How to Unclog a Shower Drain

Nothing can be worse than stepping into lukewarm soapy water when taking your morning shower. If water is accumulating at your feet when you’re taking a shower, you might be wondering why it is happening. Most likely, this is because the shower drain isn’t working or it’s blocked.

 

Luckily, shower drain clogs are common and can be easily fixed. Let’s take a closer look at how to unclog your shower drain.

 

How Do I Unclog My Shower Drain?

 

There are a variety of causes that lead to a clogged shower drain, from a small blockage to other obstructions. The best plan of action is to examine the source of the blockage immediately before it causes excessive damage. In many cases, you can remove the clog on your own. Here are some things to try before you call a local drain cleaning service!

 

Remove the Clog Using Your Hand

 

Many clogs can be seen by the naked eye and removed using your hand. If a clog is close to the drain’s opening and you can easily reach it, pull it out. It’s best to use rubber gloves because you don’t know if bacteria have gathered around the clog. If it is just out of reach, you can also use the top of a hanger to pull out the blockage.

 

Use a Drain Snake

 

If you are comfortable, you can use a drain snake to remove blockages further down your drain. A retractable plumber snake is an effective tool that sends a metal wire down the drain to pull out any obstructions, causing a blockage in your drains. You can get the device in plastic or disposable versions. Be sure you have the confidence to use these tools, as you can add to the damage if they are improperly used.

 

Use Boiling Water

 

If physically removing the blockages doesn’t work, try boiling water. Many common blockages can be easily broken down and freed with boiling water. This is particularly effective in shower drain clogs that are caused by soap scum buildup. Repeat the process several times before calling a professional plumber for help.

 

Use a Natural Drain Cleaner

 

Never use chemical cleaners when unclogging a drain. The harsh chemicals can do more damage than good. Believe it or not, homemade cleaners are far more effective and safer than chemical ones. Here’s a standard and effective homemade chemical drain cleaner:

 

  • Mix one cup of vinegar with equal parts baking soda.
  • Pour boiling water into the shower drain and then add this mixture.
  • Wait for at least 15 minutes. You should notice a fizzing effect. The longer you leave it, the more effective the solution.
  • Finally, rinse the drain again with boiling water.

 

Contact a Reliable Drain Cleaning Professional for Help

 

Before calling your local drain cleaning service, it’s good to have an idea of what caused your blockage. The more common causes of clogged shower drains include dirt, debris, soap scum, and hair buildup. Keep track of how often your drain is clogging. More significant plumbing issues can cause frequent clogs.

 

Contact a reliable Los Angeles drain cleaning service to schedule an inspection if you have a clogged shower drain.

 

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