You might notice your shower is draining a bit more slowly. Over time, though, water starts to pool, and eventually your drain may stop working altogether. It’s not uncommon in the Peoria area. Hard water causes mineral buildup in pipes. Hair and soap residue get stuck inside your drain. Roots can break into your sewer lines. Pipes can break or leak.
Fortunately, you can clear out most minor clogs by following a few simple steps without having to call a plumber for a professional drain cleaning. So, whether you’re looking for how to unclog a shower drain with standing water or without water, try these first.
How to Unclog a Shower Drain with Standing Water
If you have standing water in your shower, there are a few things you can try.
Remove Any Debris You Can See
Start by taking off the drain cover and pulling out any hair or debris that you can grab. With a pair of gloves on, you can often pull gunk out and get things flowing again. Hair is often the culprit. You can also try using a small plastic drain tool you can get at a hardware store that often cost $5 to $10 to get a little deeper into the drain.
Use Hot Water Carefully
After removing debris, slowly pour hot water down the drain to help loosen soap residue and minor buildup. One important note here: don’t use boiling water, especially if your home has older PVC plumbing.
Try a Plunger
A standard cup plunger can sometimes loosen shallow shower drain clogs. Here’s how to do it. Add just enough water to cover the plunger opening, then push down on the plunger several times to create suction. Be firm. This can sometimes dislodge buildup or hair that near the top of the drain.
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
For mild clogs, a home-made recipe can be effective. Pour baking soda into the drain, followed by vinegar. Allow the mix to sit for about 15 minutes before flushing with hot water.
How to Unclog a Shower Drain: What You Should Not Do
There are some things you should not do as they can make the problem worse.
Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are often too harsh and can damage older pipes. If the problem is hair, chemical drain cleaners aren’t effective anyway.
Do Not Force Objects into the Drain
Using screwdrivers, wire hangers, or other sharp objects might pry things out, but it’s easy to damage your drain or push the clog deeper into the pipe. A simple clog can easily turn into a more difficult or more expensive problem to fix.
Signs the Shower Drain Problem May Be Larger
If the simple fixes don’t work, you might have a larger plumbing issue, especially if you’re seeing any of these warning signs:
- Recurring clogs even after cleaning
- Multiple drains draining slowly
- Gurgling sounds from nearby fixtures
- Water backing up into other drains
- Sewage odors
If more than one fixture is affected, the blockage is likely located deeper in your drain system or sewer line, and you’ll need to call a plumber.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
If you’ve tried all the steps in the how to unclog shower drain section and they aren’t working, or clogs keep happenings, it may be time to call in a professional. When standing water won’t drain, DIY methods don’t work, or multiple drains or fixtures are affected, you likely need professional drain cleaning.
Professional plumbers have specialized tools to help clear clogs. They can use mechanical methods like drain snakes and augers, and use video drain cameras to locate the exact source of the clog. Hydro jetting equipment can blast through debris and fully remove stubborn blockages without damaging your plumbing system.
A slow or clogged shower drain may seem minor at first, but recurring backups often get worse over time. Knowing how to unclog a shower drain with standing water can help homeowners address smaller issues early before they turn into major plumbing problems.
George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical has a team of highly-trained technicians who know what to look for and recommend the best options for fixing any plumbing problems. With more than 2,800 five-star reviews, you can trust George Brazil for expert drain cleaning and plumbing service.
Schedule same-day service and get rid of shower clogs today.