Difference between revisions of "Unclog a Slow Shower Drain"

[[Category: Shower and Bath Maintenance]]

#Remove the stopper from the drain. Most drains are easy enough to unclog with either your hand or a wire or clothes hanger. However, you first need to figure out how to release the stopper. Most drains are either drop stoppers or push/lock drain stoppers.<ref name="rf1">http://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/drain-repair/unclog-a-bathtub-drain-without-chemicals/view-all</ref>

#Create the tool you need. While you can remove some clogs with your hand, it will be easier, more effective, and less disgusting to use a tool. You can start with either a wire coat hanger or a piece of stiff wire, but you need to do a bit of preparation either way.<ref name="rf1" />

#Remove the clog from the drain. With the bent wire, hook the clogged hair by shoving it through the clog. Use it to pull up the clog out of the drain, then throw the hair away. You may need to dip down more than once to get all the hair.<ref name="rf1" />

#Put the stopper back in. Once you are sure all the hair is gone, check to see if the shower is draining properly again. If it is, put the stopper back in the drain. You'll need to screw the whole push/lock stopper back into place, while for the drop stopper, you'll just need to screw in the middle shaft.<ref name="rf1" /> If it's not draining properly, you'll need to move on to other options.  

#Using a chemical drain cleaner. Products like gel cleaners and other types of commercial drain cleaners can help you remove clogs from your drain. However, you do need to be careful with these products, as they are very strong, and they can damage your pipes or cause problems if you don't use them properly.<ref name="rf2">http://www.lowes.com/projects/bed-and-bath/clear-clogged-drain/project</ref>

#Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Each drain cleaner will work a little bit differently, so it's important to read the instructions first. Make sure you are following the instructions to the letter because drain cleaners are powerful chemicals and they can be harmful.<ref name="rf2" />

#Start with what you need. Generally, you start with about half a bottle to try to remove the clog, and then you wait a specified period, usually about 15 minutes. Use the whole bottle if it's not draining at all and half if it's draining a little bit. Usually, you can pour the cleaner through standing water but not always.<ref name="rf3">http://www.drano.com/en-US/Products/Pages/Max-Gel-Clog-Remover.aspx#directionsforuse</ref>

#Run hot water down the drain afterwards. After waiting the required time, you need to use hot water to clear the chemicals and the clog. Watch to see if it's draining properly. If it's not, you may need to try again with some more of the same drain cleaner. Make sure you don't try a different cleaner.<ref name="rf3" />

#Use an enzyme detergent. Pour 1 cup of Dawn liquid dish detergent, or any enzyme-based liquid dish soap, into your shower drain. Let it sit for at least an hour and then flush the drain with hot water from the tap.<ref name="rf4">http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/bathrooms/cleaning-shower-drain.html </ref>

#Try hot water. One natural solution that will get some slow drains unclogged is boiling water. If the water is still standing in your shower, let it drain out. Boil some water, and then slowly pour it down the drain, which will help move some minor blockages along.<ref name="rf5">http://lifehacker.com/5824780/how-to-unclog-a-drain</ref>

#Try vinegar, baking soda, and hot water. Another option for a natural solution is vinegar, baking soda, and hot water. These ingredients can help break up the clog when used in conjunction with each other, though you may not want to mix these solutions with chemical clog cleaners.<ref name="rf6">http://greenlivingideas.com/2008/07/17/homemade-drain-cleaner/</ref>

#Help unclog the drain with a toilet plunger. Tape over any overflow holes with duct tape, so you can get a better seal. Put water into the tub to cover the bottom of the plunger. If there is already standing water that is draining slowly, you can use that instead of adding more water. Place the plunger over the drain and plunge the drain a few times, moving it up and down, much like you would in the toilet.<ref name="rf7"> http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/bathrooms/cleaning-shower-drain.html</ref>

#Buy or rent a snake. A snake, also known as an augur cable or sewer rod, is used to find clogs further down. It's a cable that has a tip on the end to pick up clogs. You can buy or rent one at your local home improvement store to use on your drain.<ref name="rf2" />

#Push the cable in. On a shower, remove the strainer part. On a tub drain, take off the overflow plate and go through that hole. Start threading the cable or rod into the hole. Keep going until you feel the line hit a clog, then stop pushing.<ref name="rf2" />

#Latch on to the clog. With an augur cable, latch on to it by turning the handle clockwise. That twists the end into the clog. Keep pushing, pulling, and turning to get rid of the clog. With a sewer rod, push forward and back to break up the clog.<ref name="rf2" />

#Make sure it is clear. If the standing water starts draining, that's a good sign the line is starting to clear. Keep working at the clog until it feels completely gone, and run some more water down it to make sure that it is draining properly and that there's not a clog further down the line.<ref name="rf2" />

#Pull out the rod or cable. Once you're sure the line is clear, wind the rod or cable out of the pipe. Run some hot water down the pipe to ensure you are completely clear, and then replace anything that needs replacing, including the shower drain. Wind up the pipe and return it to the store or put it away.<ref name="rf2" />

#Take measures to prevent buildup in drains. Use strainers to minimize the chance of hair entering the drain. These strainers just fit over the drain and catch hair before it goes down to where you can't get it as easily. You can purchase strainers from a hardware store near you.<ref name="rf8"> https://www.angieslist.com/articles/how-clear-clogged-drain.htm</ref>

#Flush your drain with hot water. Run hot water down your drain every time you use the shower or bath. This process will allow fresh build-up to be washed away, reducing the chances of prolonged buildup sticking to your pipes.<ref name="rf8" />

#Use baking soda regularly. You can also use a baking soda flush once or month or so. Simply start by dumping a cup of baking soda down your drain. Follow that with a cup of boiling water. Doing so can help keep clogs from building up.<ref name="rf6" />