5 Quick Ways to Unblock a Clogged Shower Drain

Identifying a Blocked Shower Drain

Clogged showers are a common problem many Burwood households face. The first signs are often a slow water flow down the drain or standing water pooling in the shower floor. If neglected, understanding how to clear a blocked shower drain and learning preventive strategies to stop future issues becomes crucial.

Hair in the shower drain is frequently the culprit, demanding a resolution for the clogged shower as locks fail to fully navigate through the plumbing. Soap scum residue from bath and shower products can also adhere to hair, creating dense blockages in the bath shower. Small debris like lint or dirt can likewise get lodged in shower drains over time.

It’s crucial for residents in humid regions such as the Gold Coast to learn swift unclogging methods as humidity can intensify plumbing issues. Backed-up water is unsanitary and, if severe, could leak into surrounding floor materials causing significant damage. The most effective approach is to clear a clog sooner, especially in humid places like the Sunshine Coast, as the process is generally easier.

Start by inspecting the clog and removing the drain cover to look for obstructions. For minor blockages, remove large clumps of hair or debris by hand to get the water flowing. If simple removal isn’t enough, you may wonder how to tackle a drain blockage and clear the clog yourself. There’s a variety of actions that you can do to improve the situation.

Using Household Items to Try Unclogging

You can use common household items to address a clogged drain before seeking professional help. Baking soda, vinegar, boiling water and a plunger are inexpensive, readily available options.

The combined abrasive action of baking soda and the dissolving power of white vinegar effectively tackle soap scum and fats. Pour a cup of baking soda followed by a hot vinegar solution into the drain; the resulting bubbling can help to dislodge clogs. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before flushing with hot water.

Boiling water dissolves hard water deposits and helps flush out hair and soap residue, clearing clogs effectively. Be cautious with clogged PVC pipes, ensuring the materials flow safely down. Ensure the drain is completely cleared between attempts.

Try using plunging with quick, forceful strokes to unblock your shower quickly, especially when tackling minor obstructions. Use a toilet plunger or one sized for sink drains. Make sure to create an airtight seal around the drain opening.

Note that these home remedies work best for clearing recent, mild clogs. Severe or recurring blockages may require a more intensive cleaning process, such as professional hydrojetting or snaking, to completely resolve.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Using a mixture of cleaning vinegar and baking soda offers a gentle, effective, and non-abrasive solution to clogged drains. If you’re searching for guidance on how fix these inconveniences, here is a method laid out:

1. First, remove the drain plug and hand-clear any hair or debris, or use a sink plunger, to attempt unblocking a stubborn drain.
2. Pour cup of baking soda directly down your drain, employing a funnel if needed.
3. Heat 1 cup (250mL) distilled white vinegar to a warm temperature, then slowly pour it down the drain after the baking soda.
4. The baking soda white vinegar mixture will fizz and bubble as the substances react with each other. This chemical reaction helps break down soap scum, hair and other gunk.
5. After 10-15 minutes, pour hot water down drain to help flush away any loosened clog.
6. If the first application does not fully clear your drain, repeat steps 2-5.

Keep in mind caution should be taken with metal or PVC pipes when using boiling liquids. Allow all solutions to fully drain between attempts to prevent leakage.

For pressing or ongoing blocked drain issues, don’t hesitate to get touch us for advice on how clear blocked pipes using our professional hydrojetting services.

Employing a Plunger

Using a plunger is one of the quickest and easiest ways to immediately unclog your shower drain. Begin the process of how unblock shower drain by confirming you have the correct toilet plunger or one designed for sink drains, ensuring the rubber cup forms an airtight seal over the drain opening.

Place the plunger over the drain and cover any overflow outlets with a cloth or rag. Apply petroleum jelly around the drain rim to help form a tight seal. Plunge vigorously 10-15 times, moving the cup up and down rapidly to dislodge the blockage.

Plunging creates pressure changes that effectively remove clogs from hair, debris, and other materials in the pipes. After using the plunger, run hot water to assist in washing out drain any dislodged debris. You may need to repeat the process several times before the drain is fully cleared.

Plunging offers a multipurpose solution for recent clogs around your shower drain, yet for harsher blockages, enlisting professional drain snaking may be essential for comprehensive cleansing.

Pouring Boiling Water Down the Drain

Boiling water is effective for melting and flushing away soap scum, hair, and blockage-causing debris. The heat helps break down grease while the rushing water serves to dislodge blocked drains.

Use caution before pouring boiling liquid down PVC pipes, as the high heat can warp or damage plastic materials.

