How to Clean a Clogged Shower Drain Quickly and Easily

How to clean a clogged shower drain

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Nobody likes a clogged shower drain. Not only does it make taking a shower difficult, but it can also lead to nasty smells.

If your shower drain is clogged, don’t worry – we have the perfect solution for you!

In this blog post, we will share with you how to clean a clogged shower drain quickly and easily using just a few simple ingredients.

Read on and get started today!

Causes of a Clogged Shower Drain

Many things can cause a clogged shower drain. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Hair: One of the most common things that can cause a clogged shower drain is hair. When hair sheds, it can easily become trapped in the drain and cause a blockage.
  • Soap: Another common cause of a clogged shower drain is soap. Over time, soap can build up in the drain and create a blockage.
  • Other debris: Other items that can cause a clogged shower drain to include dirt, sand, and other types of debris.

These items can become trapped in the drain and cause a blockage.

Reasons to Clean a Clogged Shower Drain

You may need to clean a clogged shower drain for different reasons. Some of the most common reasons include:

  • Preventing water damage: If a clogged shower drain is not cleaned, it can cause water to build up in the shower. This can lead to water damage to your bathroom and home.
  • Preventing mold and mildew: A clogged shower drain can lead to mold and mildew growth. This is because mold and mildew thrive in moist environments.
  • Improving shower performance: A clogged drain can also cause your shower to perform poorly. This is because the water will not be able to drain properly and will instead pool in the shower.
  • Preventing drain flies: Drain flies can also be a problem if a clogged shower drain is not cleaned. These flies lay their eggs in stagnant water, which can then hatch and cause an infestation.

How to Clean a Clogged Shower Drain (5 Methods)

Now that we’ve gone over why you should clean a clogged shower drain, let’s discuss how to do it. There are different ways to clean a clogged shower drain.

Some of the most common methods include:

  • Plunging
  • Using a drain snake
  • Using a drain cleaner
  • Removing the clog manually
  • Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

We will go over each of these methods in more detail below.

1. How to clean a clogged shower drain with a Plunger

Bathroom Plunger
Plunger from Amazon

Plunging is the first method you can use to clean a clogged shower drain. This is a simple and effective way to remove a clog.

Tools you’ll need:

Instructions:

Step 1: First, you’ll need to fill a bucket with hot water.

Step 02: Next, you’ll need to pour the hot water into the drain.

Step 03: Once the hot water is in the drain, you’ll need to place the plunger over the drain.

Step 04: Next pump the plunger up and down.

Step 05: Repeat steps until the clog is gone.

2. Using a Drain Snake

Drain snake is one of the best ways to clean a clogged shower
Drain Snake from Amazon

Another method you can use to clean a clogged shower drain is using a drain snake. You can insert this tool into the drain to remove the clog.

Tools you’ll need:

Instructions:

Step 01: First, you’ll need to insert the drain snake into the drain.

Step 02: Next, you’ll need to turn the handle of the drain snake.

Step 03: Once the clog is gone, you’ll need to pull the snake out of the drain.

3. Using a Drain Cleaner

Drain liquid cleaner
Drain Liquid Cleaner from Amazon

Another method you can use to clean a clogged shower drain is a drain cleaner. This is a chemical that you can use to break down the clog.

Tools you’ll need:

Instructions:

Step 01: Pour the drain cleaner into the drain.

Step 02: Follow the instructions on the bottle:

Step 03: Once the clog is gone, you’ll need to flush the drain with hot water.

4. Removing the Clog Manually

Another method you can use to clean a clogged shower drain is manually removing the clog. This method should only be used if the clog is small and accessible.

Tools you’ll need:

  • A pair of gloves
  • A pair of pliers

Instructions:

Step 01: Put on your gloves:

Step 02: Reach into the drain and grab the clog with your pliers.

Step 03: Once you have a grip on the clog, you’ll need to pull the clog out of the drain.

5. Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

Vinegar is helpful in cleaning a clogged shower drain
Vinegar from Amazon

Another method you can use to clean a clogged shower drain is using baking soda and vinegar. This is a natural way to break down the clog.

