Unclogging a Shower Drain: At-Home Tips for Orange County Homeowners

For major drain clogs, we recommend calling a professional plumber. However, many times a shower drain clog can be solved right at home. These shower drain unclogging tips are simple and easy to follow for most homeowners in Orange County. And, they should do the trick to getting your shower working properly again!

1. Use a Plunger

First, the trusty old plunger! Many times, if the clog is not too deep in the drain, you can be successful at creating enough suction with a plunger to break-up the shower drain clog. Make sure to fill the shower with enough water to cover the plunger head and then plunge vigorously! Please note: plungers are not always the most effective way to unclog a shower drain; however, they are a great place to start! Check out this YouTube video to learn the best plunging technique.

2. Pour Boiling Water Down the Shower Drain

If you drain clog is mostly soap and grease, pouring boiling water down the drain might do the trick! Boiling water can break-up some drain clogs and allow them to clear into your drainage pipe. The process is simple: boil water on the stove and pour it down the shower drain. Be careful not to burn yourself!

3. Take Off the Drain Cover and Remove the Clog by Hand

If your clog is mainly hair and is close to the drain surface, this technique is right for you! Simply use a screw driver to loosen the two screws holding the drain cover into place. Next, while wearing a glove carefully put your hand in the drain and try to pull out the clog. Be careful not to shove your hand too deep in the drain or it might get stuck! Also watch out for sharp edges in the drain and around the lip of the drain.

4. Use a Plumber Drain Snake

A plumber snake can be a great and effective alternative if the previous methods just aren’t working. There is a right and wrong way, however, to properly use a plumbing snake. And, many homeowners do not have a plumbing snake lying around in the toolshed. If you do not have access to a snake, call us today and we can help you unclog your shower drain. If you do have a drain snake, check out this YouTube video on how to properly use it!

5. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar is an old at-home remedy for clearing drain clogs! Take off the shower drain cover, and pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Next, wait a few minutes and pour a cup of vinegar down the drain. The combination of the two might be enough to break-up your clog and clear your shower’s drain!

So, What Should I Do If I Cannot Clear My Drain Clog?

If you cannot clear your shower drain clog, you need to call a professional plumber in Irvine to help clean the drain. At bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Orange County, we’ve been repairing showers and cleaning shower drains for many years! Give us a call today and we can guide you through your options! (949) 775-4682

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