A clogged shower drain is one of those little issues around the house that can happen unexpectedly. One moment, the water drains fine; the next, you’re standing in ankle-deep soap and suds. While this is a common issue in homes, that doesn’t mean it’s one to overlook. Left unaddressed, clogged shower drains can cause bigger plumbing problems later on.
At Larkin Plumbing, the best plumbing company in Las Vegas, we recognize that not every plumbing issue needs to be handled by a licensed professional right away; sometimes, taking care of the problem yourself is enough. For that reason, we put together this easy-to-follow guide consisting of the best tips and tricks to get your shower drain unclogged in no time. If you are an experienced Do-It-Yourself type or you’ve never tried it, these simple house drain cleaning tips can help keep your drains moving smoothly.
Tips & Tricks To Unclog a Shower Drain
1. Start With a Visual Inspection
Before you grab tools or cleaners for drain cleaning & repair, start with a quick visual inspection. Remove the drain cover and look to see what’s inside. Often the problem is at the surface: lots of hair, soap scum, and debris can congregate at the top of the drain. Feel free to use a flashlight to investigate any visible problem areas and use a pair of gloves to remove gunk.
It may not be a glamorous job, but you might be amazed at how often a clog can be alleviated at the surface, where it’s visible.
2. Use a Drain Snake or Zip-It Tool
If a clog isn’t immediately visible, the next best bet is to use a drain snake (sometimes called an auger) or a plastic Zip-It Tool. These relatively inexpensive tools are designed to go deeper into the drain to pull out hair and debris that’s less visible.
Here’s how to use one effectively:
- Insert the tool into the drain slowly
- Wiggle and rotate the tool around to grab debris
- Carefully pull it out
- Throw the junk in the trash (do not flush it!)
- Repeat as necessary
This method is especially useful for showers that clog frequently due to long hair or soap buildup.
3. Try the Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
This is a classic duo and a favorite of DIYers for good reason. Baking soda and vinegar are simple, safe, and shockingly effective clogged drain cleaners.
Here’s how to do it and the things you will need: 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1 cup of white vinegar, kettle or pot of boiling water
- Pour the baking soda into the drain
- Then pour in the vinegar
- Let the mixture fizz and sit for 15–20 minutes
- Flush it with a kettle or pot of boiling water
This chemical reaction can break down grime and residue without harsh chemicals. This is also an environmentally friendly method, which is always a good thing.
4. Use a Plunger (Yes, Even in the Shower)
Most people think of toilets when they think of a plunger, but they actually can do a lot of work on shower drains, too. Using a plunger is one of the most useful clogged shower drain solutions which can be beneficial in commercial & residential drain cleaning.
Make sure that there is enough water in the shower pan to cover the base of the plunger, put the plunger over the drain, press down to make a seal. Plunge up and down several times with vigor!
If it isn’t too deep or solid, plunging it may loosen and dislodge the blockage. Don’t forget to clean up your plunger when done (and consider using it only on drains if that’s easier on your sensibilities).
5. AVOID Chemical Drain Cleaners
It may be tempting for you to pick up a bottle of heavy-duty drain cleaner; please be careful. A lot of commercial products are extremely strong chemical substances that will eat away at and affect your pipes over time, especially if used repeatedly. Chemical drain cleaners can also pose health risks if not handled properly.
At Larkin Plumbing, we’ve seen long-term effects of these products on plumbing systems. If you feel you must use a commercial product, try to use an enzyme-based cleaner designed specifically for shower drains, and pay particular attention to the instructions.
6. Flush Your Drain With Hot Water Regularly
Even if your shower drain seems to be working fine, maintenance can prevent clogs before they happen. Once a week, pour a kettle of hot (not boiling) water down the drain to dissolve soap scum and wash away any early buildup.
This will help extend the life of your pipes and your shower drain will be flowing smoothly with minimal effort.
7. Invest In a Drain Cover
The best cure is prevention. One of the best and most economical options for reducing clogs is a mesh or silicone drain cover. They sit over your drain and catch hair, soap pieces, and debris before it enters your pipes.
It is of utmost importance to clean the cover regularly to ensure it works effectively. Although it’s a small step. Even with regular cleaning, it will save you time and headaches in the future.
8. Know When To Call a Professional
Sometimes, no matter what you try, the clog just won’t come out. Or the drain line is clear, but continues to drain slowly or gurgle. These mean you may have a more serious issue deeper in your plumbing system; possibly a blocked main line, or damaged pipes.
That’s when it’s time to call the plumber for drain cleaning and drain pipe cleaning services. Larkin Plumbing provides the best drain repair service, and our licensed and insured technicians on our team have the tools, training, and experience to identify and eliminate even the toughest shower drain clogs. Our house drain cleaning experts do this through high-tech video inspections or hydro-jetting services, and the technology, training, and experience we have. Our professional drain unclogger experts can handle any plumbing problem efficiently and effectively, and provide top-notch clogged drain cleaning services in Las Vegas and surrounding areas.
Why Trust Larkin Plumbing?
We have been serving the Las Vegas Valley for over 85 years, fixing every type of drain issue from clogs to blockages with professionalism and care. As a family-owned and operated business, we have built a reputation for trustworthy, personalized local plumber services that reflects our commitment to the community. Our licensed, bonded, and insured technicians are trained continuously to stay up to date with the latest tools, techniques, and technology so every job is done right the first time.
With a fully equipped fleet, transparent pricing, and a customer-first approach, we offer fast service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. Whether you need a 24/7 plumbing service, emergency plumbers service & maintenance, or a full plumbing system inspection, Larkin Plumbing is the name Las Vegas residents have trusted for generations, for plumbing and clogged drain services.
While clogged shower drains are inconvenient, you will want to get on top of these repairs sooner rather than later, before they become even more inconvenient. These tips should help you clear out most minor clogs with ease and give you the satisfaction of knowing you saved time and money. Again, when DIY isn’t working, or you’re simply not sure, calling a professional who can put your mind at ease is always a smart option.
If your drain is being persistent and you are looking for a reliable plumbing services in Las Vegas, Summerlin, & Henderson, don’t hesitate to contact Larkin Plumbing for expert clogged drain cleaning services, and let us help you fix all your clogged drain issues.
