How to unblock a shower drain without the need for a plumber
No one wants to encounter a blocked shower drain. Unfortunately, it’s an issue that’s quite common among Australian residents. However, for simple problems, you can learn how to unblock a shower drain yourself. In some cases, the causes of blocked drains don’t require help from a plumbing service.
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Call Bayside Plumbing If All Else Fails!
If your pesky shower drain is still blocked after trying for yourself, you can count on Bayside Plumbing to help you out. Your home’s plumbing is our priority. That’s why we provide top-quality services, from general maintenance to specialised bathroom renovations. To learn about our plumbing services, please visit our homepage for more information.
What Are the Causes of Blocked Shower Drains?
When figuring out how to unblock a shower drain, you have to identify what’s causing it. Below, we will review the causes of blocked shower drains.
Sand or Dirt Buildup
One of the primary causes of a clogged shower drain is sediment or dirt buildup. Over time, without cleaning it periodically, it can accumulate, settle into the surfaces of your pipes, and cause them to corrode. Too much sand or dirt buildup can create blockages, which, if left, can be challenging to resolve.
Soap Scum
Soap scum is another common cause of blocked drains. This can be from bar soap or body scrubs, as most use ingredients known to clog drains. Examples of clogged drain ingredients are nutshell particles or coffee grounds. Compared to sediment buildup, these elements can accumulate and cause blockages over time.
Lack of Hair Catcher
It’s a given that when taking a shower, it’s bound to accumulate hair. The average hair amount that a human sheds is from 50 to 100. So it’s best to have a hair catcher for your bathroom. Without it, the hair can accumulate within your drain and coat the surfaces of the pipes.
Tools You Need for Unblocking Your Shower Drain
How to choose the right tool for unclogging your shower drain
When learning how to unblock a shower drain, it’s essential to have the necessary tools to resolve this issue. Several tools you need to unclog your drain are the following:
- Commercial Drain Cleaners: Commercial drain products are ideal when unclogging your shower drain. Various products can tackle this issue and also prevent potential problems in the future.
- White Vinegar and Baking Soda: Baking soda and white vinegar is another way to resolve blocked drains. Due to its strong chemical components, it can clear your shower drain quickly.
- Snake Shower Drain: A plumber’s snake is one of the reasonably popular solutions for getting rid of a clogged shower drain. This allows you to catch whatever prevents your shower from draining without seeking a professional.
- Coat Hanger: A coat hanger is an unconventional yet effective solution to unclog your shower drain. Typically a bent coat hanger can reach unreachable areas within your drain, much like a plumber’s snake would.
- Plunger: When in doubt, a plunger is a standard option for removing hair and other element buildups.
How to Unblock Shower Drain
Common causes of blocked shower drains and how to fix them
Unblocking a shower drain can be, at times, intimidating to handle. That’s why you must figure out how to correctly unblock shower drain. Fortunately, there are solutions to resolve this. However, if you are still experiencing issues with your drain after trying these, we strongly advise you to contact us, as we provide blocked drain services as well.
Using Commercial Drain Cleaners
If you’re wondering how to unblock a shower drain, commercial drain cleaners could be the answer. When using commercial drain cleaners, always wear rubber gloves and open windows for ventilation. Carefully read the instructions described on the back of the cleaner, then pour it down the drain. This is one of the quick, easy ways to resolve this issue, as it bleaches, sanitises, and unclogs your shower drain.
Creating a Baking Soda and White Vinegar
If using a commercial drain cleaner didn’t resolve the issue, try fixing it by creating a solution out of baking soda and vinegar. First, pour boiling water down the drain. This will help to prep the drain for the solution.
Next, take a cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain, allowing it to sit for a few minutes. Then, pour a cup of white vinegar and hot water down the drain to flush. Finally, plug the drain with a stopper to let the solution reaction take place.
Using a Plumber’s Snake
A plumber’s snake is ideal when dealing with a drain clog. First, remove the drain cover by unscrewing it with a screwdriver. You also have to remove the overflow plate. Next, insert the snake into the overflow drain until you’ve reached the clog. Typically, the end of the snake cable will latch onto the source of the clog, so afterwards, turn the knob clockwise to pull the snake out.
Clearing Drain Debris With a Wire Coat Hanger
Using a wire coat hanger is another solution to unclog a shower drain. First, bend your coat hanger into a small hook at the end of the wire. Next, remove the drain and place the hook part of the wire inside. Compared to a plumber’s snake, the hook should be able to hook onto what’s causing the clog, for instance, hair and soap. Lastly, turn on the hot water to flush down the drain to ensure the clog is gone.
Plunging Down the Shower Drain
If those solutions don’t work, try using a plunger to eliminate clogged shower drains. Start by removing the drain cover, then apply petroleum jelly to the plunger cup to seal it onto the drain. Run enough water to cover the plunger lip to get it evenly wet. Next, forcefully press the plunger up and down to unclog the drain. Lastly, to ensure the drain is unclogged, run water into the drain.
When It’s Time to Call in the Experts
When DIY isn't enough: the benefits of professional plumbing services
Unclogging a shower drain is no easy feat; if you’re still experiencing issues, you may need professional help. If your shower drain is still clogged, it may be a blockage issue within your sewer line. Bayside Plumbing provides an extensive assortment of services, so if you’re interested, please contact us today.
For more interesting how-to’s and comprehensive breakdowns, see our dedicated plumbing blog, where we answer other questions relating to ‘Hot Water System Installation Costs’, ‘What Not To Do When There Is A Gas Leak’ & More!
