How to Unclog a Shower Drain

A clogged shower drain is a common problem most homeowners will face at one point or another. Read on to learn how to unclog a shower drain the safe way, or give us a call so we can help!

How to Unclog a Shower Drain

Clogged drains are definitely an, unpleasant experience. Not only are the unpleasant, they become annoying very quickly. Because you use your shower everyday, you constantly reminded about the problem.

Over time, clogged drains can lead to mold development and flooding, burst, or leaking pipes. Luckily, clogged drains are something you can fix! Here are some ways you can complete this yourself. If you run into problems, or just want a helping hand, give us a call! We have years of experience and get get your shower back to normal fast!

Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain.

This is the simplest and safest way to not harm your plumbing. Simply heat a pot of water on the stove. Make sure it is a pot that is easy for you to handle while full of water. This is important since you’ll be transporting it from the stove to the bathroom. Because the water will be boiling, you want to make sure you do not drop it.

Pour the water down the drain, slowly. Use a funnel so that the hot water doesn’t harm anything else in the tub. Ensure you are staying clear of the water and any splashes that may accidentally occur.

Now, wait fifteen minutes and attempt to run water from the tap. If the clog is made up of a grease or soap build-up, the heat should melt it away. If this method doesn’t work, however, move on to the next option.

Use a Plunger

If hot water doesn’t work, you can attempt to dislodge the clog with a plunger. For shower drain clogs, you would use a classic cup plunger. To begin, add enough water to the tub or shower to submerge the end of the plunger’s cup. This will help with suction.

Press the plunger’s cup down to get a seal and begin to plunge vigorously. Plunging creates suction inside the drain that helps dislodge stubborn clogs. Unfortunately, it won’t work on all clogs. If the clog is very deep or entrenched, don’t be surprised if plunging doesn’t work.

Consider plunging a good first step, but not the last resort. After plunging, run the tap to see if standing water builds up. If it still does, move on to the next method.

Try a Home Made Drain Cleaner

We want to be very clear here. We do not recommend using any store-bought, chemical drain cleaner. These chemicals are very corrosive, and can do more damage to your pipes than you would think. Yes, the clog may be cleared up, but over time you are costing yourself much more money. That said, you can try a safe at-home mixture to clear a drain clog. You just have to follow the right steps:

First, pour a cup of baking soda into your drain. Wait a few minutes and then pour a cup of vinegar down. Give the two time to mix – an hour or two is preferable. Follow this up with more boiling water to clear any remaining material. The two combine to create a fizzing reaction that can clear clogs.

Insurance and Warranty

If you remodel your own bathroom, you will not be covered for any accidents or damage you cause while completing the project. Given the complexity of the work, this could end up costing you thousands of dollars if you make even a simple mistake. When you work with a licensed and insured plumber, not only will you be safe, but your home will be as well.

Additionally, many companies offers a warranty on their work. This gives you piece of mind knowing that if there is an issue in the future, you can have it resolved quickly. The materials manufacturer also would be more likely to honor a product warranty should something go wrong if you can show a licensed installer completed the work.