How To Plumbing - Unclog My Shower Drain

Unclogging your shower drain can be an easy task if you have the right tools available for the job. Most people would usually hire a plumber to do this kind of work but for the sake of this Do It Yourself plumbing article, we are going to show you how to do this yourself. This same process can be used on any drain, not just your shower drain.

5 Steps to Unclogging Your Shower Drain

Step 1. See if you can identify the blockage
Most of the time you will be able to notice what is blocking the drain. Hair is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to drain blockage. So, the first step can be reaching your fingers into the drain to see if you can pull the hair out. More than likely, there is more hair in there than you can pull out yourself, so, the best thing you can do is to purchase a drain cleaning snake or rooter.

Step 1. Part 2
You don't have to purchase a big fancy one. Most drain cleaning products usually come with a small snake that you can use for at home applications. Draino's products come with a small drain cleaning snake when you buy some of their products. You can find these at places like Walgreens and Walmart.

Step 2. Use a plunger
If the blockage is a bunch of gunk, its possible to clear it by using a plunger. Most people think it would be unsanitary to use a plunger on the shower drain but if your taking a shower than doesn't drain all the way, you are already standing in unsanitary water while you are taking a shower and trying to get clean. Plus, you can just clean up after. Use the plunger but make sure that you are getting enough suction to clear the blockage. Some showers or tubs are shapes oddly and doesn't create the proper suction you need. Make sure that the plunger is in a position that allows no outside air to creep its way in while you are pulling up.

Step 3. Snake or Rooter the Drain
Put the drain cleaning snake into the drain and pull it back out to see what it catches. If you notice a lot of hair or other gunk coming back out, it is safe to say that you have found your clog. If nothing comes out or only a small amount, your clog might be farther back in the drain.

Step 4. Pour Draino Down the Drain
You can try to use some of the Draino to pour into the drain. You will need to let it sit there for a while to take action. If you use the Draino and you still have a problem, then it might be time for a professional.


Step 5. Your drain is either good to go or still not working
If nothing else works and you can't figure out how to fix the problem yourself, call a Plumbing Rooter Company or Service.
Sometimes the drain cleaning snake that comes with residential products doesn't work as well as a professional snake or rooter service. Their rooters can reach more than 100 feet and sometimes extend the full length of the underground pipe. They will most likely clear the blockage and get you running back at %100 percent.

First published here:  How To Plumbing - Unclog My Shower Drain