ARTICLES

HOW TO FIX A SHOWER DRAIN THAT IS CLOGGED

NOV 14, 2016

Nothing can throw your day out of whack quite like a clogged shower drain. It usually happens when you’re needing to run out the door. And while calling a plumber can solve your issue, sometimes you need a quick fix. Here are several home remedies for you to try.

HOW TO FIX A SHOWER DRAIN WITH A PLUNGER

Depending on the cause of the blockage (i.e. what the blockage is made of) and where the blockage is located, a plunger can be a great option.

For the best shot at unclogging the drain with the plunger, make sure that the edges of the plunger are submerged under water. Another option is to add petroleum jelly to the edge of the suction pad, creating a better seal between the shower floor and the plunger.

Disclaimer: this option has a low success rate but because of the low investment cost, it might be worth a try.

HOW TO FIX A SHOWER DRAIN WITH CLEANING AIDS

Just about every hardware store and grocery store has an aisle of cleaning aids. These can be effective, but they don’t come without warning. Be sure to read the instructions as some can cause burning and irritation to eyes, skin, and lungs.

Also, try not to resort to this option lightly as many of the unclogging products can cause damage to drains after repeated use.

HOW TO FIX A SHOWER DRAIN BY HAND

This one can get messy, so consider wearing gloves.

First, taking the drain cover off which will likely involve a screwdriver. Some drains have screws on the side or in the center of the drain. Other drains can be pried off using a flat screwdriver. Use a flashlight to locate the clog and pull it out with your hands. If you can’t see the clog, you can try the next method.

How to Fix a Shower Drain with a Drain Snake

No, it’s not a real snake. A drain snake is a slender, flexible tool  used to dislodge clogs in plumbing. You can rent one at your local hardware store and they are relatively inexpensive. You can use the drain snake to  grab and pull out the obstruction, it may come out in pieces. If you have a stubborn clog you may need to push the snake past the clog and then slowly pull it out.

Note: a drain snake is also called a drain auger, a toilet jack, or an electric eel.

How to Fix a Shower Drain with a Wet/ Dry Vacuum

A wet/dry vacuum also called a shop vac,  is simply a vacuum that can handle heavy duty vacuuming. These vacuums often come with a detachable hose that can be connected to a suction valve or a blow valve. When trying to unclog your sink:

  1. First, take the drain plate off of the sink.
  2. Attach the vacuum hose to the blow valve.
  3. Place the vacuum hose over the drain and seal as best you can.
  4. Turn on the vacuum for 30 seconds. This may cause water and dirt to come out so be prepare with some old towels.
  5. If the water doesn’t go down, try turning on the suction. Go back and forth between the two which will create a plunger-like action, but with more force.

HOW TO FIX A SHOWER DRAIN BY AVOIDING A CLOG

If one of these drain-clearing options worked for you, then consider investing in a drain protector to prevent future clogs.

Also, try to catch hair and other things before they go down the drain. At the end of every shower, sweep your fingers around the drain and collect any hair or debris.

HOW TO FIX A SHOWER DRAIN WITH A PLUMBER

Sometimes the clog is too stubborn, too deep, or too frustrating to remove. That’s where a great plumber comes in. If you’ve tried the remedies above and are still having trouble with your drain, your clog may require more advanced tools to reach deep into the pipe to clear the blockage. An expert plumber like the technicians at Donley Service Center can quickly identify and remove the clog in your drain.

If you have questions about clogged drains or would like one of our fast and friendly experts to help restore the function of your shower drain or another household drain for that matter, call us today.