Blocked Shower Drain Cleaning
Over time, hair and soap scum can build up or get caught in the showers trap or waste pipes resulting in a blocked shower drain. To help reduce the chance of a shower drain blockage remove any loose hair or debris that has collected on top of the shower drain cover after each shower.
1. Remove Drain cover and Inspect
The first step to clearing a blocked shower drain is to remove the drain cover (where possible). This may simply lift out, require unscrewing or gently ease out with a screwdriver. Once the drain cover has been removed the blockage may become clearly evident.
Look for any hair that could be tangled around the shower drain mechanism or lip. Remove the hair and any other debris before replacing the drain. If you can see the blockage but can't reach it then use a metal coat hanger that is bent at the end to hook out the tangled hair.
2. Drain Rod or Plunger
If you can't see or access the blockage then you could use a drain rod or plunger to dislodge the debris. Simply push the rod down the drain until you feel the blockage. Push the rod back and forth into the blockage until it break up or clears.
With a plunger create an airtight seal by covering any overflow openings (particularly with baths or sinks). Place the plunger over the drain and then pump the plunger up and down to try and dislodge the blockage. If this doesn't clear the shower drain then you can try a chemical solution.
3. Blocked Shower Drain Solutions
If the debris causing the blocked shower drain is out of site then you could use a cleaning solution to clear the drain. When a drain gets blocked you can buy a specialist drain blocking solution that would be available from most supermarkets. Alternatively, if you do not have any drain cleaning solution you can use baking soda and white wine vinegar to perform a similar task.
Firstly, wait for the shower enclosure to dry. Next, put about half a cup of baking soda down into the drain (removing the shower drain cover if necessary). Now, pour about 2 cups of white wine vinegar into the drain. The white wine vinegar will then mix with the baking soda creating a mild reaction that can help dislodge the hair and debris that is in the drain.
Once the solution stops bubbling then you can run water into the drain for a few minutes to help clear any debris or hair. Repeat this process regularly to make sure you keep your shower drain clear and block free.