How to Unclog a Shower Drain

A clogged Shower Drain is usually caused by hair, but can be easily unclogged.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screw Driver
• Wire Clothing Hanger
• Liquid Drain opener

1. 

   Unclogging a drain is very simple. begin by removing the shower drain grill. Usually it is attached using two screws. Remove the screws, by turning them counter clockwise. Set the grill and screws safely aside.

2. 

   Using a clothing hanger. Straighten out to 8-10 inches, and bend the tip creating a hook. The hook should be about 1/2 inch, which will help at pulling out the clogged hair.

3. Insert the hanger about 6 inches down the drain and twisting it as it goes down. Your trying to grab and twist the hair onto the hanger. Once you've gotten a bunch twisted on the hanger, gently pull the hanger out. Remove the hair from the hanger and repeat as necessary.

4. Test the drainage by pouring some water down the drain. It should flow normally, and if not repeat the removal step again. Try pouring some hot water containing a small amount of bleach down the drain.

5. 

   If all the reachable hair has been removed, and the drain is still draining slow, consider using a standard liquid drain opener. Use as directed, then test the drainage again. This should open the drain and water can then flow through as normal.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear Eye Protection and Rubber Gloves
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[dekbe40]

on 10/20/2009 I can't get the two screws out that hold the drain cover over the shower drain. I used a manual Phillips but wasn't strong enough so used my drill in reverse w/Phillips bit. Still didn't budge and reamed out the
screw heads...any suggestions?

[greatnews]

on 7/15/2009 This is what I do, as well. Works great! 5 *'s

[mommyhen42]

on 7/13/2009 Great tips for cleaning a clogged shower drain. I usually use a pipe snake if the hanger trick doesnt work before I resort to the drain-o.


Gotta love them snakes... LOL