Have you ever had to grapple with a clogged shower drain? It’s an incredibly inconvenient issue that can turn a refreshing shower into a displeasing experience. If you’re dealing with standing water in your shower or notice that it’s draining slowly, then it’s time to take matters into your hands.
Are you unsure how to fix a clogged shower drain? Don’t worry. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with five tips to unclog shower drains effectively, with suggestions ranging from simple DIY methods to when to call a plumber. Let’s dive in!
Boiling Water: The First Line of Defense
Sometimes, a clogged shower drain may be due to a build-up of soap scum and other residues. In such cases, simply running hot water down the drain might do the trick. However, if hot water from your shower isn’t enough, you can escalate to using boiling water.
First, remove the drain cover, wearing a pair of rubber gloves for protection. Then, slowly pour a kettle full of boiling water down the drain. Be careful not to splash or scald yourself. Wait for about 15 minutes, and then check if the water is draining properly. If not, it’s time to try another method.
Wire Coat Hanger: An Easy DIY Method
If boiling water doesn’t do the trick, a wire coat hanger can be a handy tool to unclog a shower drain. Straighten out the hanger, but leave the hook at one end. Remove the drain cover again, then insert the hook end into the drain opening.
Use the hook to fish around for any blockages and pull them out. This method is particularly effective for removing hair and accumulated debris. However, don’t forget to be gentle — you don’t want to damage your pipes.
Vinegar and Baking Soda: The Magic Combination
One of the most commonly used tips to unclog shower drains involves a combination of vinegar and baking soda. This has been an age-old solution to many household issues, including how to fix a clogged shower drain. Start by pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain, then follow with an equal amount of white or apple cider vinegar.
You may witness a mini volcanic eruption in your shower drain, indicating that the mixture is working to break down the clog. Wait for 15 minutes to allow the magic to happen, then run hot water down the drain to rinse away the residues.
Plumber’s Snake: Get Serious With Clogs
If the clog remains persistent, it may be time to bring in the big guns — a plumber’s snake. This tool is designed to reach deep into your drain and remove stubborn clogs that other methods can’t.
Push the end of the snake into the drain until it hits the clog, then turn the handle to break up the blockage. Once the water starts to drain, flush the pipe with hot water to get rid of any remaining debris.
Professional Help: When All Else Fails
There are times when DIY methods might not suffice, especially if you’re dealing with serious clog drains. If these tips to unclog shower drains aren’t working, this is when you should consider calling a professional plumber.
Professional plumbers know how to fix a clogged shower drain with safe and effective methods. At Priority Plumbing & Drains, our team has the tools and expertise to handle any plumbing issue, including clogged shower drains. If you’re based in Toronto, consider reaching out to us for all of your needs. Whether you need professional drain cleaning or emergency plumbing services in Toronto, we’re here to help.
Schedule Your Professional Drain Cleaning Today!
No one enjoys dealing with a clogged shower drain. But with the right methods and tools, you can unclog your shower drain and restore it to perfect working condition. Whether you choose to use a simple tool like a wire coat hanger, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, or even professional services, the important thing is to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage.
Remember, how to fix a clogged shower drain isn’t a mystery. With these tips to unclog shower drains, you can transform your shower from a swamp back into a place of relaxation. So, the next time you find your shower is draining slowly, roll up your sleeves and get to work!
Are you dealing with a stubborn clog that requires the assistance of a professional? Turn to Priority Plumbing & Drains to schedule your Toronto drain cleaning services. We can help you unclog your shower drain in no time!