How to Fix a Shower Drain That’s Draining Slowly

Standing in a pool of water while you shower isn’t just uncomfortable but it can also lead to bigger issues like mold, mildew, and even damage to your bathroom’s structure over time. The good news? Fixing a slow shower drain is often easier than you think, and with the right approach, you can solve the problem yourself quickly, without needing to call in a professional.

Key Points

• Hair buildup is the most common cause of slow shower drains.
• Boiling water can help break down minor clogs like soap or grease.
• Using a plunger is an effective method to clear a slow shower drain.
• Baking soda and vinegar are natural household solutions to unclog shower drains.
• A plumber’s snake can trap hair or grease buildup in the drain.

Identify the Cause of the Slow Drain

When your shower drain is slow, finding the main problem is key. Hair and debris often cause clogs. They block water flow over time.

Common Causes of Clogged Shower Drains

• Hair and debris: Hair, along with other materials like skin and soap residue, can easily build up in the drain, creating a blockage.
• Soap scum: The combination of soap, hard water, and minerals can create a sticky, stubborn buildup that impedes water flow.
• Hard water deposits: Mineral deposits from hard water can gradually accumulate and clog the drain.
• Pet fur: If you wash your furry friends in the shower, their hair can contribute to the clogging issue.

Knowing why your shower drain is slow is the first step. It could be hair, soap scum, or hard water. Finding out helps you fix it right.

Try Boiling Water for a Quick Fix

If your shower drain is slow, try pouring boiling water down it. This can clear out soap, grease, or other small blockages. It’s a simple way to help when used with another method, like for lots of hair and buildup.

But boiling water might not fix big clogs. For serious blockages, you might need to use a plunger or plumbing snake.

Try mixing baking soda and white vinegar, then wait 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water. This can clear clogs without harsh chemicals. It’s a good DIY way to fix your shower drain.

Removing clogs by hand is also good. You’ll need gloves, a screwdriver, and some elbow grease. It works well for hair clogs. Making a wire-hanger hook can help reach and remove visible clogs.

Chemicals should be a last choice for tough clogs. They can harm you or the drain if not used right. If DIY methods don’t work, it’s time to call a pro plumber.

Use a Plunger to Dislodge the Clog

A slow shower drain can be fixed with a plunger. It’s a great tool for unclogging drains. Here’s how to use it right:

How to Effectively Plunge a Shower Drain

1. Make sure the plunger fits tight over the drain. Press it down gently to seal it.
2. Fill the shower with water until the plunger’s rubber is covered. This should be about 1-2 inches.
3. Plunge the drain hard up and down many times. Do this 15-20 times to create suction.
4. Keep plunging until the water drains faster.

Use a sink plunger, not a toilet plunger, for shower drains. It’s important to seal well and have enough water. With effort, you can clear the clog and fix the drain.

The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

Boiling water and plunging might not work for all clogs. But, a baking soda and vinegar mix can help. It’s a green and cheap way to fix small clogs in your shower.

To use it, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Then, add the same amount of white vinegar. Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with hot water. This mix reacts to break down and clear out clogs.

This method is great for hair, soap scum, and grease clogs. The fizzing action helps get rid of these common clog causes. For the best results, do it a few times until the drain is clear.

But, this method is best for organic clogs. For tough clogs, you might need to try other methods like a plumbing snake. Yet, this easy DIY trick is a good first step for a slow shower drain.

Use a Plumbing Snake or Auger

If boiling water or a plunger didn’t work, try a plumbing snake or auger. These tools can get deep into the drain. They can break up or pull out tough blockages.

Put the snake or auger into the drain and turn it clockwise. Push it gently forward. The snake’s flexible cable can go around bends to find the clog. But, be careful not to hurt your pipes.

A bathtub drain is 1 1/2 inches wide, and a shower drain is 2 inches. A 1/4- or 5/16-inch cable is good for most home drains. A 25-foot cable is used in drum augers for deeper drains.

Snake your shower drain every month or two, depending on how much you use it. A pro can fix it fast, but it might take longer for a beginner.

If the snake or auger can’t fix it, call a plumber. This is true if other parts of your home are clogged too. It might mean a bigger problem in the drain or sewer line.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If DIY fixes don’t work, it’s time to call a professional plumber. Plumbers know a lot about plumbing. They have special tools to fix tough drain problems safely and well.

Ignoring a slow drain can lead to bigger plumbing problems. This can cost a lot to fix later. Signs you need a plumber for shower drain issues include clogs, bad smells, and water that won’t go away. These mean you need an expert plumbing service to fix it.

Getting a professional plumber ensures your shower drain is fixed right. They keep your plumbing system safe and prevent future problems. If DIY doesn’t work, it’s time to call the pros.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my shower draining slowly, but my sink drains just fine?
A slow shower drain while the sink works normally is often due to a clog isolated in the shower drain. Hair, soap scum, or debris may be blocking the shower pipe, while the sink has a clear path for water flow. Since these fixtures usually drain through separate pipes, one can clog without affecting the other.

How often should I clean my shower drain to avoid clogs?
It’s a good practice to clean your shower drain once a month to prevent buildup. Regularly removing any hair that collects and using a simple mixture of baking soda and vinegar will help keep the drain free of obstructions.

Can I use bleach to clear a slow-draining shower?
Using bleach isn’t ideal for clearing clogs, as it can harm your pipes and isn’t effective at breaking down common clog materials like hair or soap buildup. Opt for a drain cleaner specifically designed for clogs or a natural method, like using baking soda and vinegar.

Is it safe to use boiling water to clear my drain, or could it damage the pipes?
Boiling water is safe for most metal pipes and can help dissolve soap scum or minor blockages. However, if your home has PVC pipes, it’s best to use hot tap water instead, as boiling water can potentially weaken or damage plastic pipes over time.

What’s the best way to prevent hair from clogging my shower drain?
The most effective way to prevent hair clogs is by using a drain cover designed to catch hair before it goes down the drain. Be sure to clean the cover regularly to keep hair from building up and causing blockages.

How can I tell if a clog is deep in the pipes?
If using a plunger, drain snake, or cleaner doesn’t fix the issue, or if water is backing up in multiple drains in your home, the clog might be located deeper within your plumbing system. This is a sign you may need professional help to address a blockage further down the line.

Need more help with a shower drain that drains too slow? Please leave your comment below and we will get back to you with expert help.