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Ways to Unclog Shower Drains

Unfortunately, unlike a clogged toilet, a clogged shower drain is usually harder to solve without the help of a local plumber. When a toilet gets clogged, it can be due to waste matter and toilet paper, both of which are relatively easy to dissolve using common household items like dish soap, hot water, and bleach. However, a shower drain clog is typically due to a build up of hair and shower product residue over a longer period. And without the help of pressurized water from a toilet flush, a shower clog can stick around or reoccur over days or weeks or months. As a result, it’s often a more stubborn clog because the materials get more compacted and are less likely to dissolve naturally over time. Of course, you can use the same types of DIY clog techniques, but if they don’t work, you will probably need to call a local plumber to come out and use their professional tools on the clog.

Some homeowners try liquid drain cleaner on their showers, but we don’t recommend this for two reasons. First, drain cleaner can thin out your pipes over time, making them weaker and more brittle, increasing the likelihood of cracks and leaks. Secondly, while drain cleaner may work in bathroom sinks, pouring it into your shower can be dangerous because this is an area that comes into contact with your skin. So if the drain cleaner does not work to clear the clog and go down the drain, it will be left in the bottom of your shower and getting in there to work on the clog without getting your body into the cleaner will be very difficult (if not impossible based on where your drain is located relative to the shower door opening). Even if the drain cleaner does work, improperly washing it out from your shower can leave remnants on the shower floor, bringing it into contact with your bare feet when you shower next. The danger is even higher in a bathtub where children and adults will sit with some of their most sensitive body parts exposed. Since these chemicals are caustic, they can cause extreme pain and serious skin reactions that can land you in the hospital and leave permanent scars. In the case of bathtubs, these chemicals can also come into contact with faces and eyes, which can result in breathing problems and blindness. Don’t mess with drain cleaners in your shower or bathtub!

Instead, call a local plumbing company to come remove the clog. They have the tools needed to vacuum suck out minor clogs, roto root through stubborn blockages, and even replace any piping that has been damaged by long-term plumbing issues, if needed.

Additional resources:
Drain Cleaning FAQ: Do This & Don't Do That!
Ways to Remove a Clog
Expert Clog Removal Tips
Does Dishwashing Detergent Work on a Clog?
Should You Pour Bleach Down a Clogged Drain?
Is Roto Rooting an Emergency?
Who Can I Call for Roto Rooting Right Now?
Who Replaces Showers?
How to Know When You need to Replace your Shower
The Cost of Unclogging a Tub
Why Is My Drain Clogged?