This article walks you through 5 tried and true methods to unblock your shower drain. 

Picture this: It’s been a long day, and all you’re dreaming about is a hot, relaxing shower. You step in, turn on the water, and wait for the magic to happen… but wait, the water’s not draining! Suddenly, you’re standing ankle-deep in murky water, and it’s clear your evening is taking a turn for the worse.

Fear not, a blocked shower drain might not be as bad as it seems. Whatever the cause of your blocked shower drain, we will show you a few different methods to make sure it’s not blocked for long.

5 Ways to Unblock Your Shower Drain

To unblock your shower drain, start with the basics: check your drain for visible obstructions. Hairballs, bobby pins, and chunks of soap. Shine a flashlight into the drain for a closer look, and remove any visible culprits. 

If the drain is still stubbornly holding onto water after a preliminary assessment, it’s time to move to the heavy-duty options. You’ve got quite a few tools in your arsenal, so let’s run through them:

  1. The rubber-gloved hand (or plastic hook): Sometimes, a clog is immediately visible and easily accessible. Put on a sturdy pair of rubber gloves and pull out as much of the clog as you can. You can also use a small plastic hook for this.
  2. The drain snake: If the clog is playing hard to get, a drain snake can be a game changer. This flexible tool can break up or pull out those stubborn obstructions.
  3. The boiling water method: If there’s no visible obstruction and the drain snake hasn’t done the trick, try boiling water. Pour boiling water down the drain two or three times to help dissolve any soft build-up such as soap scum.
  4. The natural drain cleaner: The old volcano experiment also has practical uses. Pour boiling water down the drain to loosen the clog, follow with one cup of baking soda and then one cup of vinegar, and wait 15 minutes. Rinse with more boiling water.
  5. The plunger method: The classic plunger – an oldie but a goodie. Ensure the plunger cup fully covers the drain opening, add enough water to cover the plunger’s rim, and then plunge away to push the clog through the drain.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. However, if all your gallant efforts are to no avail, it’s time to pass the baton to the pros. At DCM Plumbing, we’re always here to help, armed with experience and expertise to transform your blocked drain into a free-flowing wonder!

How to Prevent Clogged Shower Drain

Preventing recurring shower drain clogs requires consistent practices and some handy tools. Here are some key strategies to keep your shower drain running freely:

  1. Use a drain cover or strainer: This is the most straightforward measure you can take. Drain covers or strainers are designed to trap hair and other debris while letting water pass through. Remember to clean it regularly.
  2. Be mindful of what goes down the drain: Avoid letting large particles, clumps of hair, or pieces of soap go down the drain. The less that enters your pipes, the less chance there is of a clog forming.
  3. Avoid oil-based products: Oils, whether from natural sources like coconut oil or from commercially-produced bath products, can congeal in the drain and trap other debris, creating a clog. Try to use oil-free products, or be diligent in rinsing the drain after using oils.
  4. Regular cleaning: Make it a routine to clean your drain every week or two. You can use a natural mixture of vinegar and baking soda, followed by hot water to help break down any budding clogs. This can be particularly effective in dealing with soap scum and minor buildups.
  5. No dustbin detritus: Resist the urge to rinse off dustbin contents or shake out a rug into the shower. This could lead to an accumulation of larger bits of dirt and debris, exacerbating clog formation.
  6. Professional maintenance: If your drains constantly clog, it might be worth having a plumber do a routine inspection and maintenance. We have specialised tools to thoroughly unclog pipes and can advise you on other preventative measures to take.

By adhering to these practices, you should significantly reduce the chance of your shower drain clogging. A little prevention can save you from a lot of unclogging in the future! If you live on the Gold Coast and you’ve got a blocked shower drain that you just can’t seem to get rid of, contact us today and we will sort it out for you.