How to Clean a Clogged Shower Drain (Fast, Easy, No Chemicals Needed)

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A slow-draining shower is almost always caused by hair and soap buildup — and the fix is simple. You don’t need chemicals, expensive tools, or a plumber. With the right steps, you can clear most shower drain clogs in under 10 minutes.

This guide gives you the fastest, safest, and most effective methods to unclog a shower drain.

1. Remove the Drain Cover

Step one is getting access to the actual clog.

How to remove it:

  • Pop-up covers: Pry up gently with fingers or a flat screwdriver
  • Screw-down covers: Remove the single screw in the center
  • Snap-in covers: Lift from the outer edge

Make sure to set the cover aside so you don’t lose the screw.

2. Pull Out the Hair + Gunk (Most Important Step)

This is the step that actually removes the clog 90% of the time.

Tools you can use:

  • Plastic drain snake ($5)
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Tweezers
  • Wire coat hanger (unfolded)

How to do it:

  1. Insert the tool into the drain.
  2. Twist slightly.
  3. Slowly pull upward.
  4. Remove hair and buildup.
  5. Repeat until you pull nothing else out.

You’ll usually get a gross ball of hair + soap scum. That’s your clog.

3. Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain

Once you remove the hair, break down any remaining soap buildup.

How:

  1. Boil a kettle or pot of water
  2. Slowly pour it down the drain in 2–3 stages
  3. Wait 20–30 seconds between pours

This melts soap scum and improves flow.

4. Use Baking Soda + Vinegar to Break Down Sludge

This natural reaction helps clear anything the boiling water didn’t get.

Steps:

  1. Pour 1 cup baking soda into the drain
  2. Add 1 cup white vinegar
  3. Let it fizz for 10–15 minutes
  4. Flush with hot water

This helps deodorize the drain too.

5. Deep Snake the Drain (If Still Slow)

If the drain is still slow, the clog may be deeper in the pipe.

What to do:

  1. Insert the drain snake 6–12 inches deep
  2. Twist and push down
  3. Pull up hair, soap, or debris
  4. Repeat 2–3 times

This usually clears stubborn clogs.

6. Clean the P-Trap (For Severe Clogs)

If you’ve tried everything and water still pools, the clog might be in the P-trap (the curved pipe).

This applies to tub/shower combos, not walk-in showers with sealed plumbing.

Steps:

  1. Locate the access panel behind the tub
  2. Place a bucket under the P-trap
  3. Unscrew the slip nuts
  4. Remove the trap and clean it out
  5. Reassemble and test the drain

Most people never need this step, but it guarantees results.

7. When to Call a Plumber

Call a professional if:

  • The drain backs up with dirty water
  • You hear gurgling noises in other drains
  • The clog keeps returning
  • Multiple drains are slow at the same time

These signs may indicate:

  • A main line blockage
  • A deeper sewer clog
  • Tree roots in the line
  • Vent pipe issues

How to Prevent Shower Drain Clogs

  • Install a drain hair catcher (cheap + effective)
  • Clean the catcher weekly
  • Run hot water after showers to flush soap
  • Avoid washing long hair directly into the drain

These simple habits prevent 90% of shower clog issues.

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