar. All you have to do now is let it work its bubbling magic. After around an hour, pour hot (not boiling, but very hot) water down the drain.
This simple solution in most cases should do the trick and clear out any clogs of hair or gunk. If it doesn’t, try it once more. If you find this still hasn’t done the job, you may need to try a more caustic method of clearing your shower drains.
3. Caustic chemicals
You’ve tried the natural homemade remedies, and you’ve tried physical efforts of removing whatever is blocking your drains – and if neither of these has worked then it may be time for a stronger solution.
There is a range of general drain unblocking products available from your local supermarkets. Simply follow the instructions advised on the bottle and it should remove the cause of your blocked shower drain.
Don’t forget – you should avoid using these chemicals frequently, to avoid corrosion and warping of your pipes.
4. DIY
Sometimes with a blocked shower drain, the best thing you can try is doing it yourself. This one should be relatively self-explanatory – simply take the cover off of your shower drain hole (this could have a screw holding it in or need prying off with a flat object).
Using a torch, take a look down the drain hole and see if the blockage is visible and within reach. Try using a straightened-out wired coat hanger to use as a hook to get down there and pull out what you’re able to.
If this doesn’t work, you may need to try using a ‘plumbers snake’. Insert the plumber’s snake into the drain and push it down until it reaches the clog, turn the handle and pull it back out.
5. Call in the Professionals
By this point – you’ve probably tried everything for yourblocked shower drain.
Hopefully, our tips have been useful in fixing yourblocked shower drain problems. If however they haven’t quite done the trick, or you don’t want to attempt the unblocking process yourself – it may be time for you to call in the professionals.
Maintain Drains specialise in drain unblocking. If you’ve got a blocked drain and need an expert’s opinion, don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll find the solution for you.
More about our services can be found here or give us a call today on 01202 300 040 where our team of is more than happy to help!
FAQs
What are the best methods to unblock a shower drain?
To effectively unblock a shower drain, you can start with simple home remedies like pouring hot water down the drain or using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to break down blockages. If these methods don’t work, a plunger or a plumber’s snake might be needed.
How can I quickly unclog my shower drain?
Quickly unclogging your shower drain often requires removing hair and soap buildup. A good first step is to manually remove visible debris from the drain cover. You can also use a wire hanger to fish out blockages or a chemical drain cleaner designed for showers.
Why is my shower drain clogged and how can I prevent it?
Shower drains commonly clog due to the accumulation of hair, soap scum, and small objects. To prevent this, consider using a drain guard to catch hair.