The easiest way to tell if you have a partially clogged Shower Drain is to look down. Not now, of course, but while you’re taking a shower. Because if the water isn’t draining as fast as it’s pouring all over you and, instead, is rising up to and beyond your ankles, there’s a clog.
Before it gets any worse, you should take a few minutes to try and clear it on your own, but only if you have plastic or latex gloves available to protect you from the bacteria that has formed on the mass of hair, soap residue, shampoo, and what have you that’s causing the clog.
And now, let’s get started:
• Use a plunger: The best kind of plunger for clearing a shower clog is not the kind you use in the toilet but a flat-bottom plunger with either a long or short handle. If there’s not already some water in the tub, pour some so you’ll get added pressure when you begin plunging. You’ll also want to remove the drain cover and plug any overflow holes in your tub with a rag to permit proper airflow. Once all that’s lined up, plunge away and hope for the best.
• Use a bent hanger: If you can see the clog with the drain cover removed, or the clog comes into view after some vigorous plunging, go ahead and scoop it out with a bent wire coat hanger. Just be careful not to push the clog further down the drain.
• Use a plumber’s snake: If you can’t see the clog, your next best bet is to try a snake. Push it dow the drain until you feel the clog, and then wind the handle to break up and remove the clog.
• Use a liquid drain clearing solution: If none of the above methods work, you can try pouring a liquid solution down your drain to break up the clog. Once the solution has settled, pour a tea kettle fun of boiling water down after it. Don’t have an enzyme-based drain cleaner at home? You can substitute a half cup each of baking soda and distilled with vinegar. Let that combination sit for about 30 minutes, and then give it the hot water treatment.
If nothing you’re doing is getting the job done, we can and will once you contact Norhio Plumbing for service. We’re your local service providers for every home plumbing need.
