Shower drains are notoriously easy to block, backup or start to smell. With the amount of grey water, waste and dirt that goes down them, it is important to know how to unblock a shower drain fast and effectively. Within this DIY guide, we will provide you with 6 tried and tested methods to unblock a shower drain. Let’s jump right in!
Method 1: Use a Plunger
Most households have one, and if you don’t, they are easily accessible from a local superstores or homeware shops. Plungers are perfect, cheap way for unblocking surface level blockages and build up.
Step by step instructions:
- Make sure there is enough water in the base of the shower tray to cover the plungers rim.
- Position the plunger over the drain, making sure it forms an air tight seal around the bottom of the plunger.
- Push and pull the plunger from the handle in an up and down motion. You should hear a bubbling or moving sound underneath as the plunger pulls and sucks creating pressure.
- Lift the plunger and check if the water drains from the shower tray.
- Pro Tip: For better suction, apply petroleum jelly around the plungers rim.
You might have to retry this method a couple of times to remove particularly stubborn blockages. Once the blockage is cleared, run hot water down the shower drain to flush away any remaining debris.
Method 2: Remove and Clean The Drain Cover
This one seems obvious and should be the first thing you check. Sometimes, the blockage is just under the drain cover which makes it easily accessible.
Step by step instructions:
- Use a screwdriver to remove the drain cover. Some drain covers might not require a screwdriver and simply lift up.
- Using gloves, pull out any visible hair, debris or grease build up.
- Once clear, rinse well with water and even some bleach if the drain is smelling.
This method will work well for clumps of hair that have built up in the shower drain on a surface level. Often, hair will cause the initial blockage and then layers of grease and debris overtime build up around this to make it worse.
Method 3: Unblock With a Drain Snake
A drain snake, also known as a drain auger is used to break up deeper blockages within the shower drain. We recommend trying the above methods first to see if they sort the blockage before moving onto this method.
Step by step instructions:
- Insert the drain snake into the drain, gently pushing it whilst turning the handle.
- Once you feel resistance, twist the snake to hook the clog.
- Slowly pull the snake out, bringing the clog with it.
- Run water to check if this has removed the blockage from the shower drain.
- Pro Tip: If you don’t have a drain snake, a plastic drain cleaning tool designed to grab hair can be a quick alternative.
Method 4: Vinegar and Baking Soda Solution
For a cheap, chemical free solution, vinegar and baking soda are an excellent choice of method. This is effective if the buildup is caused by soap scum and for minor blockages.
Step by step instructions:
- Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Next, pour 1 cup of white vinegar down the drain.
- Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes. This should fizz and you might see it bubble over the drain itself. The bubbling is the baking soda and vinegar reacting. This should break up blockages.
- After 15 minutes, pour hot water down the shower drain to flush it out.
- Pro Tip: Repeat this process if the clog is stubborn or only partially cleared after the first attempt.
Method 5: Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum
Another effective method for clearing shower drains is a dry/wet vacuum. This can be fast and easy for anyone to do.
Step by step instructions:
- Set your vacuum to “wet” mode.
- Place the hose over the drain, ensuring a tight seal.
- Use the vacuum to either suck the blockage out or switch to blow mode to push it through the pipe.
- Safety Tip: Ensure your vacuum is properly set to handle water to avoid damage.
This method works best for blockages that are difficult to reach with a snake or plunger.
Method 6: Disassemble The P-Trap
If you have tried all of the above methods and are still suffering with a blocked shower drain, the final method we would suggest before calling a professional is removing and disassembling the P-trap. The P-trap is the U shaped pipe under the shower. In some cases, where shower trays have been built in, this might not be accessible.
Step by step instructions:
- Place a bucket underneath the P-trap to catch and water or debris as it falls.
- Use a spanner to loosen the nuts securing the P-trap. You might find a pair of grips makes it easier.
- Remove the P-trap and clean out and debris inside.
- Reassemble the P-trap and run water down the drain to ensure the drain is fully cleared.
This method requires a bit more understanding and effort that the other mentioned methods. We always recommend to try methods 1-5 before removing the P-trap. This method is highly effective for deeper clogs in the drainage system.
Preventing Future Shower Drain Clogs
Hopefully, you have managed to unblock your shower drain using one of the above methods and it is now important to look at how to prevent any future shower drain blockages.
1. Use a Drain Guard
A drain guard catches hair, soap scum and debris before they go down the drain. This prevents blockages and build up. You can get drain guards from most homeware shops.
2. Regular Maintenance With Baking Soda and Vinegar
As we covered in the above method 4, you can use baking soda and vinegar on a regular basis to stop grime from clogging up in your shower drain. We recommend once per month to keep your drain clean and free flowing.
3. Clean The Drain After Each Shower
Okay, so it might not be after every shower, but we recommend at-least once per week. Take a moment to remove any visible hair from the drain and use the shower nozzle to flush away any soap scum and debris.
4. Dispose of Oils and Grease Properly
Avoid pouring oils or greasy substances down the shower drain, as they can harden and cause blockages overtime. It is also important to note that you should not pour grease or oils down other drains also. Your whole drainage system is linked together and any blockages across the drainage system can cause issues around appliances in your property.
When To Call The Drain Unblocking Company
If you have given the above methods your best go and the shower drain is still blocked, it is most likely time to call in the big guns! Drain unblocking professionals are well equipped to unblock far deeper and more stubborn blockages than you can reach with DIY methods. Sometimes, we just have to admit defeat and leave it to the pros! Here are some signs that indicate you need to call the experts:
- Recurring Blockages: If blockages happen over and over, despite your best efforts to resolve them, there might be a more serious underlying issue. This would need to be inspected by a professional and most likely will require a CCTV drain survey.
- Water Backing Up In Other Drains: If multiple drains are causing you issues, such as a slow draining toilet, you might have larger issues particularly with your main sewer line where your shower drain will eventually lead to.
- Foul Odours Or Persistent Slow Drainage: If you are constantly dealing with unpleasant smells coming from your shower drain, sink or toilet and the water is slow to drain from any of these appliances, it might be a sign that your outside drain is blocked. It is recommended a professional takes a look as pipework will need to be inspected for damage and more severe blockages.
A professional drain unblocking company might retry some of the above method such as using the drain snake or rodding, however they will also have available methods such as drain jetting equipment to force blockages out of the pipework. Drain jetting uses high pressure water at around 300psi to breakup and force blockages out of the way.
Conclusion
Unblock a shower drain doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Sometimes it can be a quick, simple DIY fix. Learning and trying the above methods will allow you to do this at home, yourself. Using simple and cheap tools and household items, such as vinegar and baking soda, means you can often clear drains without calling anyone in to help. If you regularly check and maintain your drains, you can take preventative measures to avoid dealing with larger clogs and blockages which can cause stress and issues if left unresolved.
Hopefully, by following these steps and methods, you will be well equipped to handle any shower drain blockage efficiently and effectively.
However, if you are still suffering with a blocked drain and would like to talk with a professional, Elite Drainage Services are a local, reliable and trustworthy company who specialise in all types of drainage work from drain unblocking to drain cleaning. You can contact us by filling in our contact form or calling us on 0800 861 1900.
