A clogged shower drain can turn your relaxing rinse into a frustrating flood. Whether it’s hair, soap scum, or mystery gunk causing the backup, the good news is—you can usually clear it yourself in just a few easy steps.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to unblock a shower drain using basic tools and household items.
🧼 What Causes a Shower Drain Blockage?
The most common culprits include:
- Hair buildup
- Soap scum and shampoo residue
- Dirt and skin cells
- Small objects (razor caps, hair ties, etc.)
- Mineral buildup from hard water
Over time, these materials combine and form a stubborn clog just beneath the drain opening.
🛠️ What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following tools:
- Rubber gloves
- Drain snake or hair removal tool
- Screwdriver (if your drain has a cover)
- Baking soda and vinegar (natural solution)
- Boiling water
- Plunger (optional)
✅ Step-by-Step: How to Unblock a Shower Drain
Step 1: Remove the Drain Cover
Most shower drains have a cover that needs to be removed first.
- Use a screwdriver or pry it up gently with your fingers.
- Clean off any visible hair or gunk on the underside of the cover.
- Set it aside.
🔧 Tip: Wear gloves—it may get messy.
Step 2: Pull Out Hair and Debris Manually
Once the cover is off, check if you can see any obvious blockage.
- Use a hair removal tool, wire hanger, or long tweezers to pull out tangled hair and soap scum.
- You might be surprised how much comes out!
🧠 Be thorough: Remove as much as you can before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain
Boiling water can help melt grease, loosen soap scum, and dislodge smaller blockages.
- Boil about 2–3 liters of water and carefully pour it down the drain.
- Let it sit for 1–2 minutes.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid this step if you have PVC pipes (they can soften with heat).
Step 4: Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
This chemical-free reaction helps dissolve buildup in the pipes.
- Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain.
- Follow with 1 cup of white vinegar.
- Let it fizz and bubble for 15–30 minutes.
- Rinse with hot water afterward.
💡 Tip: Repeat this step monthly for ongoing maintenance.
Step 5: Snake or Plunge If Needed
Still draining slowly? Time to bring in reinforcements.
- Drain Snake: Insert the snake, turn the handle to catch the clog, and pull it out.
- Plunger: Create a seal around the drain and plunge a few times to dislodge the blockage.
Once the water flows freely, flush the drain with more hot water to clear away any remaining residue.
🧽 Bonus Tip: Prevent Future Clogs
- Install a hair catcher or mesh drain screen
- Avoid rinsing large clumps of hair or debris down the drain
- Regularly clean the drain with baking soda + vinegar
- Keep an eye on slow drainage—early signs of clogs
🧰 When to Call a Plumber
Call a professional if:
- The clog keeps coming back
- You hear gurgling noises or notice slow drainage throughout the home
- You suspect the blockage is deeper in the pipes
- DIY methods don’t resolve the issue
✅ Conclusion
Unclogging a shower drain doesn’t have to be a headache. With a few simple tools and a bit of elbow grease, you can get your shower flowing like new in no time.
Stay ahead of future clogs with regular maintenance, and don’t hesitate to call in a pro if the problem runs deeper.