How to Clear a Clogged Shower Drain: 8 Methods

Since leaving college, Paul has worked in a variety of roles, including: painter and decorator, general handyman, and freelance writer.

In my experience, it is always best to avoid the expense of employing a plumber if you possibly can, and unclogging a shower drain yourself often isn’t as difficult as you might believe. The vast majority of clogged shower drain problems can be solved by using some fairly simple and straightforward methods and tools.

Once you have unclogged the shower drain, you should work on preventing or reducing the chances of it happening again (see my suggestions at the bottom of the page). Below are my eight suggested methods for how to clear a clogged shower drain.

8 Ways to Unclog a Shower Drain

1. Pour boiling water down the drain.
2. Use a plunger.
3. Use baking soda and vinegar (the natural alternative to chemicals)!
4. Take the drain cover off and pull out the clog by hand.
5. Use a hook.
6. Use a plumbers’ snake (also sometimes called a "toilet jack" or an "electric eel").
7. Use chemicals.
8. Call a plumber.

I'll go into each of these methods in detail below. I have taken into consideration the amount of expense and involvement needed for each approach. I discuss the easiest and cheapest methods first and then explain more involved and expensive ideas. (The only exception to this order is perhaps the chemical option, which is quick, easy, and affordable, but can cause some damage to your pipes, especially if done repeatedly.)

In my experience, unclogging a shower drain often requires a combination of more than one of these methods.

1. Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain

This can sometimes break down the soap or grease that is holding the clog together and clear the blockage.

How to Unclog Your Drain Using Boiling Water

• Boil water on the stove.
• Pour the boiling water down the drain.
• It's best to use a funnel or something to contain the water as you pour. If you have any expense shower or bathtub accessories, you don't want to spill boiling water on them.

Note: Used on its own, this method may not work, especially if you are dealing with a serious blockage that contains a lot of matted hair and has built up over time. However, it may partially clear the blockage and work fully when used in conjunction with another method listed below.

2. Try Using a Plunger

The nature of the blockage, where the clog is in the drain, and the design of your drain will determine how successful plunging will be. If the clog is deep and made of hair, for instance, you might struggle to get enough suction for plunging to be effective.

How to Unclog Your Shower Drain Using a Plunger

• Try adding petroleum jelly to the edge of the suction pad to get a better seal.
• Add water to the shower so that the end of the plunger is submerged.
• Plunge vigorously.

Note: Plunging is another method that often has a low success rate when it comes to showers, in my experience, but it is always worth a try, as the time and costs involved are minimal.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar (the Natural Alternative to Chemicals)

This is a more natural solution than using cleaning chemicals.

How to Unclog a Shower Drain Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

• Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain.
• Wait for a few minutes.
• Pour a cup of vinegar down the drain too.
• Wait for a couple of hours to see if the hair clog gets dissolved.
• Clean out the drain by pouring boiling water down it.

Note: Although this method is ecologically preferable, and won't cause damage to plastic pipes, you may still end up having to resort to chemicals.

4. Take off the Drain Cover and Pull Out the Clog by Hand

This method has a fairly good chance of success, but it involves using your hands, so I advise wearing rubber gloves.

How to Unclog a Shower Drain by Hand

• First you need to remove the drain cover.
• Sometimes there is a screw in the middle that you have to take out.
• Other times you can pry the drain cover off using a screwdriver.
• Look inside the drain and locate the clog.
• Use a flashlight, if necessary.
• If the clog is within reach, pull it out with your fingers.
• If it is not in reach, go to method number 5.

Note: This is a great method for fixing clogs caused by small objects or hair, but is not very effective at fixing clogs caused by mineral build up. You may still need to use chemicals or resort to another method.

5. Use a Hook

This is one of the oldest methods for fixing these problems and has a fairly high success rate.

How to Unclog Your Shower Drain Using a Hook

• If you can’t reach the blockage by hand, then try fishing out the clog with a piece of wire.
• Improvise a tool with a wire coat hanger, fashioning a hook at the end of it.

Note: If you have a clog caused by mineral buildup, this might not be the best method for unclogging your drain.

6. Use a Plumbers’ Snake (a.k.a. a "Toilet Jack" or an "Electric Eel")

This is another cheap method for fixing clogs that will not require you to spend much at all. This method also works more often than not. It has a fairly high success rate.

How to Unclog Your Shower Drain Using a Plumbers' Snake

• Push the snake down the drain until you reach the clog.
• Turn the snake’s handle and bring it back up.
• Run water to test the drain and verify that the clog is entirely removed.

Note: Clogs caused by roots require more than just a plumbers' snake and many clogs will not even require that this tool is used.

7. Use Chemicals

Most hardware stores and supermarkets sell strong chemical cleaners designed to unblock drains. Follow the instructions carefully.

How to Unclog a Shower Drain Using Chemicals

• Follow the directions on the packaging and make sure not to use too much. The amount you use will vary.
• Wear gloves and goggles.
• Don't mix your chemicals. This could cause poisonous gas.
• Pour chemicals down the drain.

