Clogged shower drains are a common household annoyance, but they don’t have to be a major inconvenience. With a few simple tools and a little know-how, you can quickly and easily clear a clogged shower drain without having to call a plumber. In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of removing a clogged shower drain.
The first step in unclogging a shower drain is to identify the type of clog. There are two main types of clogs: hair clogs and soap scum clogs. Hair clogs are caused by hair that has accumulated in the drain, while soap scum clogs are caused by a buildup of soap and other minerals in the drain. Once you’ve identified the type of clog, you can choose the appropriate method for removing it.
If you have a hair clog, you can remove it using a drain snake. A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain and used to hook onto the hair and pull it out. To use a drain snake, simply insert the snake into the drain and turn the handle. The snake will coil around the hair and pull it up into the trap. Once the hair is removed, you can flush the drain with hot water to clear away any remaining debris.
Locate the Drain Cover
The first step in removing the shower drain cover is to locate it. Shower drain covers are typically made of metal or plastic and are located in the center of the shower floor. They may be round, square, or rectangular, and they may have a handle or knob for easy removal. If you cannot find the drain cover, it may be hidden under a layer of dirt or debris. Use a flashlight to look for the cover, or run your hand around the center of the shower floor until you feel it.
Once you have located the drain cover, you need to determine how it is attached. Drain covers can be attached with screws, clips, or suction cups. If the drain cover is attached with screws, you will need to use a screwdriver to remove them. If the drain cover is attached with clips, you will need to use a pair of pliers to remove them. If the drain cover is attached with suction cups, you can simply pull it off.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for locating the drain cover:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Look for the drain cover in the center of the shower floor. |
| 2 | Determine how the drain cover is attached. |
| 3 | Use the appropriate tool to remove the drain cover. |
Remove the Drain Cover
The first step in unclogging a shower drain is to remove the drain cover. This is usually a simple task, but it can be more difficult if the cover is old or rusted. If you can’t remove the cover by hand, you can use a screwdriver or pliers to loosen it.
Once the cover is removed, you will see the drain opening. The opening is usually covered by a grate, which prevents hair and other debris from clogging the drain. Carefully remove the grate and set it aside.
Now you can see the inside of the drain. If there is a clog, it will be visible. You can use a flashlight to help you see better. Once you have identified the clog, you can remove it using one of the methods described in the following sections.
Clear Loose Debris
Before doing any plumbing work, it’s crucial to take safety precautions. Wear gloves and eye protection to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals or debris. If you have long hair, tie it back to prevent it from getting caught in the drain. Begin by removing the drain cover by gently prying it off with a flat-head screwdriver or a pair of pliers. Once the cover is removed, you’ll be able to access the drain opening.
Inspect the drain opening for any visible debris or hair. Using a flashlight or your phone’s light, look closely for any blockages. If you see any loose debris, such as hair, soap scum, or small objects, use a pair of needle-nose pliers or a tweezers to carefully remove them. Be gentle not to push the debris further down the drain.
Using a Drain Snake or Auger
If visible debris is not the cause of the clog, you can try using a drain snake or auger to remove the blockage. A drain snake is a flexible, metal wire with a hook or auger head on the end. To use a drain snake, insert the head into the drain opening and slowly feed it down the drain while turning the handle. The hook or auger head will catch onto the blockage and allow you to pull it out.
If you don’t have a drain snake or auger, you can try using a wire hanger. Straighten out the hanger and bend one end into a small hook. Insert the hooked end into the drain and try to hook onto the blockage. Once you have a hold of the blockage, slowly pull it out of the drain.
Use a Drain Snake
A drain snake is a flexible auger that can be inserted into the drain and used to remove clogs. Drain snakes are available at most hardware stores. To use a drain snake, follow these steps:
- Insert the drain snake into the drain.
- Turn the crank on the drain snake to feed the auger into the drain.
- When you feel resistance, turn the crank in the opposite direction to break up the clog.
- Continue turning the crank until the clog is cleared.
- Remove the drain snake from the drain.
If you are unable to clear the clog with a drain snake, you may need to call a plumber.
Tips for Using a Drain Snake
- Wear gloves when using a drain snake to avoid getting your hands dirty.
- Be careful not to push the drain snake too far into the drain, as this could damage the drain.
- If you encounter a lot of resistance, do not force the drain snake. This could cause the drain snake to break.
Types of Drain Snakes
There are two main types of drain snakes: manual drain snakes and electric drain snakes. Manual drain snakes are powered by hand, while electric drain snakes are powered by a motor. Electric drain snakes are more powerful than manual drain snakes, but they are also more expensive.
| Manual Drain Snakes | Electric Drain Snakes |
| Less expensive | More expensive |
| Powered by hand | Powered by a motor |
| Less powerful | More powerful |
Apply Chemical Drain Cleaner
Chemical drain cleaners are a quick and easy way to clear a clogged shower drain. However, they can be harsh and corrosive, so it’s important to use them with caution.
To use a chemical drain cleaner, follow these steps:
- Read the instructions on the bottle carefully.
- Pour the cleaner down the drain and let it sit for the amount of time specified on the bottle.
- Flush the drain with hot water.
If the clog is still not cleared, you may need to repeat the process.
Safety Precautions for Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous if they are not used properly. Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind:
- Never mix different types of drain cleaners.
- Do not use drain cleaners in drains that are made of aluminum, cast iron, or porcelain.
- Do not use drain cleaners if there is standing water in the drain.
- Keep drain cleaners away from children and pets.