Tools you’ll need:

Instructions:

Step 01: Pour the baking soda into the drain:

Step 02: Pour the vinegar into the cup

Step 03: Once the baking soda is in the drain, you’ll need to pour the vinegar into the drain.

Step 04: You’ll need to wait a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.

Step 05: Flush the drain with hot water this should clear up the clog.

Cleaning a clogged shower drain doesn’t have to be difficult. These methods can help you remove a clog quickly and easily. Choose the method that best suits your needs and get to work!

Why Is It Important to Clean Clogged Shower Drain?

Clogged drains can cause several problems in your home, including water damage, a smelly bathroom, and pest infestations.

Drains become clogged when hair, soap scum, and other debris accumulate and form a blockage. Regularly cleaning your shower drain can help prevent these problems from occurring.

Tips For Preventing Future Shower Drain Clogs

So now you know how to clean a clogged shower drain. But what can you do to prevent future clogs?

Here are a few tips:

1. Use a hair catcher:

Hair catcher
Hair Catcher

A hair catcher is a small, inexpensive device that fits over your shower drain to catch hair before it goes down.

This can be a lifesaver in preventing clogs, and it’s much easier than constantly trying to fish hair out of the drain.

Simply remove the hair catcher and empty it into the trash when it gets full.

2. Don’t pour grease down the drain:

Grease may seem like liquid when it’s hot, but it quickly hardens when it cools off.

This can create a sticky mess that catches hair, soap scum, and clogs. Pour grease into a container and dispose of it in the trash instead.

3. Invest in a drain protector:

A drain protector is a small mesh screen that fits over your drain to catch anything that goes down the drain.

This can help prevent clogs by catching soap scum, hair, and other debris before they can build up.

Drain protectors are relatively inexpensive and easy to find, so they’re a great way to keep your drains clear.

4. Clean your drains regularly:

The best way to prevent clogs is to clean your drains regularly.

You can use a plunger or snake to remove any buildup in your drains, and you should also flush them out with hot water every month.

By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your drains clear and clog-free.

These are just a few tips to help you prevent clogs in your shower drain. Following these tips, you can keep your drains flowing freely and avoid any future headaches.

Benefits of a Clean Shower Drain

If you have a clean shower drain, you’ll be able to:

1. Shower without the worry of water backing up:

One of the benefits of having a clean shower drain is that you can shower without the worry of water backing up.

When shampoo, soap, and other debris build up in your drain, it can cause water to back up into your shower. This can be unsightly and dangerous, as standing water in your shower can lead to slips and falls.

Additionally, water backing up into your bathroom sink or tub can lead to mold and mildew growth.

Keeping your drain clean can avoid these problems and enjoy a safe and healthy showering experience.

2. Enjoy cleaner bathrooms:

Another benefit of having a clean shower drain is that it helps to keep your bathroom clean overall.

When dirt and grime build up in your drain, it can spread to other surfaces in your bathroom, making it more difficult to keep things clean.

In addition, mold and mildew can develop in areas with standing water, leading to a musty smell.

By keeping your drain clean, you can help to prevent these problems and enjoy a fresh-smelling bathroom.

3. Maintain healthy plumbing:

In addition to enjoying a cleaner bathroom, another benefit of having a clean shower drain is that it helps to maintain healthy plumbing.

When drains become clogged, it puts pressure on the pipes and can cause them to burst. Additionally, clogged drains can trap water, leading to corrosion over time.

By keeping your drain clear, you can help to avoid these problems and extend the life of your plumbing system.

There you have it! We’ve shared with you how to clean a clogged shower drain quickly and easily.

Hopefully, this will help keep your drains clear and your showers running smoothly.

Have any tips or tricks of your own that we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments below!

1 Comment

  1. Zachary Tomlinson

    Thanks for the suggestion to have your drain clogs cleaned and treated immediately before mold starts to foster around your cooking area. My uncle talked about living by himself after filing for divorce last month. I believe that he should consider your advice and seek a plumber for house plumbing maintenance when needed.

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