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How to Unblock a Shower Drain

If you have a clogged shower drain, it's easy to get stressed and want a quick fix. However, don’t dump liquid clog remover down there! Typically, people will start by doing this and then call a plumber if that doesn’t work. The problem is that even if this “works” by removing the clog, it can easily damage your pipes in the process, making them more likely to crack and leak later on. The problem is that liquid drain remover is so strong that the caustic chemicals inside actually eat away at your pipes, thinning them out over time. This is especially true in older homes where the pipes are already worn from regular use as well.

Instead, use a tool to unclog your shower drain gently to avoid damaging your pipes. Which tool you use will depend on the severity of the clog. The best kind of tool to try first is a handheld toothed plastic drain snake. These small, low-profile tools are great at grabbing chunks of hair from inside your drain. Often times freeing the hair can help to get water moving again even if there is still other sediment in there because gunk catches on hair, causing big problems. If that doesn’t work because the clog is too deep or there isn’t much hair for it to grab, you can try a drain plunger. Depending on the surface of your shower, you may not be able to create enough suction for a plunger to work effectively. If that’s the case (or if a plunger still doesn’t cause the clog to budge) you can use more advanced tools like a hand-operated or drill-powered drain auger, or even an air blast plunger to power through the toughest clogs. Of course, most homeowners don’t have these kinds of tools, and buying them doesn’t make a lot of sense if you don’t anticipate needing to use them frequently.

If you have a stubborn drain clog, call a local plumber to get your shower drain working again! A nearby plumber can come out quickly to fix the issue so you can use your shower comfortably again. Call a licensed plumber today!

Additional resources:
What Not To Do When Unclogging a Drain
Roto Rooting Explained
What is Hydro Jetting?
How Much does a Plumber Charge to Unclog a Shower?
Is this a Plumbing Emergency?
Do You Need Sewer Rodding?
What is Sewer Rodding?
24 Hour Roto Rooting Companies Near Me
Cost of Roto Rooting
How Much is it to Get Your Sewer Line Cleaned Out?
Ways to Unclog a Shower
Who can do Drain Cleaning?
Why is My Shower Drain Clogged?
Do your Pipes Need Water Jetting?
Who does Sewer Jetting?
Jetting or Rodding? Which is Better?
How Much is it to Remove a Clog from your Sewer Line?
The Best Drain Clog Remover
Shower Drain Unclogging tips
Is that Smell Coming from My Drain?