How Do I Unclog My Shower Drain?

Knowing how to unclog a shower drain is a valuable skill. You don't need to run out to the store to buy a harsh chemical product to pour down the drain. Instead, you can unclog your shower drain with materials you already have around the house.

Common Causes of a Clogged Shower Drain

Shed hair is the most common cause of a clogged shower drain. Other culprits include:

• Foreign objects like hairbands, jewelry, or other small items
• Grease and oil from bathing products
• Dirt and sediment
• Hard water mineral deposits
• Cracks in the drain pipe
• Tree root infiltration
• Improperly sized drain traps

Tools and Materials 

Depending on the method you use to unclog a shower drain, you’ll need the following:

• Boiling water
• Metal coat hanger
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Dish detergent
• Plunger
• Plumbers snake

How to Unclog a Shower Drain

Use Boiling Water

Try this before attempting one of the more complicated ways to unclog a shower drain. Simply boil some water and slowly pour it down the drain. With any luck, you won't need additional supplies or steps, and you'll have a clear drain again.

Dish detergent

If your drain remains clogged after you try boiling water, try using a thicker lubricant to loosen built-up hair. Pour 1/4 cup of dish detergent down the drain, followed by boiling water. The thick dish detergent can free hair stuck to the side of your drain, and the water rinses the rest of the unwanted gunk out, unclogging your shower drain.

Does vinegar and baking soda really unclog drains?

There are two ways to unclog a shower drain using ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar. 

• Method One: Mix the baking soda and vinegar before pouring it down the drain. You’ll see a bubbling, fizzing chemical reaction when the two substances are mixed. 
• Method Two: Pour the baking soda down the drain first, followed by the vinegar. 

Either method will remove tough grime, grease, and hair from the drain. Make sure you rinse the shower and drain it with hot water if you use vinegar to remove residue before your next shower.

Using a Plunger

• Remove the shower drain.
• Position the plumber cup over the drain opening. 
• Add enough water to cover the lip of the cup. Plunge up and down quickly to dislodge the clog.
• Run water after plunging to check drainage before replacing the drain cover.

Learn more at How to Unclog a Shower Drain with a Plunger.

Using a Plumbers Snake

• Remove the shower drain.
• Insert the snake into the drain until you feel resistance.
• Turn the snake handle clockwise, applying gentle pressure to move the snake further down the drain. 
• When you no longer feel resistance, slowly turn the handle counterclockwise to pull the clog out of the drain. 
• Remove hair and debris.
• Run hot water to flush out any remaining debris. 
• Replace the drain cover. 

Need more help? Check out Lesser Known Tips for Unclogging a Drain.

Preventative Measures for Next Time

• Use a mesh hair catcher to keep hair out of the drain.
• Avoid oil-based hair and bathing products.
• Run the hot water a little after showering to flush sediment out of the drain.
• Pour vinegar down the drain every few months, let it sit, and then flush with hot water. 

When to Call Roto-Rooter

Call Roto-Rooter if your DIY solutions fail to clear your shower drain, if multiple drains are clogged, or if you have reason to believe the problem stems from damaged pipes or tree roots. We offer comprehensive shower repair services and will clean your drain from end to end so you can enjoy your showers again!