At-Home Methods for Clearing a Clogged Shower Drain
A clogged shower drain is the bane of every homeowner’s existence. Shower bases that are stubbornly slow to drain can leave you paddling around in a couple of inches of water every time you take a shower. Drains can also become completely blocked, rendering the shower unusable.
There are several techniques that you can use to clear a clogged shower drain. Next time you experience this annoying problem, why not give one of the following a try?
Hanger or Drain Claw Method
Many hardware stores sell a type of tool called a drain hair remover or drain claw, which is a long flexible piece of plastic that you can thread down the drain to reach the clog. The end of the tool has many small hooks which snag onto hair or other debris blocking the pipe, allowing you to pull out the clog.
If you can’t get to the store, you can make your own clog removal tool using an old piece of plastic strapping. Cut one end with scissors to create rough edges that the hair can snag onto. If you don’t have any of these packaging materials lying around your house, however, then a wire hanger will do in a pinch.
Remove the drain cover, push your tool down the drain, and move it in and out to dislodge the clog. Usually, you will find that you pull out a lot of hair, which could be the reason for your slow-draining shower.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
If you can’t reach the clog to remove it, you will have to try dissolving it instead. Mix one third of a cup of baking soda with the same amount of vinegar, and pour the mixture down the drain as soon as it starts to fizz. Follow up with a few cups of water that is hot, but not boiling.
Plunger Method
Still blocked? Then you need to block up any overflow holes in your tub with old rags and take a plunger to the drain. This method is most effective if you fill the tub or shower base with hot water so that it covers the base of the plunger. Push down firmly and slowly on the plunger, then pull up to dislodge the clog. Do this at least ten times to see whether you can shift the blockage.
Vacuum Method
If you have access to a vacuum cleaner that can handle both solids and liquids, then you can try putting the hose over the clogged shower drain and sucking out whatever is blocking the pipe. Do not try this with an ordinary household vacuum cleaner, as being exposed to water will damage the internal workings of the vacuum cleaner.
Call a Plumber
If all of the above fails, then you might have to get a plumber to come out and look at your clogged shower drain. ExpressRooter Plumbing can repair your blocked shower drains in the Toronto area along with our friendly and professional service.
