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How to unclog a blocked shower drain

Unclog your shower drain and keep it that way. - by Livia Gamble
  • 01 Dec 2020
How to unclog a blocked shower drain

Forgetting to clean shower drains is one of the most common bathroom cleaning mistakes people make. Over time, things like hair and soap scum can build up, causing bad odours and standing water to arise.

If you’re just beginning to realise the error of your ways and find yourself currently dealing with a blocked shower drain, don’t worry - it can be fixed. Here are some of the best ways to unclog your shower drain using a plunger or shower snake.

 

How to unclog your drain using a plunger

A cup plunger (a plunger with a wooden handle attached to a rubber cup) will most likely be the best option for the flat-surface drains found in most showers. To unblock the drain, place the rubber cup over the drain and push down on the handle. This action will force air through the drain.

Continue plunging with quick thrusts, directing the pressure down the drain. Take care not to lift the plunger too high (as this will break the seal).

Repeat these steps for 20 seconds. When you finally remove the plunger, the drain should be unclogged. 

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How to unclog a shower using a drain snake

The next tried and true method requires a little more elbow grease. For a stubborn blockage, remove the drain cover and grab a wire coat hanger.

Straighten out the coat hanger, leaving the hook on the end. Feed the wire down the drain and hook out hair and other debris. 

White bathroom with shower drain
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How to prevent your shower drain from clogging

Naturally, the best solution to a blocked shower drain is prevention. Once a month, when cleaning the shower pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain with hot water once a month will do the trick. 

You might also like: 

How to make your shower doors sparkle in 5 simple steps

5 bathroom cleaning hacks to make your bathroom a better place

4 ways to clean your shower the natural way

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