6-ways-to-clean-a-shower-drain

August 23, 2023

After a long day at work, a shower is just what you need to wash the stress away and enjoy a relaxing evening. But if the shower drain is blocked, then you’ve got to put Netflix on pause and figure out how to unclog that stubborn drain.

Before you head out to the store in search of a quick fix and buy a harsh chemical cleaner, here are a few effective (and safe) methods of cleaning a shower drain.

1. Boiling water

Most drain clogs are made up of hair and soap scum. Fortunately, pouring boiling hot water down the drain is a great way to break down the soap and unclog the drain. After pouring the hot water down the drain, give it some time to dissolve the clog before trying a stronger solution.

2. Soda

Mildly acidic Coca-Cola and Pepsi are a few DIY multi-purpose cleaners you likely have sitting on a shelf in your refrigerator. To unclog your drain with soda, pour the contents of the entire bottle into the drain and allow it to sit for at least an hour. After an hour, pour water down the drain to flush the soda away. Leaving soda in the drain for too long can cause pipe corrosion.

3. Drain snake

Use pliers to straighten a wire hanger and create a hook on one end, with a handle on the other end. Next, insert the hook end into the drain and try to pull up the hair and debris. Collect the debris into a plastic bag and continue cleaning the drain until the snake comes out clean.

4. Plunger

Another effective method is to use a plunger. Once you’ve got a good seal around the rim of the plunger, rapidly move the plunger up and down for about a minute.

5. Vinegar and baking soda

The safest DIY drain cleaner is made of two simple ingredients: vinegar and baking soda. Begin by pouring baking soda down the drain, then pour vinegar. Wait a few hours before sending water down the drain.

6. Call an Expert!

If these methods fail to unclog your shower drain, you may need professional cleaning services. Give Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter a call or schedule a shower drain service online — we’d be happy to help!