A clogged shower drain transforms the shower experience. Instead of enjoying the hot water cascading over your body you get to stand in a puddle of water. It can often leave you wondering whether you’re just standing in shower water or if anything is coming up the drain.
Slow draining shower drains suggest that there is a clog building up in the pipes. Assuming it’s just the shower draining slowly then the problem is between the shower and the main drainpipe.
That’s a great starting point. There are five things you can try to unclog the shower drain. If these don’t work then it’s time to call your local Sydney plumber.
1. Fingers First
Lift the top plate off your drain, this is the piece that stops large items going down the shower drain. You can then reach your fingers into the base of the shower drain and grasp any hair or other debris in it. Hair wraps itself up with other small pieces of soap and effectively blogs the drain. Simply pulling this hair up and out of the drain can fix the issue.
2. Plunger
The next step is to try a plunger, but make sure you choose one designed for your shower tray. Not all plungers are the same.
Cover the drain and slowly work the plunger up and down. You need to maintain the seal with the drain to create a vacuum. This can bring the clog closer to the shower, allowing you to pull it out. It can also break up the clog, allowing you to flush it away.
3. The Snake
Another easy method of unclogging the shower drain is to get a shower or drain snake. This is a metal rod that slides down the pipe and bends with it. You’ll be able to push it right up against the cog. The circular end piece can push it’s way through the clog, helping to break it up.
You may need to move it back and forth several times to break the clog up effectively.
4. Baking Soda & Vinegar
This is a natural solution that is surprisingly effective. Simply place half a cup of baking soda down the shower drain and leave it for 3-5 minutes. You can then slowly pour a cup of vinegar down the drain. It reacts with the baking soda to effectively blow the clog apart.
Follow with hot water to make sure the broke up clog is flushed away and doesn’t reform.
5. Vacuum
You may be surprised to discover that your vacuum cleaner can help release a clog. It will need to be a vacuum that can handle wet conditions Simple place the nozzle over the drain and turn the vacuum on.
The suction from the vacuum can dislodge the clog and other debris, pulling them to the surface of the drain and into the vacuum.
If this doesn’t work then you have a bigger issue and you’ll want professional assistance. They may need to take part of your drains apart.