A plunger will force pressurized water in both directions, which will help to effectively loosen whatever is clogging your shower drain. This is the plunger that just has a rubber cup-shaped end on it rather than an extended, more complex flange (that type is a toilet plunger). This stuff is important and will help the plunger properly emit enough force to remove the clog. Then, use quick plunging motions to clear the clog. With the stopper removed, you can line up the plunger with your shower drain. Now, place the plunger over the drain and fill your shower with a little bit of water so that the bottom of the plunger is covered. Moisten the outside of the drain or add petroleum jelly around the edge of the rubber cup to improve sealing. This stuff is important and will help the plunger properly emit enough force to remove the clog. Use a plastic glove and flashlight to see and remove hair strands or other minimal particles causing the blockage. Push the plunger up and down several times. Most clogs only require about six good plunging rhythms. Remove the shower drain cover. However, when it comes to a bad clog that needs to be addressed right away, there is nothing like a plunger to get the job done right. This article has all the answers. That … To use it, place the plunger over the clogged drain and plunge as hard as you can. Once you have removed the screws, you can gently remove the overflow plate and drain mechanism at the same time. 5 Wait 15-20 minutes. Then, use quick plunging motions to clear the clog. Shower drains can easily be clogged with hair and other debris, but fortunately, they are among the easiest fixtures to clear using a drain snake.While a normal bathtub drain is usually 1 1/2 inches in diameter, a shower drain is often 2 inches in diameter, making it easier to insert a small drain snake directly into the drain opening and down through the trap, where most clogs are found. A plunger will force pressurized water in both directions, which will help to effectively loosen whatever is clogging your shower drain. a flange plunger with an extra ring of rubber around the bottom, fold the extra ring into the cup. Remove the shower drain … If you leave a clog for too long, it can cause even more damage to your drain and end up costing you, both time and money. Drain cleaning products, or natural remedies including baking soda and vinegar, can prove to be helpful in clearing away a pesky clog. Pour boiling water into the drain, and if the draining rate still seems slow, you have more digging to do. Unclog a blocked toilet with this simple, ingenious trick -- no plunger required. Now, place the plunger over the drain and fill your shower with a little bit of water so that the bottom of the plunger is covered. However, if no drain cleaning products seem to be working, then the plunger can save the day. Avoid completely filling the basin. Before asking a plumber to save the day, here we have some tips on how to clean your shower drain. Nobody likes to have standing water gathering around their ankles during their morning shower, but more importantly, drain clogs only become worse over time and can cause serious, costly damage. Clogged drain? Step 4: Remove the plunger. Using a plunger is a classic and proven way to unclog your partially or completely clogged drain without using any chemicals. Inspect the interior of the drain to see if you can locate and remove the source of the clog. 1. Shower drains can easily become clogged over time. Remove the drain stopper with a screwdriver and check for the cause of the blockage. Remove the plunger and let any excess water drain away. The plunger is designed to pressurize the water and force it through the pipe, thereby clearing the clog. While a plunger may prove effective in removing small clogs, it may not be as effective in removing big blockages since it may not have enough suction to pull them out or dislodge them. Repeat this rhythm at least 15 to 20 times. Simply call (602) 943-2000 or click here to schedule a service call. For shower drain clogs, you’re going to want to use a classic cup plunger. That’s because the plunger relies solely on suction to break the clog free. Lining the seal of the plunger with petroleum jelly will help to create a better air suction, making the plunger more effective. Hair, soap scum, and an accumulation of small items can cause a clog in no time. Use a Plunger to Unclog Drains An old-fashioned cup-style, or sink, plunger is another great tool for unclogging a bathtub or shower drain without chemicals. Addressing the issue now can prevent additional water damage from happening. This method works best if the clog is near the top of the drain. Grasp the plunger handle firmly and quickly pump the plunger up and down 15 to 20 times before pulling the plunger away from the drain. If so, use a pair of pliers, paperclip, or wire hanger to remove the clog. If the water is not draining quickly, plunge again. Flush with boiling water. Before you start plunging, though, cover up the overflow drain. When you are done, run some hot water down the drain to ensure that it is properly draining and to help remove any residual debris. Many things can result in a clogged drain. Although some of these products may work, these cleaners often have harsh chemicals that are damaging to your drain and can be hazardous to your health if inhaled. If you face slow water, drain out. Place the plunger cup over the drain to form a tight seal and plunge down once to release the air trapped in the plunger cup. Plunging causes suction to force air through the pipes to push out the clog. In most cases, a plunger can be very effective, sometimes even when you’re dealing with a stubborn clog. ROC LIC 283290, 28686 | Privacy Policy. Step 3: Center the plunger over the drain and apply force to create a strong seal. How to Unclog a Shower Drain with a Plunger. See also: How do I unclog my bathroom drain? However, some are more common than others. If we talk about clogged shower drain, hair is the biggest enemy of shower drains, so your hair is likely the source of your shower drainage problems. Use a plunger. In many cases, you’ll see that the water clears from your drain very quickly. After using a plunger, if the drain is still clogged, a chemical or enzymatic cleaner can help. Your bathroom is probably already stocked with everything you'll need to work this magic. Begin plunging with a forceful upward and downward movement. Inspect the drain to see if you can see any clogs or debris within reach. Repeat this rhythm at least 15 to 20 times. On a shower drain, remove the strainer in the shower floor and insert the cable into the drain. Pour about a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by an equal amount of vinegar. Remove the plunger every few minutes to see if the blockage cleared and the water drains down naturally. ... location in the drain, and design of the drain will determine the plunger’s success rate. Using a plunger to unclog a shower drain is another effective technique. ©2020 ACE Home Services. The Proper Plunging Technique Carefully remove the overflow plate by removing the two screws holding it down. 2. What causes a blocked shower drain. Baking Soda, Vinegar, Gravity, and Pressure If your bath drain is clogged, mix up some of the baking soda/vinegar mentioned in tip two. All you need is a plunger! Regular plunger use will stop hair build-up, but the best thing you can do to stop hair blockages is simply to remove hair caught in the drain cover after each shower. Fill the shower with a small amount of water, just enough to cover the bottom of the plunger. Screw on the drain stopper and use a plunger to clear the drain one final time. Let the water run for a few seconds so that you would be having stagnated water around the drain. You only want to add enough to cover the drain by about an inch. Copyright 2006-2021 Roto-Rooter. 2. However, to get the best result, it’s important to use it properly. Rubber Plunger. 2. After you pick up the plunger, it will pull out the dirt. Grab the Toilet Plunger. See details and services for this location, Plumbers Secret For A Clogged Shower Drain Plunge It. Below are my eight suggested methods for how to clear a clogged shower drain. First, you have to remove the shower stopper. A lot of homeowners turn to drain cleaning products to help remove clogs in their showers. Begin pushing the plunger up and down forcefully. Position the plunger in a way that it covers the entirety of the drain. In order to plunge most effectively, stop up your shower’s overflow opening with a wet rag because it will ensure that the force exerted by the plunger will remain only on the source of the clog. All Rights Reserved. Baking Soda and Vinegar Pump the plunger up and down for about 15-seconds. 4. Plunger: First, fill the tub or sink with some water and place the plunger over the drain. Unclog a Shower Drain with Baking Soda and Vinegar This next solution is a nod to that elementary school science fair classic—the volcano project. Between the hair, soap, and products we use, it’s easy for gunk and debris to build up and clog the drain. Keep reading to learn how to plunge your shower drain and get your bathtub back in working condition. Next, you will need to stop the showers overflow drain using a wet rag. Clogged drains are a simple fact of life. 3. 3. On a tub drain, remove the overflow plate and insert the cable into the overflow line. Pour ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 cup white vinegar into the drain. Remove the drain cover ... Use a wire hanger, plunger or even a drain snake to get all the hair, organic matter and other debris out of the way. Cover the drain with the plunger and start pumping up and down. Having issues with the water in your shower not draining; Looking for the best way to unblock a shower drain; Wondering what may be causing the clog in your drain, Then read on! If you are struggling to find suction, smearing Vaseline on the edge of the plunger has been known to help. The process is quite simple. Shower drain clogs can happen to anyone at any time. Place the plunger such that it would cover the whole drain hole. Hey Guys! Wondering how to unclog a shower drain with your toilet plunger? Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoyed this video on how to unclog your tub drain. If all else fails, don’t wait any longer to call the plumbers. How to unclog a shower drain 1. 8 Ways to Unclog a Shower Drain. On a sink drain, you may be able to remove the stopper and insert the cable or rod directly into the drain. In most showers, it simply unscrews so that you gain direct access to the drain. If pouring hot water into the drain did not unclog it, use baking soda and vinegar to remove excessive gunk. This action will force air through the drain. Follow the steps below to properly plunge your shower drain: If you still can’t get rid of that shower clog, or any other clog for that matter, then it may be time to call the professional plumbers at ACE Home Services. Online Scheduling is not available in your area. This location, plumbers Secret for a few seconds so that you direct... Another effective technique the bottom of the drain or add petroleum jelly around the or! After you pick up the overflow line clog with a forceful upward and downward movement and for. Enough force to remove the clog in your shower drain with the technique the! 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