How to Unclog a Shower Drain and Keep It Clean

Instead, he recommends that homeowners use the same tools professionals do. You may have experience using a drain snake (also called a plumber’s snake) to clear clogs from your sink or toilet, but it’s not always long enough to tackle the mess lurking beneath your shower floor. For this, you’ll need a drain auger, which can have a cable as long as 25 feet.

How do you use an auger to clear a clogged shower drain?

Augers are readily available at home improvement and hardware stores, and you can usually get a good one for less than $50. Tavanian suggests opting for a hand-operated drain auger with a 1/4-inch cable as a manageable and safe option for most clogged drains. If you’re looking to add an auger to your tool box, Tavanian recommends the Rigid Kwik-Spin drain cleaning snake auger with auto feed trigger. There are drain cleaning machines, but those are quite expensive. Before using an auger for the first time, Tavanian suggests watching a few how-to videos. “The technique is very difficult to explain yet simple to do,” he admits. DIY’ers should also familiarize themselves with the instructions that came with the auger they purchased, as there might be slight variations in techniques used to dislodge a clog.

Once you have an auger, follow this step-by-step guide to unclog a shower drain:

Step 1: Gather the supplies. In addition to the auger, you’ll need a screwdriver, rubber gloves, safety glasses, and a drop cloth.

Step 2: If your drain screen has screws, use a screwdriver to remove them, and then lift the screen off. If not, you should be able to gently pry it off.

Step 3: Feed the coiled end of the auger down the drain until you feel some resistance on the other end.

Step 4: Hold the handle of the auger with one hand, and use your other hand to turn the drum clockwise. As the coil works its way down the drain, adjust the thumb screw or trigger as needed to allow more of the coil to be released so you can work it down the drain.

Step 5: Keep turning until you feel the resistance lessen, which likely means you’ve dislodged the clog.

Step 6: Turn the handle counter-clockwise to slowly draw the coil (and hopefully the hair clog) out of the drain. Don’t rush this step or pull too hard, as both can damage your pipes.

Step 7: Run warm or hot water, and see if drainage has improved. If not, repeat the steps above.

How do you minimize mess when unclogging a shower drain?

Prep work is essential for preventing a clogged drain from turning into a big mess. When gathering your supplies, Tavanian suggests grabbing a few extra rags, a drop cloth to keep your shower floor protected, and a bucket to carry dirty tools in. As for the work itself, he tells DIY’ers to “go slow and proceed cautiously.” No one wants a hair clog flung around (then you’ll have to clean a glass shower door too). Take your time so you can be neat and focused on what you are doing, he urges.

How do you know when it’s time to call in a professional plumber?

Even though clearing a clogged shower drain is a job that many homeowners can safely take on, it’s important to assess your situation before you put on the rubber gloves. Tavanian recommends that you visually inspect the area before diving into the project. If you know that your pipes are so old that they may be galvanized, then the clog is probably from the pipe flaking off and not necessarily hair or gunk. Rust debris is another sign to call in a professional. Likewise, if you are unable to dislodge a clog after a few tries with an auger, there may be a larger issue like tree roots or other small objects blocking your drain, in which case professional help is also advised.

How can you prevent a shower drain from clogging?

Although you can’t prevent your shower from ever clogging again, there are some DIY steps homeowners can take to prevent gunk and other buildup from causing frequent clogs. Here’s how to tackle the biggest causes behind a clogged shower drain.