The Sparks/Reno Guide to Clearing Your Clogged Shower Drain
Reno’s Guide to Clearing Your Clogged Shower Drain
Your shower: a personal retreat for singing, deep thinking, and washing away the day’s grime. But nothing ruins your safe space like a standing pool of soapy water caused by a clogged drain.
The good news? With some everyday tools and a brave face, you can unclog your shower drain with relative ease.
What causes clogs? The usual suspects include hair, soap scum, and leftover residue from products like scrubs. Hair can be especially problematic for your shower drain-it can tangle, trap debris, and form a nasty looking clog. Add to that, showering with soap can add to the mix, creating a gooey mess that is very difficult to break up. Even worse, wet hair expands, making it resistant to chemical drain cleaners.
DIY Steps to Unclog Your Shower Drain
Before calling in a professional, gather these simple tools:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Boiling water (kettle)
- A wire coat hanger
- Flathead screwdriver
- A drain snake
- Rubber gloves
Step 1: Remove the Drain Cover
- Find a regular flathead screwdriver to lift the drain cover. Be patient and try not to scratch the finish-it may take a couple of tries but you will get there.
- Prepare yourself-you are most likely going to find a clump of hair and gunk. Just put on your gloves and stay determined.
Step 2: Inspect and Remove
- Use a flashlight to find your clog.
- Find an old wire coat hanger and use it to attack your clog.
Step 3: Vinegar and Baking Soda
- Pour a full cup of baking soda into your shower drain, and right after, add a cup of common white household vinegar.
- Let it do its magic (sit for about 15-20 minutes).
- The last step is to add boiling water to flush everything out.
Step 4: Do it again!
If the clog is still a problem, repeat the process from step 3. The bad news is that sometimes serious clogs can take a couple of attempts to get rid of them completely.
The chemical reaction from the baking soda and the vinegar helps dissolve your clog. And the boiling water simply clears out whatever is left in your drain.
Step 5: Use a Drain Snake
- Insert the drain snake into the pipe and turn its handle to push through curves and break up clogs.
- This tool is especially effective for deep or stubborn blockages.
Regular Maintenance: Keep Drains Clear
Prevent future clogs with simple habits:
- Pour boiling water down the drain weekly.
- Use the baking soda and vinegar method regularly.
- Install a mesh drain screen to catch hair.
- Be mindful of anything that you put down your drain.
When to Call Nevada Heating & Cooling…
Taking the time to prep your home’s plumbing for the winter will give you peace of mind. This is the kind of peace that comes with knowing you will be spending your money on the things you want–like cocoa and marshmallows–and not on unexpected and costly plumbing repairs.
If all else fails, don’t struggle with this. Call our Nevada Heating plumbers at 775-323-5585 or request service online to assist you in winterizing your Sparks, Nevada, home’s plumbing today.