Over time, you would find that your shower is taking a very long time to drain, which is most likely caused by a blockage down the drain. As you can see, soap scum, hair and other debris from months of use and bathing will not only form a clog, but will also produce unpleasant drain odor. But before you call on a plumbing professional, who can charge you a hefty fee, know that there is a variety of ways to solve such a problem yourself. Here, you will learn how to clean a blocked shower drain using the most popular and effective methods.
Using Baking Soda and White Vinegar
This homemade remedy requires baking soda (also known as bicarbonate of soda or sodium bicarbonate), distilled white vinegar, a rag, and boiling water. For maximum effectiveness, do this when the shower won’t be needed for a few hours.
1. Pour half a cup of baking soda down your shower drain and follow it right away with a similar amount distilled white vinegar.
2. The mixture of baking soda and vinegar will create a fizzing action, so plug the drain with the rag. Leave it for at least 20 minutes to allow the mixture to work away at the blockage.
3. Boil water in a kettle and then pour the hot water down the drain quickly. This will be able to flush away the blockage.
4. Repeat the process if needed.
While performing this task, make sure you do not accidentally splash yourself with the baking soda-vinegar mixture and the boiling water. Better yet, should wear goggles and rubber gloves for extra protection.
Using Mechanical Tools
You can also try physically pulling out what is causing the clog in your drain, using a crochet hook or a thin wire coat hanger.
1. Get a wire hanger and then bend its end to make a small hook that can fit to be inserted down the drain.
2. Wear a pair of rubber gloves and have a container ready for whatever debris you might pull out from the hole.
3. Remove the screws holding the drain cover and set the pieces you removed aside.
4. Slowly insert the hook end of the bent hanger down the drain and do it in a slight twisting motion.
5. Slowly tug the hook in a slow and upward motion and see is you are pulling some debris out, which should go straight into the container you prepared.
After these steps, you can try checking if your shower is draining properly. If not, it is most likely that there is still debris left, so you can repeat the steps until the problem is solved.
Tips on Using Commercial Drain Cleaners
Note that there is a variety of commercial drain cleaners, which will help you remove small clogs with little effort. When using these products, remember to follow all the instructions on the label and observe proper safety precautions.
By taking the above-mentioned steps, you will be able to clear your blocked shower drain and make sure it is free of unfavorable odor.
