Many things may go wrong that you need to call a plumber for, but a clogged drain typically isn’t one of those issues. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to clear a clogged drain if you know some simple tricks of the plumbing trade. Below are some tips on how to unclog a shower drain in time for your next spa-like experience.
How to Unclog a Shower Drain: Plunge and Snake
The first step to clearing your shower drain is to try a plunger. These tools are not just for toilets. They also work wonders in unclogging drains in sinks, showers, and bathtubs.
Take the drain cover off, place the plunger over the drain completely, then allow the shower water to run until the head of the plunger is completely covered. Once the plunger is in place, pump it up and down to try and dislodge the clog.
If a plunger doesn’t get your clog out, the next option is using a snake in the drain. Most hardware stores carry quality snakes that you can purchase. Slowly wind the snake down the drain until you feel it hit something, then move it around to try and break the clog up.
You’ll know that you’ve succeeded when the snake can pass by the area. At this point, the debris should be able to rinse right down the drain.
You can use a bent clothes hanger if you don’t have a snake to use. However, if you are using a clothes hanger, you should try and fish out the clog. Otherwise, since the clothes hanger isn’t always able to break up the blockage, you risk pushing the clog further down the drain.
Liquid Cleaners
If the above methods fail to clear the clog, you may need to look to drain cleaners. There are quite a few drain cleaners available on the market that can help with clog removal. If you can’t decide which product to use, don’t hesitate to ask your favorite plumber for advice.
Some natural remedies may help you unclog your drain if you are not comfortable using a drain cleaner with professional-grade chemicals. The simplest one is pouring boiling water directly down the drain carefully to see if it helps break up the clog. If not, try pouring 1/3 cup of baking soda down the drain then 1/3 cup of vinegar on top of that to see if you have better results.
If none of the above methods remove the clog for you, then it is time for you to call a plumbing contractor. You can rely on a plumber to quickly diagnose and dispose of the reason for the clogged drain. Golden Rule Plumbing Services, professional plumbers are experts at eliminating all types of shower drain clogs.
Last Thoughts
When it comes to fixing a clogged shower drain, time matters. Knowing how to unclog a shower drain quickly is essential if you want to enjoy regular showers. Try our tips for eliminating clogs the next time that your shower is slow to drain.
Contact us at Golden Rule Plumbing Services for help with clogged drains and your other Raleigh, NC area plumbing needs.
