Tips For Clogged Shower Drain Clearing
Posted on: 25 July 2022
Shower drains are notorious for clogging up because of soap, shampoo, body oils, skin cells, and hair that rinse off in the shower and down the drain. Unfortunately, this can leave you with standing water in the base of the shower, which can be frustrating. Understanding the basics of dealing with a clogged shower drain can help you potentially clear the drain yourself or at least know when to call a plumber for assistance. Here are some of the things that you should know.
Boiling Water
Some clogged drains can be rectified with the application of boiling water to the drain. Shower drains are no exception. Boiling water can break down the soap residues and similar particles that may be blocking the drain pipe, but you'll have to apply it a little bit at a time. Fill a tea kettle or a pot with water and bring it to a complete boil on the stove. A complete boil is rolling bubbles, not just the small bubbles. Once it's boiling, pour it down the shower drain a little bit at a time from directly above the drain itself. Give each application a minute or two to work before you pour more. If this doesn't seem to be improving things after the first few tries, it's time to try something else.
Drain Plunger
A drain plunger is different from a toilet plunger, though a toilet plunger would likely work in this application as well. However, a drain plunger is shaped a little bit differently instead of the bell shape that's synonymous with toilet plunger designs. Center the plunger over the drain, ensuring that it makes full contact with the tub all the way around for a proper seal. Plunge the drain a few times and see if things start to flow better. You can repeat this a couple of times to see if it may clear the blockage.
Drain Puller
Depending on where the clog itself is, you may be able to clear the drain using a drain puller. These devices are typically plastic and have ridges on either side of the long plastic strip. You put the strip into the drain as far down into the drain as it will reach, or until it hits the clog. Pull it back up. Repeat this a few times to see if you can reach the clog and pull it out.
If you try these solutions and nothing resolves your shower drain clog, you should reach out to a plumber for professional support. They can hydro jet the drain or use a pipe snake specifically designed for those drains to clear the problem out.
Contact a local plumber for more information on clogged shower drain cleaning.
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