Note: Don’t resort to chemicals lightly, as they can cause damage to your drainage pipes, especially if you use this method repeatedly. Using chemicals is normally a quick, easy, and affordable method, however. You can minimize their future use by avoiding future blockages (see bottom of page)!

Chemical Products Used to Fix Clogs

8. Call a Plumber

If you don’t want to start taking your drain apart and are uneasy about using chemicals, or they don't work, then you will have to call out a professional plumber. It’s by far the least affordable option and clearly the last resort, if you are looking to save on expense.

That said, it is also the least trouble.

What Causes a Drain to Become Clogged?

A clogged shower drain is usually caused by a clump of knotted hair, dirt, grease, and/or soap. As well as binding the clump together, the hair often wraps around parts of the drain and makes the blockage difficult to move.

Clogs occur much more frequently in homes where one or more of the shower users has long hair, as short hair is much less likely to get caught in the drain system.

Less common causes of clogs include a mineral buildup in the drain, and the main drainage pipes being compromised by tree roots and/or general decay.

Causes of Clogged Shower Drains

Symptoms of a Clogged Shower Drain

The first time that you realize that you have a problem is when you find yourself standing in a deep puddle of water in the shower because the water isn’t draining as it should.

Unfortunately, once the drainage problems have begun, they will usually only get worse over time, unless action is taken. Generally speaking, the sooner that you deal with the problem, the easier it will be to resolve.

How to Prevent Future Clogs

Prevention is always better than cure, so once you've fixed your problem, don't neglect to minimize the chances of your shower drain getting clogged again. You should certainly consider buying a drain protector, if you haven't already got one, to catch hair and stop other debris from blocking up the drain.

A secure soap dish can help too, as soap contributes to clogs by sticking knots of hair together into larger clumps. (It goes without saying that loose soap sliding around on the floor of the shower can also cause serious accidents!)

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Questions & Answers

Question: How can I fix a very slow draining bathtub?

Answer: If the blockage is not too serious, you may be able to clear it with baking soda and vinegar, which foams up to loosen the clog. Run the water afterward. A commercial liquid drain clog remover can be used instead of baking soda and vinegar. Also, try using a plunger to unclog the drain. If you still can't clear the blockage, then you should try using a plumber's snake. Remove the drain cover, or the overflow panel, to gain access for the snake. Push the snake down until you hit the clog, then push and pull the snake vigorously - or turn it on if it's electric - until the blockage is cleared. Replace the drain cover afterwards and run the water to rinse away any remainders of the clog.

Question: Must it be white vinegar instead of "brown" vinegar that will unclog a shower drain?

Answer: It is the acetic acid content of the vinegar that matters, this is what determines how well the vinegar will work to unclog a drain, but most types of vinegar should work.

Question: I have a slow shower drain what can I do?

Answer: First of all, if all your drains and toilets are backing up, then the problem will almost certainly require calling a plumber, as the problem is more serious than just one slow drain. If it is just the one shower drain, then the easiest thing to try first is to use a plunger to dislodge the blockage. You can also use a commercial drain clearer to dissolve the clog, although these chemicals can also damage your pipes if used regularly. A more natural alternative is to try baking soda and vinegar to clear the blockage. If those methods don't work, then remove the drain cover and see if you can visually identify the clog. Maybe you can fish it out with your (gloved) hand or with a hook (you can make one from an old coat hanger). If you are still struggling then the next stage is using a plumber's snake. If that doesn't work, then you will have to call a plumber. Most clogs in shower drains are caused by a build up of hair and soap, so will only get worse if not dealt with.

Question: What if there is black stuff is coming out of the drain?

Answer: It's possible that your whole drainage system is backing up, and that it is raw sewerage that you're seeing. You should be able to tell from the smell. Another sign of this is when multiple drains and toilets in the building are no longer draining or flushing properly. This will be a job for a professional plumber, if so, as there are serious health hazards as well as plumbing issues involved.

© 2011 Paul Goodman

Comments

DLLAKIN on May 16, 2020:

Finally got shower drain fixed with your method of soda, vinegar and very hot water. House is 50 years old, shower on 2nd floor. This worked like a charm after 2 other attempts. Thanks for such great directions and precautions suggested. Gloves, glasses etc are good idea. Long process, but worked.

Vittorio on October 18, 2019:

My shower drain was clogged, I used boiling water and now it is fixed. Thanks Paul.

Rainbow640 on October 09, 2019:

I tried this on my drain and it worked. I first used a plunger then I used a hanger and it pulled out a bunch of hair. Now my shower is working perfectly.

