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How To Unclog Your Shower Drain

Water flowing over into metal drain on the tiled floor of a shower.

There’s nothing worse than taking a shower and realizing that a pool of water is quickly forming around your feet. Don’t panic — there are a few easy DIY methods you can try to get things flowing smoothly again. The following methods are useful for handling minor clogs and are a good first step to see if you can resolve the issue before contacting a plumber.

Need a fast & lasting fix? Contact ABC Southwest for professional drain cleaning today!

Try a Mixture of Vinegar & Baking Soda

One of the simplest and most effective ways to unclog a drain is to use vinegar and baking soda. This natural solution is great for breaking down small clogs and cleaning out lingering residue.

Follow these simple steps:

  1. Wait for the standing water to drain or remove it yourself with a bucket or cup.
  2. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain. If possible, remove the drain cover to make this much easier.
  3. Slowly pour a half-cup of vinegar down the drain.
  4. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the mixture to break down the clog.
  5. Finish by flushing the drain with hot water.

If you can’t remove the drain cover and it’s too difficult to get the baking soda down the drain, you can mix the baking soda and vinegar first, then quickly pour the mixture down the drain. Just be prepared for it to fizzle and expand as you mix it!

This simple solution can often help with minor clogs and freshen up your drain, but it might not be enough for tougher blockages.

Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain

Boiling water can work wonders for clearing simple clogs caused by soap scum, grease, or small bits of debris. However, this method is only safe if you have metal pipes. If your home is fitted with PVC or porcelain, avoid this method, as the extreme heat could cause damage.

Here’s how to use boiling water to unclog your drain:

  1. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
  2. Slowly pour the boiling water directly down the drain in two to three stages, pausing for a few seconds between each pour.
  3. The hot water will help dissolve and flush away the clog, clearing the drain in the process.

If you see some improvement but the water is still draining slowly, you might need to try this method a couple more times.

Use a Plastic Drain Snake

Plastic drain snakes are handy tools that work particularly well on clogs caused by hair, which is one of the most common culprits for shower drain blockages. These flexible, barbed tools are easy to use and can pull out hair and other debris that may be causing the clog.

Here’s how to use a drain snake to unclog your shower:

  1. Remove the drain cover.
  2. Insert the plastic snake into the drain and slowly twist and push it further down.
  3. Pull the snake back up slowly, along with any hair or gunk that’s causing the clog.
  4. Repeat as needed until the drain is clear.

Drain snakes are affordable and easy to find at most hardware stores. They’re a great first step in handling stubborn clogs that don’t respond to baking soda and vinegar or boiling water.

Choose ABC Southwest for Drain Cleaning Services

If the above methods don’t work or you’re experiencing frequent or stubborn clogs, you may have a more significant problem lurking in your plumbing system. For a thorough, professional cleaning that will keep your drains clear for good, it’s best to call in the experts. ABC Southwest Plumbing & Air Conditioning offers hydro jetting services to clean your home’s drains and remove the toughest clogs, including those deep within your pipes. Our highly trained and certified plumbers respond quickly, respect your time, and provide only quality service you can trust.

Tired of dealing with clogs? Contact us to schedule drain cleaning service in Manatee County, Sarasota County, and Charlotte County!

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