How to Unblock a Shower Drain

Overview

A slow draining shower is usually caused by hair and soap buildup. This guide covers clearing the shower drain.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Carefully remove the shower grate or cover plate. Most grates can be lifted by hand, but some may require a screwdriver to unfasten small screws; store these screws safely to avoid losing them. Once removed, inspect the opening for visible hair and debris, which is often the primary cause of slow drainage.
2. Put on a pair of strong rubber gloves to protect your hands, then reach into the drain opening with your gloved hand or use a pair of tweezers or needle-nose pliers. Pull out any hair, soap scum, or other visible debris you can reach. Dispose of the waste in a bin, not down the toilet, and check if the drain now appears clear and if water flows more freely.
3. Boil a kettle of water, then carefully pour it slowly down the drain to help dissolve any remaining soap scum and grease that might be clinging to the pipes. Wait a few minutes after pouring, then test the drainage again by running the shower on a low setting for a moment to see if the water flows away more quickly. Be cautious not to scald yourself or splash the hot water onto plastic fittings if your shower tray is not designed for high heat.
4. If the water is still draining slowly, insert a drain snake or a plumbing auger into the drain opening and carefully push it down until you feel resistance. Gently rotate and push the snake to break up or hook onto any deeper blockages, then slowly pull it back out, hopefully bringing the obstruction with it. Repeat this process a few times until you no longer feel significant resistance and ensure you've removed as much debris as possible.
5. Once you believe the blockage is clear, run the shower on hot for several minutes to thoroughly flush the drain and wash away any remaining loosened debris. Check that the water is now flowing freely and quickly down the drain without pooling before carefully replacing the shower grate or cover plate and securing any screws you removed earlier.

Common Symptoms & Diagnostic Resolutions

Review the common error codes and operating symptoms below to quickly identify the root cause of the fault before ordering replacement parts.

Frequently Asked Questions