- If you get drain cleaner on your skin or in your eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
| Benefits of Using Chemical Drain Cleaners | Drawbacks of Using Chemical Drain Cleaners |
|---|---|
| – Quick and easy to use – Can clear stubborn clogs |
– Can be harsh and corrosive – Can damage drains – Can be dangerous if not used properly |
Remove the P-Trap
### 1. Locate the P-Trap
The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe located under the drain. It is usually made of plastic or metal and is connected to the drain by a slip nut.
### 2. Place a bucket under the P-Trap
This will catch any water that may leak out when you remove the P-trap.
### 3. Loosen the slip nut
Use a wrench to loosen the slip nut that connects the P-trap to the drain. Be careful not to overtighten the slip nut, as this can damage the pipe.
### 4. Remove the P-Trap
Once the slip nut is loose, you can remove the P-trap by pulling it straight down. Be careful not to spill any water that may be trapped in the P-trap.
### 5. Clean the P-Trap
Use a brush or a rag to clean the inside of the P-trap. This will remove any hair, soap scum, or other debris that may be clogging the drain.
### 6. Reinstall the P-Trap
To reinstall the P-trap, simply insert it into the drain and tighten the slip nut. Be sure to tighten the slip nut securely, but do not overtighten it.
### 7. Check for leaks
Once the P-trap is reinstalled, run some water down the drain to check for leaks. If there are any leaks, tighten the slip nut until the leak stops.
Inspect the Drainpipe
Unscrew the drainpipe that is directly below the shower drain. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the nuts or screws that hold the pipe in place. Once the pipe is loose, pull it down and inspect it for any clogs or debris. If you see any clogs, use a drain snake or a wire hanger to remove them. Once the drainpipe is clear, reattach it to the shower drain and tighten the nuts or screws.
If the drainpipe is not clogged, the clog may be located further down the drain. In this case, you will need to use a drain snake or a plumber’s auger to clear the clog. Insert the snake or auger into the drainpipe and feed it down until you reach the clog. Once you have reached the clog, use the snake or auger to break it up and remove it from the drain.
Once the clog is removed, flush the drain with hot water to clear away any remaining debris. You can also pour a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of vinegar to help remove any residual clogs or odors.
If you are unable to clear the clog yourself, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will have the tools and experience to clear even the most stubborn clogs.
Clean the Drainpipe Using a Plumber’s Auger
This tool is a long, flexible coil with a hooked end that can reach deep into the drainpipe to remove clogs. To use an auger:
- Remove the drain cover and insert the auger into the drain opening.
- Turn the handle clockwise to advance the auger into the pipe.
- As you turn, keep pushing the auger further into the pipe until you feel resistance from the clog.
- Continue turning the handle while applying pressure to the auger. The hook on the end should catch the clog and break it up.
- Once the clog is broken, continue turning the auger to remove it from the pipe.
- Flush the drain with hot water to clear any remaining debris.
- If the clog persists, repeat the process or contact a plumber for assistance.
- Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage the pipes and be harmful to the environment.
**Tips for Using an Auger**
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a slow, steady motion. | Avoid forcing the auger into the pipe, as this can damage it. |
| Don’t overtighten the handle. | Excessive torque can damage the auger or the pipes. |
| If you encounter resistance, push gently. | Forcing the auger can cause it to break or damage the pipes. |
| Wear gloves and eye protection. | Augers can be sharp and can cause injuries if handled improperly. |
Reinstall the P-Trap
Now that the old trap is removed, it’s time to reinstall the new one. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Apply a thin bead of plumber’s putty around the base of the new P-trap.
2. Carefully align the P-trap with the drain pipe and hand-tighten the slip nuts.
3. Use a wrench to tighten the slip nuts further, but be careful not to overtighten them.
4. Inspect the connections for any leaks. If you see any leaks, tighten the slip nuts further or apply more plumber’s putty.
5. Attach the drain pipe to the P-trap.
6. Secure the drain pipe to the floor joists using pipe clamps.
7. Check for leaks again. If there are no leaks, your P-trap is successfully reinstalled.
8. Turn on the water and check for any leaks.
9. If there are no leaks, you have successfully reinstalled the P-trap and your shower drain should be working properly again.
Replace the Drain Cover
This is the simplest and least expensive option. If the drain cover is simply loose, you can tighten it by hand. If it is broken or damaged, you can replace it with a new one. To do this, first remove the old drain cover by unscrewing it with a screwdriver or pliers. Then, apply a bead of plumber’s putty to the rim of the new drain cover and press it into place. Wipe away any excess putty and allow it to dry completely before using the shower.
Materials You’ll Need:
| Tool | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Screwdriver or pliers | 1 |
| Plumber’s putty | 1 tube |
| New drain cover | 1 |
Estimated Cost: $10-$20
Estimated Time: 15 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
How To Get Shower Drain Off
If your shower drain is clogged, it can be a real pain. Water can back up into the tub or shower, making it difficult to use. Plus, the smell of a clogged drain can be unpleasant.
There are a few things you can do to try to unclog a shower drain yourself. First, try using a drain snake. This is a long, flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain and used to break up clogs. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner. However, it’s important to follow the directions on the package carefully, as some drain cleaners can be harmful if used improperly.
If you’re not comfortable trying to unclog the drain yourself, you can call a plumber. They will have the tools and experience to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
People Also Ask About How To Get Shower Drain Off
How can I prevent my shower drain from clogging?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your shower drain from clogging:
What is the best way to unclog a shower drain?
The best way to unclog a shower drain is to use a drain snake. This is a long, flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain and used to break up clogs. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner. However, it’s important to follow the directions on the package carefully, as some drain cleaners can be harmful if used improperly.
Can I use a plunger to unclog a shower drain?
Yes, you can use a plunger to unclog a shower drain. However, it’s important to use a plunger that is specifically designed for drains. Regular plungers may not have enough suction to create a seal over the drain.
