If you notice a buildup of standing water while showering that takes forever to drain, it may be time to examine the condition of the drain. Is your shower clogged? Don't call the plumber yet! With these clever, chemical-free solutions to clearing a stubborn clog, your shower will be draining again in no time.
Why constipation occurs in the first place
A clogged drain is a slow drain. In the case of a clogged toilet or sink, a large obstruction may be the cause, but shower drains tend to slow down as hair, lint, or bath product residue builds up over time.
What to do if your shower is clogged
First things first: check your drain for any visible blockages. Clumps of hair are the most common culprit. If nothing is visible from the outside, look under the drain cover and into the drain. If necessary, use a flashlight. Remove anything you see that could be blocking the drain.
Next, check ifYour drainis open. Is there still room for water flow between the drain plug and the pipe? How you do this depends on the type of drain and stopper you have: Some drains have a stopper that you can unscrew and lift out completely. Bathtubs and showers often have a switch under the faucet that opens and closes the drain. Check whether your drain has such a mechanism and ensure that the stopper does not accidentally block the drain.
Once you have removed all visible obstructions and verified that the drain is open but water is still not draining, it is time to clear the clog.
Methods for unclogging shower drains
There are some simple ways to get your clogged shower flowing again. Try these methods to remove or clear the clog.
1. Remove the blockage by hand
First, put on a pair of rubber gloves and remove the clog as best you can. There are small plastic hooks made specifically for this purpose.
2. Use a drain snake
A drain snake, also known as a plumber's snake, is a retractable, flexible drilling tool that you can purchase at hardware stores. Using the snake's hand crank, push a metal wire through the drain to create theto solve the blockageor to pull out. There are also disposable plastic versions of the snake that don't require cranking and that you can even use for a clogged toilet. Be sure to clean your drain snake after use.
3. Shower clogged – boiling water helps
If the drain is not visibly clogged and a drain snake has been unsuccessful, exposure to boiling water can help loosen softer deposits such as soap scum around the edges. Repeat the process two or three times.
4. Natural drain cleaner made from vinegar and baking soda
Conventional drain cleaners typically don't work as well as they claim and are full of harmful chemicals. Natural, homemade cleaners can be just as effective as chemical ones for mild clogs. Mix together 1 cup vinegar (distilled white vinegar works best) and 1 cup baking soda. Start by pouring boiling water down the drain to loosen the clog, then add the baking soda and vinegar mixture. Wait 15 minutes. Rinse with more boiling water.
Tips for preventing constipation
- Use a drain cover. Clogged shower drains are almost always caused by hair. A simple rubber or plastic drain cover is an inexpensive way to catch strands of hair after each shower.
- Skip the body scrubs. While body oils make your skin feel great, most of it ends up down the drain when you rinse it off and hardens overnight as the pipes cool between uses. Avoid oily bath products or save them for after the shower.
- No unnecessary waste. It can be tempting to empty a trash can or a carpetin the showerShake out and rinse away, but larger pieces of dirt and debris can build up and make the clog worse later.
- Good drain maintenance. Make drain cleaning part of your cleaning routine. Keep a bottle of distilled white vinegar or baking soda in the bathroom and pour some down the drain after each shower. Then rinse with hot water.