Bottom4HngTop on September 17, 2019:

The house we bought was custom built.. Super rich guy owned it. We bought it from original owner and agent told us one of the issues was a slow draining tub downstairs, we laughed it off and thought nothing of it. Years into owning after trying EVERYTHING, we didn't think it was funny anymore. We finally called a plumber, he tried the auger/snake but it didn't work. He went into his truck and had an iPad and a long cable. He connected the cable and iPad and it was a camera!! He inserted the camera and way inside he found a piece of concrete, however that device program worked he knew where the blockage was and spraypainted an "X" where the repairman should dig. Next day we had a repair guy come and excavated the concrete, cut out the section the previous guy sprayed and was shocked at what we found. After we sprayed the nasty AF sh!t off, bring said "F*CK Y0U" spray painted on it. My dad was an electrician at the time but worked for a big company. He asked around if anyone knew who did the electric on that house, he found out and questioned the electrician about the guy who did the pipe work throughout the house. Turns out the dude who was on that job was working for free cause he couldn't pay back a 3000 loan. LOL The rich guy's wife validated that yes he did owe her husband money. Her husband currently passed away which was why she was downsizing, After that she never saw him or heard from him again.

Daniel RS on July 17, 2019:

What they suggested 8 thing to do is all wrong, costly and hard work!

I have one easy fix for shower and sink drains. But, i promised my plumber not to say because he would loose plenty of business.

Lily on June 12, 2019:

I have slow shower drain in my BRAND NEW house! I beleive it could be my hair, since I have alot of it, and its waist length.... however one of my issues or prpblems is that I do not know how to remove the stopper. No matter which way I turn it I can't pull it out. I would post a picture but that option is not available here.

Any suggestions?

Kim on December 01, 2018:

Thanks! My drain was blocked this morning and I was about to start plans to get a plumber in as soon as weekend was over. Then I poured boiling water down and sorted of poked around a bit and the water build up slipped down through the pipes immediately. Am also keeping in mind what you suggest by way of factors that cause it in the first place. Hair clumps most likely culprit!

joethehoehandyman on September 12, 2018:

this article helped me save my family money not having a plumber come to service our shower drain i followed the steps and fixed my drain thoroughly, thank you

Georgia on March 06, 2018:

The plunger method has always worked for me. Just fill the tub a few inches with the hottest water you can and then start plunging. I have lots of thick hair so I actually have to do this quite regularly. My father used to buy an aerisolized can thing but we discovered that the plunger usually works just as well.

Diana on March 01, 2018:

my cover doesn't come off...it's glued in. Any other recommendations?

Lester on January 16, 2018:

Success! We poured boiling water into the shower drain first, waited 10 minutes, put in the baking soda and vinegar, waited 2 hours, more boiling water, then snaked the drain. Ewww...it looked like we pulled a small animal out of the drain, we got so much stuff out! Now I need to find a drain protector so it doesn't build up again.

kay on December 06, 2017:

I have used the baking soda and vinegar combo a lot for a clogged toilet. Tried the shower drain with little success. 2nd round, I placed a cup on top to trap the bubbles working. Success! When I poured boiling water in, it went straight down instead of washing up goo. Hurray! Hope the hair clog makes it out of our disintegrating clay pipes under the basement!

Matt on October 01, 2017:

Baking soda and vinegar neutralize each other to form water and a salt. The bubbles may look like cleaning is going on but all that's happening is carbon dioxide is released. using vinegar or baking soda separately will work better in almost all cases for cleaning.

Clark on August 24, 2017:

The advice here is good. But for the record, baking soda and vinegar are both chemicals.

Fred on July 29, 2017:

Thank you so much for your advice. Our bathroom sink drains cleared with baking soda and vinegar! Yippee! A big thank you!!

yessica on July 25, 2017:

My parents have a cloged drain in the shower it has been like that for 4 years now the landlord has tried but could not fix it. With the plunger it seems to slowly go down but it takes alot of time do .my parents they usually scoop out the water with buckets. Can anything be done or would they have to excavate the pipes

Science teacher on April 05, 2017:

Baking soda isn't a chemical? It's also known as sodium bicarbonate or NaHCO3. What about vinegar? Or should I say Acetic acid, aka CH3COOH.

Mary on April 01, 2017:

Thank you for the great advice.

Chichi on February 23, 2017:

Your pieces was sure a nice one. Well done.

Chichi on February 21, 2017:

Thank you. I now know the symptoms of clogged shower drain and how to prevent them. That was a niece piece.

aynsley on November 18, 2016:

Is it normal when you use a snake in the shower stall drain that the snake comes back up through the bathroom drain or does it mean I have a real problem. Help.

Brent on September 07, 2016:

What if the cliff isn't hair, grease, or soap. What if it's a cap from a can of hairspray?

jamar on September 02, 2016:

This was very helpful

John Devis on July 27, 2016:

Thanks for sharing this post. I really liked the point number 3 in the above post as combination of Baking Soda and Vinegar can be a very powerful alternative to chemicals.

jougy55@yahoo.com on December 18, 2013:

someone suggested using acid? seems like it could cause problems with the piping!!

Susette Horspool from Pasadena CA on August 19, 2012:

I've often used a plunger, but never thought about pouring boiling water down the drain first. I'll have to try that. I've also never plunged underwater - didn't know that creates a better seal. So I have two things to try. My final solution? Call the apartment manager for our repair guy to come (lol).

Mel on January 27, 2012:

Thank you for your advice, it worked perfectly yay!! No more turning off the water halfway through a shower for fear of flooding!! THANKS :)