Shower drain clogs are unpleasant. Hair primarily builds up in shower and bathtub pipes, which clog drains. Water backs up into bathtubs and shower basins due to impermeable blockages formed when soapy residues from the hair combine with hair clumps. To unclog a shower drain, begin with the easiest and most secure method first. The easiest way to unclog a shower drain is frequently a do-it-yourself project because using commercial drain cleaners too frequently might harm pipes. By following these techniques, you may unclog your drain and let water flow freely through it as intended.
Remove the clog by hand
A blockage can occasionally be easily accessible and seen right away, close to the surface. Put on some rubber gloves and try your best to remove the obstruction. Tiny plastic hooks were built specifically for this use. While using a wire coat hanger could be tempting in this situation, be careful as it could harm your drain.
Make use of a drain snake
Hardware stores have drain snakes, also called plumber’s snakes, which are retractable, flexible drilling tools. A metal wire will be sent down your drain by using the hand crank on the snake to either break up or remove the obstruction. There are also disposable plastic versions of the snake that work on clogged toilets and don’t require twisting. After using your drain snake, be sure to clean it.
Use a pot of boiling water
If a drain snake hasn’t worked and there are no obvious blockages obstructing the drain, contacting hot water can aid in dissolving softener buildup, such as soap scum, at the edges of the drain. Do this two or three more times.
Apply an organic drain cleaner
For minor blockages, natural DIY cleansers can be just as successful as commercial ones. Combine one cup of distilled white vinegar with one cup of baking soda. To release the drain, first pour boiling water down it. Then, add the baking soda-vinegar mixture and wait for fifteen minutes. Use more hot water to rinse.
Tips for Preventing Clogs:
- Cover the drain with a cover. Snags in hair are almost always the cause of clogged shower drains. An affordable method of gathering any loose hair after each shower is to use a simple drain cover made of rubber or plastic.
- Do not use body scrubs. Though they may feel wonderful on your skin, the majority of body oils go up the drain when you rinse them off, solidifying overnight as the pipes cool between usage. Steer clear of oily bath products or save them until after the shower.
- Not too much trash. Although it may be tempting to shake out a rug or empty a dustbin in the shower and wash everything away, bigger particles of dirt and debris can build up and worsen clogs in the future.
- appropriate drain maintenance. Include cleaning your drains in your regular cleaning schedule. Every few showers, empty a small amount of baking soda or distilled white vinegar from a bottle that is kept in the bathroom. Add a quick burst of hot water thereafter.
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