How To Fix A Clogged Shower Drain

Getting into a hot, steaming shower only for the water to pool at your feet is a disappointing start to the day. But what is the issue?

A clogged drain is usually caused by the accumulation of soap scum and hair that has been collecting for a long time.

However, before calling the plumber, examine whether you have the necessary tools to complete the work yourself or not.

You may be able to fix the clogged shower drain all by yourself using some of the most accessible home remedies and tools.

So before we discuss how to clear a clogged shower drain, let’s first elaborate on what causes it.

What Causes Clogged Shower Drain?

Clogged drains can lead to damp, slippery, and, in some situations, smelly restrooms. And if yours suffers from similar symptoms, it may be time to investigate.

Blocked-up shower drains are a common problem; hence, it’s nothing to split hairs over. With that said, here are the six things that can lead to a clogged drain:

1. Oils Or Grease

Most people believe that grease only affects kitchen drains. But, unfortunately, the same thing happens in the shower since oil or grease can come from your shampoos and hair.

Moreover, they do not dissolve in the water and float to the top, and when they move through the drains, they lodge on the walls of the system.

2. Chemicals

Conditioners, soaps, hair conditioners, shampoos, disinfectants, and bathroom cleansers are all loaded with hazardous chemicals that could be harmful to shower drains. These chemicals eventually collect in the drainage system, clogging it.

3. Trash Or Other Products

Obstructive objects like toys, wrappers, or a bottle cap that you may have dropped in the bathroom could be the reason behind your clogs.

These things tend to slide far and become entangled in the small crevices of the pipelines.

4. Bathroom Drains

Hair, soap scum, and skin flakes form on the walls of standard shower drains, interfering with water flow. If left unchecked for a lengthy period, they result in a clogged drain.

To fix this, unscrew the drain plug and use a plunger to wipe out everything accumulated in the drains.

5. Hard Water

The first and most fundamental cause of clogged shower drain is hard water. Such water comprises mainly minerals and micro-solids, which accumulate on the pipe wall.

Whereas if the system is not maintained regularly, these obstructions will layer on and eventually restrict the water passage.

Moreover,  whenever your shower drain becomes clogged because of hard water, you could use a softening chemical to wipe away the particles and enable the system to work correctly.

6. Dead Skin Cells And Hair

Whenever you shower, you might naturally lose several strands of hair. Furthermore, dead cells also run through your shower each time you shower.

Such dead skin cells and hair can adhere to the sides of your drainage pipe, obstructing the water flow.

Installing a hair collector in the drain can be helpful, but dead cells and hair will inevitably clog the drain at some point.

How To Fix A Clogged Shower Drain?

Once you know why your shower drain is getting clogged, you will want to know how to fix a clogged shower drain with the most straightforward methods.

With that said, here are the three ways to clean your blocked-up shower drain:

Use Chemicals

The majority of supermarkets and hardware stores sell powerful chemical cleaners meant to unclog drains. Pay close attention to the directions.

How to Use Chemicals to Unclog a Shower Drain

• Follow guidelines on the box and avoid using too much. The quantity you use will vary
• Put on goggles and gloves
• Do not combine your chemicals. It might result in toxic gas
• Chemicals should be thrown down the drain

Remember: Never use chemicals carelessly, as they can destroy your drain pipes, mainly if used frequently. Yet, utilizing chemicals is often a quick, simple, and inexpensive procedure.

Use A Plunger

You must be wondering how to unclog the shower drain with a plunger? It is considered one of the easiest and safest ways to unblock shower drains.

The type of obstruction, the location of the blockage inside the drain, and the architecture of the drain will all influence how effective plunging is.

Whereas if the clog is deeper and composed of hair, for example, you may struggle to obtain sufficient suction for successful plunging.

How to Use a Plunger to Unclog a Shower Drain

• Try applying wax or petroleum jelly to the adhesive pad’s edges to improve the seal
• Fill the shower with enough water to immerse the plunger’s end
• Plunge with vigor

Remember: Plunging is yet another strategy with a poor success rate. However, it is always worth trying because the process doesn’t require much time nor money.

Pour Boiling Water

Cleaning a clogged water drain can be difficult, time-consuming, and a bit expensive. Therefore, you will want to look for home remedies for the clogged shower drain.

And that is one of the wisest decisions. Why look for expensive chemicals, tools, or any services when you can clean your shower drains with just water.

This can occasionally decompose the soap or oil clogging the drain and clean it.

How To Use Boiling Water to Unclog a Drain

• On the stove, boil the water till it starts bubbling
• Boiling water should be poured through the drain
• Choosing a funnel or something like that is preferable to keep the water contained as you drop. Moreover, you do not want to splash hot water on any expensive bathtub or shower equipment

Remember: When you use this procedure alone, this may not help, particularly if you have a significant obstruction that includes a lot of tangled hair and has grown up quite a bit. Therefore, when combined with another approach indicated above, it may partially eliminate the obstruction and function.

How Much Does It Cost To Unclog Main Drain?

Typically, a professional drain snake costs about $229. Based on the complexity or severity, the fee might range around $145 and $334. Persistent clogs or broken parts might raise your repair price.

The estimated cost to repair a drain is approximately $220, ranging from $85 to $575. Moreover, plumbers frequently charge a fixed rate for a drain cleaning service.

Therefore, additional issues may need labor costs of approximately $200 per hour, in addition to the price of parts.

Wrap Up

It can be challenging to clear clogged shower drains all by yourself. However, with the steps mentioned above, you can try doing it without spending a lot of money.