Let the hot water cool a bit before pouring to avoid damaging the pipes. Pour the water slowly at first to make sure its effectiveness and to avoid splashing. Repeat as needed until fully cleared.

Add a cup of boiling water in intervals appropriate for hot water systems to address a blocked drain - down drain wait until each portion completely evacuates before adding more to prevent spillage.

Use rubber gloves to safeguard your hands from burns. Carefully monitor the process and do not exceed a total of 10 cups. Seek professional assistance if boiling water fails to fully open your shower drain.

Trying a Drain Snake or Wire Coat Hanger

For deep-seated clogs that remain after earlier attempts, get touch us for insights into how a plumbers snake or straightened wire coat hanger might clear blockages. This method provides a manual approach to reach deep into the drain and remove hair, soap scum, and debris.

A drain auger, also known as a drain snake, is a long, narrow flexible tool that can twist through P-traps and elbow joints. Feed the snake down the drain and crank its handle to work through bends and remove hair effectively.

Gently push and twist the snake near the clog, then pull it out slowly while spinning to remove the debris.

A straightened metal coat hanger with a small hook at one end can also work. Carefully insert the wire down the drain, gently manoeuvring it in different angles and directions. Once resistance is felt, twist the wire before slowly withdrawing - any ensnared hair or gunk will get removed.

Take care not to scratch pipes.

Severe or recurrent drain clogs may require multiple attempts to clear. Always run hot water after to help flush debris. If DIY attempts fail, contact Burwood Plumbing on 1300 349 338 for professional drain cleaning services with advanced hydrojetting equipment.

Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

Commercial drain cleaner solutions found in hardware outlets can effectively combat drain blockages, adept at helping to clear out obstructions. Products exist in liquid or powder forms containing active ingredients like sulphuric acid, sodium hydroxide or hypochlorites which react with organic materials.

Adhere to manufacturer safety instructions, wear gloves, and avoid skin contact when using chemicals.

Only use in well-ventilated areas. While effective, chemical products can actually risk corrosion damage to pipes if overused. Try safer methods first before resorting to commercial cleaners.

Start by removing the drain basket and pouring 3/4 of the bottle down the drain. Let sit the concoction for 10-15 minutes before running hot water for a full minute.

This allows time for the chemicals to fully react with the clog. You can try repeating as needed, allowing hot water to flush between applications.

For acute or persistent clogged shower drains, the action to call plumber with Burwood Plumbing by dialling 1300 349 338 assures the correct purification of your shower drain conduits. Avoid dumping hazardous chemicals down drains whenever possible.

Calling a Professional Plumber

If youve tried the prior techniques with no success, its time to summon a professional Burwood plumber to suitably inspect and clear your obstructed shower drain.

Continued sluggish drainage or standing water likely indicates a severe underlying clog that household chemicals and tools cannot fully dislodge. Tree roots, rust buildup or a collapsed pipe could also be preventing proper water flow.

Burwood Plumbing, with over 10 years in the field, provides plumbing services serving the Sydney community with advanced hydrojetting equipment and CCTV drain cameras for in-depth diagnosis. By blasting pressurised water, our plumbers can clear even the most stubborn obstructions.

After a meticulous inspection, youll find our advice on the necessary steps to ensure your shower remains unobstructed from shower drain clogs, including whether pipe repairs, replacements or routine maintenance are vital. With regular snaking, we can guide you on how prevent recurring clogs.

Contact Burwood Plumbing today on 1300 349 338 or jobs@burwoodplumbingservices.com.au to schedule an appointment with our licenced technicians. We offer affordable solutions to restore proper drainage and keep your Burwood shower running smoothly.

Preventing Future Clogs

Knowing how to handle shower drain blockages is crucial for maintaining effective drainage and cleanliness. Start by installing a hair catcher over the drain to minimise buildup entering your pipes. Mesh or dome-style hair catchers can intercept loose strands, preventing clogs while allowing water to flow.

Regularly pour boiling water down the drain after showering to maintain it and keep it free from soap scum and residue. Pour boiling water down your drains weekly, waiting until fully drained between rounds. Alternate with cup baking soda and vinegar treatments monthly.

Avoid pouring fats or harsh chemicals down drains. Only wash biodegradable products into your pipes. Minimise toiletries, hair products and loose hair going down the shower drain.

Schedule biannual professional drain cleanings with Burwood Plumbing at 1300 349 338 using advanced hydrojetting. Our regular maintenance helps prevent major blockages before they occur.