Do you find yourself standing in a few inches of water after you shower? Or wondering why the bathtub is still full even though the stopper is out? Clogged shower drains can be quite a nuisance, but you don’t have to tolerate them. Here are some methods to unclog your shower drain that don’t involve calling (and paying for) a plumber.
Prevent a Clog
The easiest way you can deal with a clogged drain is to prevent it in the first place. Tub drains don’t clog overnight – it takes a while for hair and soap residue to build up enough to block water flow. Placing a screen overtop of your drain will allow you to catch hairs before they get washed down the drain. Clean the screen after each shower or bath. Clean your bathtub regularly to prevent buildup of soap scum. Also, when you notice water is draining slowly, attack the clog before it gets much worse.
Use a Plunger
A regular plunger can work great for your shower drain. You might want to purchase a separate plunger to use in your tub, however, instead of using the same one you use in your toilet. With a few inches of water in the tub, place the plunger over the drain and plunge as forcefully as you can. Usually, the blockage will be moved within just a few pumps.
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar can also remove tub clogs with surprising efficiency. This all-natural remedy can work just as well as any chemicals you’d purchase at the store, and it’s much better for your pipes. Put at least half a cup of baking soda into the drain. Then, pour at least one cup of vinegar on top. A fizzy, bubbly reaction will occur. Cover the drain with a cup or cloth to keep the mixture from bubbling out of the drain. Wait about 15 minutes before you pour a pot full of boiling water down the drain. The baking soda and vinegar will dissolve the clog, and the boiling water will flush it out. You may need to repeat this process a few times.
Use a Drain Snake
A drain snake can be purchased at your local hardware store, and it usually works on the most stubborn of clogs. Follow the directions on the package to use the snake to push the clog out of the way. For a homemade version, straighten out a wire coat hanger. If hair is clogging your drain, you can usually use the hanger to pull out the hair.
Use a Wet/Dry Vac
Never attempt to use a regular household vacuum on a clogged drain. If you have access to a wet/dry vacuum, however, you can use it to unclog your drain. Fill your bathtub with several inches of water, and hold the vacuum directly over the drain. Within seconds, the clog should be sucked right out.
Call a Plumber
Sometimes clogs are so severe that they simply cannot be fixed without going deep into the pipes. In this case, you’ll need a plumber. If none of your attempts to unclog your drain work, and you’re in the Los Angeles area, call a RitzPlumbing. It’s a good idea to have the number of a recommended plumber already on-hand for emergencies.
Article Submitted by Community Writer.