How to Unclog a Shower Drain

If you find yourself standing in water that keeps getting deeper every time you take a shower then you probably have a clog building up in your drain. Soap scum and hair will collect in your drain every time you shower, slowly causing an obstruction over several weeks. You must remove the hair and soap scum to get your shower drain working properly.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Plumber's snake
• Hot water
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Metal hanger
• Flashlight
• Wet washcloth
• Chemical drain opener
• Rubber gloves
• Petroleum jelly
• Small plunger

Instructions

1. Pour a half cup of baking soda followed by a half cup of white vinegar down your drain. Cover with a glass baking dish and let sit for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. Flush the drain with hot water to see if you have dissolved the clog before trying something else.

2. Remove the drain cover by loosening the screw in the center or placing the flat end of a screwdriver under the edge of the drain cover and popping it off.

3. Point a flashlight down into the drain to look for the blockage. Insert a straightened metal hanger into the drain to pull the clog out if it's within sight and reach. Use a plunger if you cannot see the clog.

4. Rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly along the edge of a small plunger to create a seal. Hold a wet washcloth against any overflow holes in your shower. Place plunger over drain. Add water to the shower if the head of the plunger is not submerged. Pump straight up and down 15 to 20 times.

5. Peer down into the drain using your flashlight to see if you have pulled the clog up into view. Use the straightened hanger to pull the clog out of your drain. Repeat the plunging process if you still cannot see the blockage.

6. Use a plumber' snake if plunging isn't working. Push the snake down into the drain. Turn the handle to bring the snake back up after you have felt it hit the clog. Try running water to see if you have successfully unclogged the drain.

7. Buy a chemical drain cleaner from a home improvement store if you still have a clogged drain. Wear rubber gloves, open your bathroom window or turn on the fan, and follow all directions when using the product.

Tips & Warnings

• Chemicals can burn your skin, so be cautious when using them.