Forgetting to clean the shower drain is one of the most common bathroom cleaning mistakes people make.
Watch: DIY bathroom jobs you can do yourself
Over time, things like hair and soap scum can build up, causing foul odours and standing water to arise.
How to unblock a shower drain
If you’re currently dealing with a blocked shower drain, don’t worry – it can be fixed. The best and easiest way to unclog your shower drain is using a plunger or drain snake.
How to unclog your drain using a plunger
A cup plunger (a plunger with a wooden handle attached to a rubber cup) is the best option for unclogging 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).
You might have to give it a few goes or try it or use a chemical drainer that will help break the blockage up, like this Drain cleaner hair unclogger ($9.49) that has 143 five-star reviews.
How to unclog a shower using a drain snake
Another method for unblocking a drain is to use a drain snake, like this one. Here’s how to do use a drain snake:
- Remove the drain cover.
- Insert the end of the drain snake into the drain opening. Push it in as far as it will go.
- Once the snake is inserted, start turning the handle clockwise. This action will help to break up and remove the clog. Apply steady pressure as you rotate the snake.
- While rotating the snake, push it forward and pull it back. This motion will further dislodge and break apart the clog.
- Keep rotating, pushing, and pulling the snake until you no longer feel resistance.
- Slowly withdraw the snake from the drain, being cautious not to damage the pipe walls.
- Turn on the water and check if the drain is now flowing freely. If the water drains properly, the clog has been successfully removed.
- Dispose of any debris that came out of the drain. Clean the drain snake thoroughly, following the manufacturer’s instructions, before storing it away.
Alternatively, you could try straightening a wire coathanger and see if you can move along or fish out any debris.
If neither of these methods for unclogging a drain work, then you might have to call a plumber.
How to prevent your shower drain from clogging
Naturally, the best solution to a blocked shower drain is prevention. Thankfully, there are some very handy products available that can block hair and other things from winding up in the drain in the first place.
One product that is highly rated on Amazon is the OXO Good Grips Silicone Drain Protector.
Made from stainless steel and silicone, this drain protector catches hair while letting water flow freely. Although some drain protectors have trouble sticking the shower or bath, the OXO drain protector is weighted so it stays in place.
“This thing is amazing. The suction is awesome and catches an insane amount of hair. On top of that, it is extremely easy to clean. Being easy to clean was the deciding factor for me; I did NOT want to be investing a ton time cleaning out the hair strands every single day. One swipe and you’re done. There is slight pooling, but it doesn’t bother me. Highly recommend,” wrote one satisfied reviewer.
You might also like:
How to make your shower doors sparkle in 5 simple steps
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4 ways to clean your shower the natural way
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