Simple Steps For Cleaning A Clogged Shower Drain
Posted on: 4 April 2022
If your shower has been draining slowly, then it is likely there is a clog in the drainpipe. Shower drain clogs are very common. Most households will have to contend with one at some point. While sometimes professional drain cleaning is required for stubborn shower clogs, most of the time you can remove the offending material from the pipe yourself and save some money. To get your shower's drain flowing again, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Determine If Only the Shower Has a Clogged Drain
Before tackling a clogged shower drain, it is important to verify that the problem only concerns the shower drain and is not a bigger plumbing problem. To verify the problem is only in the shower drainpipe, run the water in the sink and flush the toilet. Watch them drain. Do the sink and toilets both drain as expected? If not, then you have a bigger plumbing problem that requires a professional plumber to resolve. If the sink and toilet drain as expected, then the problem is located just inside the shower drainpipe and you can clean it out yourself using the next steps.
Step 2: Plunge the Shower's Drain with a Plunger
The easiest way to clear a minor shower drain clog is to use a plunger. Simply put the plunger over the drain and pump it up and down to build up some suction. The suction will dislodge the clog and allow it to pass down the pipe into the sewer or septic tank. Plunge the shower drain, run some hot water, and then plunge it again. If the drain flows again, then you are finished. If not, then you will need to get inside the pipe and manually remove the clogging material with a drain snake.
Step 3: Remove the Drain Cover and Use a Drain Snake to Remove the Clog
Remove the small drain cover blocking your access to the shower drain. The easiest way to do so is by carefully lifting it out with a screwdriver or the edge of a utility knife. Insert the drain snake into the drain and turn the crank handle to feed the snake down into the pipe. Once the snake has been fed into the pipe, then reverse the process to pull it back out. Typically, the clogged material will come out with the snake or you can flush it down the pipe now by running some hot water. Test the drain and if it still isn't flowing, then reinsert the drain snake and try again. If this doesn't clean the clog from the drain, then you likely need to call out a plumber for assistance.
For more information on drain cleaning, contact a plumber in your area.
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