How to Clean Shower Drain Weep Holes

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Things You'll Need

  • Rubber gloves

  • Screwdriver

  • Wire hanger

  • 3/4 cup baking soda

  • 1/2 cup white vinegar

  • Flat rubber plug or old rag

Weep holes are found underneath the shower drain.

Most home owners know that it's important to occasionally clean the shower drain. Doing so allows water to freely flow through the plumbing. Another area that may need occasional cleaning are the weep holes that are located under the shower pan. These small holes direct excess water into the drainage system, preventing it from building up under the shower pan and perhaps even seeping into the floor. Minerals, dirt and debris sometimes buildup in these holes, blocking them and backing up the water.

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Step 1

Pull on some rubber gloves to protect your hands. Open the windows and turn on the bathroom fan.

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Step 2

Unscrew and lift off the drain cover. Look for small holes around the drainage pipe. Those are the weep holes.

Step 3

Poke out any debris in the weep holes with a straightened wire hanger. If hair is caught in the holes, you may need to hook the pieces with the hanger and pull it out rather than poking it down. Dispose of the debris immediately, as it might have a bad odor.

Step 4

Pour 3/4 cup baking soda into the drain, sprinkling some of it down the weep holes. Immediately follow with 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain pipe opening and surrounding weep holes with a flat rubber plug or old rag. Let it sit for about 20 minutes. The vinegar will react with the baking soda to scour the pipe and weep holes clean of any residual slime, bacteria or mold growth.

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Step 5

Remove the plug and rinse the drain pipe and weep holes clean with the shower on as hot as it will go.

Step 6

Replace the drain cover.

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