26/05/2022
How to unclog a shower drain – five ways to deal with blockages
‘Ways to deal with any blockage include removing the obstruction by hand, make use of the plumber’s snake, use boiling water, or buy a drain cleaner product and follow the instructions" Here are 5 tips we recommend:
1. DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM
‘Check your drain for an obvious visible obstruction by lifting the top of the drain (drain cap) or just investigate the drain if no cap is present. Make use of a flashlight as this will give you a better view.
Some shower drains are fitted with special hair traps to prevent hair and other solids from getting stuck further down the drain. Take a close look at your shower drain and see if there are any parts that can be lifted or twisted out and then cleaned. Likely, a huge clog of smelly hair will come out with the hair trap so brace yourself for that treat!
2. TRY THE BOILING WATER TRICK
This may sound a bit too good to be true but if soap buildup is the cause of your plumbing issues, pouring boiling water down the drain might be all you need to do.
‘Clogs in shower drains are often caused by soap and grease building up over time which can ultimately stick and hold the clog together,’
‘Simply place a funnel, or something that will contain the water as you pour, over the drain and pour.
‘Gradually, you will begin to hear the water flow more easily. It’s important to note, if it’s not just soap and grease causing the blockage, this
3. RAID THE PANTRY FOR VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA
A favorite method for many of us, cleaning with baking soda and vinegar can work just as well as using products you get from the hardware store to unclog a shower drain.
‘Sprinkle two tablespoons of baking soda in/around the plughole, rinse with vinegar until all residue is dissolved, and finish with a quart (1l) of boiling water. This powerful mixture should dislodge any collected substances, leaving a free-flowing drain once again
4. SEND IN THE SNAKE TO UNCLOG A SHOWER DRAIN (Not a snake from the zoo 🐍)
If there is one tool we’d recommend every householder should have to hand, it’s a plumber’s snake (sometimes called a drain auger or drain snake), which will prove handy for unclogging any blocked sink or drain around the home.
A basic plumber’s snake is essentially a long bendy rod attached to a handle that is turned to slowly screw through the blockage. Some also pick items up as they move through the pipes, pulling them back out when the snake is removed. We like Mr. Plumber, Drain Devil & Drain Clog Hooks from local retailers.
‘The most common culprit for clogging shower drains is hair and a plumber’s snake or some other form of hook is the best way to get hold of the clog and remove it
5. CHECK YOUR SHOWER
DRAIN IS CLEAR
If you have followed some or all of these steps, the shower drain should be running freely. The best way to check this before you risk a repeat flooding incident is to simply leave the shower flowing at full power for just a couple of minutes. Watch the water around the plughole; the shower tray should not hold the water for any length of time.
If the levels start to build up, it is time to admit defeat and call in the professionals. We do not recommend disconnecting the shower drain, shower pan or any pipework without appropriate training.
Voala!!!