6 Ways To Unblock A Blocked Shower Drain

What causes a blocked shower drain?

Hair is the primary culprit behind blocked shower drains; remove it frequently to prevent clogs. Hair can form dense masses that impede water flow as it accumulates in your shower drain. Soap scum from personal care products can combine with hair in pipes, often blocking drains deeper in your bathroom’s plumbing.

Dirt, oil, dead skin, and miscellaneous debris can tangle with hair and clog shower drains. Small foreign objects that slip into the drain, such as jewellery, can also cause blockage issues.

Over time, mineral deposits from hard water can build up, and biofilm can proliferate along the pipe walls—these are some of the reasons why the drain diameter narrows, making it easier for long hair and debris to cause significant obstructions.

Troubleshooting and identifying the blockage

Start by checking the drain. Conduct a visual inspection to remove any visible debris by hand, an essential step in examining blockages. Depend on the gleam of a flashlight to survey the drain and potentially dislodge obstructions using a makeshift tool like a straightened coat hanger with ease.

Test water flow. Pour water into the drain and watch for pooling, which indicates a blockage that may require unclogging. Pooling water indicates a blocked shower that requires immediate action.

Listen for gurgling sounds. Turn on the shower and put your ear close to the drain as the water goes down. Gurgling noises often indicate a shower drain blockage, even if it’s partial.

Check pipes under the shower. Clogs may exist further down the line, out of sight. Examine all accessible piping for any trouble spots that might indicate your clogged shower drain.

Determine the location. Use these methods to pinpoint the clog’s location and focus your efforts effectively.

Systematic troubleshooting can help in working out clog issues in your shower and rejuvenate your drains.

Trying the hot water method

Pouring hot water down the drain can help dissolve soap scum or oil causing clogs in showers. Carefully pour hot water from a kettle into the drain to dissolve soap scum and prevent blockages.

Precautions:

• Opt for hot, non-boiling water to clear the drain without harming pipes.
• Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
• Start by only pouring half the kettle or pot, testing how effectively the water negotiates past the blocked drain before adding more.

Pouring 1 cup of cleaning vinegar down the drain routinely can prevent soap residue blockages.

If you don’t see improved water flow after pouring the entire kettle or pot down the drain, This likely indicates a more serious obstruction like hair clogs that a professional can address Utilising advanced methods when the shower drain issue could point to a problem in your sewer system that resists simpler remedies to unclog it.

Using a plunger to manually unclog

A plunger can efficiently clear clogs from hair and soap buildup, a practical step in resolving drain problems.

To use a plunger:

1. Firstly, remove the drain cover or stopper for unobstructed pipe access.
2. Before you begin, do ensure you have the essentials you need on hand: make sure the tub has a sprinkling of water – an inch or two – for an unhindered exit path.
3. Seal the rubber cup of the plunger tightly over the drain when using drain tactics to create suction, an instrumental step to unclog shower drain.
4. Pump the plunger vigorously 10-15 times to dislodge the clog.
5. Lift the plunger to break the seal and check if the water starts to drain away. Repeat as needed until the clog clears.

A plunger’s suction can often clear surface obstructions such as hair and soap scum. It may also break apart deeper clogs so water can pass through. A plunger has a high success rate for minor blockages, making it an essential tool to unblock your shower drain efficiently.

Using baking soda and vinegar

The combination of vinegar baking soda is a household staple that can help sustain your bathroom plumbing by effectively tackling drain clog through eco-friendly means.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup white vinegar

Here are the essential steps follow, including to pour cup of baking soda, a blend of vigilance and technique, to ensure a clear flow:

1. Remove the drain cover and pour baking soda down into the shower drain.
2. Witness how the mixture’s fizzing action help break up the blockage, allowing water to go down smoothly.
3. Replace the drain cover and let the mixture work for 30-60 minutes to dissolve the clog.
4. After letting the mixture settle, commence a flush over the drain then with steaming water to rinse away any remnants, utilising this hot cascade to cleanse the pipes thoroughly.

Routine maintenance with vinegar and baking soda helps keep showers clean and clog-free.

Employing a drain snake or auger

A drain snake or auger is effective for reaching deeper clogs that other methods can’t resolve. Its coiled metal wire lets you navigate pipes and drill through blockages.

To use a drain snake:

1. Extract the drain plug to gain access to the drain opening and the pipe entrance.
2. Slowly feed the drain snake down the pipe towards the shower floor. Crank its handle clockwise while applying firm downward pressure.
3. Once resistance is met, this denotes a blockage in the drain, continue cranking the handle for several turns to drill through the clog.
4. Retract the snake after clearing the clog or when reaching the pipe’s elbow joint to prevent damage.
5. Rinse away loosened debris by running hot water for a few minutes.

A drain auger, equipped for daunting clogs, can handle most cases, effectively unblocking your shower drain from most types of clogs, proving more efficient than plungers or chemical cleaners for substantial blockages. Avoid scratching the pipes when using the snake.

For convenience, you can use a hand-crank snake or electric powered version. Should DIY measures fall short, call us at Pennant Hills Plumbing for a professional plumber to scrutinise and adeptly clear your shower drain from persistent clogs.

Using commercial drain cleaners

For tough blockages, consider drain cleaners from hardware stores designed to dissolve hair and soap residue. Drain cleaners contain potent substances like lye or sulfuric acid that work to degrade hair and soap blockages.

Cautions when using commercial cleaners:

• Adhere to safety instructions to prevent chemical burns or damage to pipes.
• Never mix cleaners together - only use one product at a time.
• Wear gloves and eye protection when handling.
• Use in a well-ventilated area.
• You can try safer methods first, such as vinegar and baking soda, before resorting to caustic chemical cleaners.

To apply a homemade solution of vinegar baking:

1. Remove the drain stopper then slowly pour the cleaner directly into the drain.
2. Let sit the cleaner for 15-30 minutes, then follow up with a hot water flush drain for a few minutes.
3. Wait the recommended time before using the shower again.

Commercial drain cleaners’ powerful ingredients make them effective against stubborn blockages. However exercise caution as they can corrode metal pipes over frequent use.

Calling in the professionals for persistent clogs

If home remedies fail to unclog a stubborn blockage, it’s time to call a plumber.

Our licensed technicians in Pennant Hills are equipped to handle stubborn shower drain clogs that DIY methods cannot resolve.

With our advanced drain cleaning technology and techniques, we empower homeowners with knowledge and maintain optimal plumbing health.

Additional advantages of our professional drain unclogging service comprise:

• Getting to the root cause of the clog
• Checking pipes for damage
• Preventing future clogs
• Professional drain cleaning services
• Fixing issues right the first time

For personalised guidance on your shower drainage issues, get in touch with us at Pennant Hills Plumbing today:

Phone: 1300 349 338

Email:[email protected]