How to Unclog Your Shower Drain for Free

It is common to experience a back up of water in your shower, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a problem with the pipe requiring a repair. Most commonly the shower drain is clogged and simply requires a snaking to clear the drain pipe. Most property owners are quick to call their local plumber to clear the drain however, it may be a quick and simple fix that even you can resolve!

First it is suggested to purchase a very basic and inexpensive snake to clear the drain. Most shower drains are not very deep and a standard snake is able to reach the bottom of the drain where the clog may have occurred and clear the pipe. Our video tutorial provides a detailed look on how to clear the drain yourself and potentially save hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time.

The snake itself may cost $10-$20 to purchase and is very easy to utilize, you do not have to be a licensed plumber to successfully clear the drain line.

The most common reasons for a clogged shower drain include:

1. Hair stuck in the  drain or just below  the drain. The acutal problem is that your standard soap causes hair to ball up and clog the drain, Most people assume that this is more common with longer hair which is not the case. Even if you have short hair or shave in the shower it can cause a clog
2. Soap build up inside the drain. The problem is that soap residue may not completely dissolve as one would think and this may cause the drain to back up as a result of a clog.
3. Bath bomb may also cause a backup due to the oils that may not completely resolve. The oils will not break down when exposed to colder conditions which will then build up inside of the pipe.

How to avoid these problems?

1. A standard and small sewer snake is the best resolution.
2. Some believe in a mix of baking soda or vinegar to assist in dissolving the clog or even a similar product that can be purchased from a store.
3. If you have attempted some of the DIY steps and are unsuccessful, it is time to call in a professional and avoid any further down time or potential damage.