There’s nothing more frustrating than standing ankle-deep in water during your morning shower. A slow-draining or fully blocked shower can turn your bathroom routine into a soggy mess. Luckily, unblocking a shower drain is often easier than you think - and in many cases, you don’t need to call a plumber!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of blocked shower drains and give you easy, effective ways to fix them.
What causes a blocked shower drain?
Before we get our hands dirty (literally), it helps to understand why shower drains get clogged in the first place. The most common culprits are:
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Hair: Probably the biggest offender. Hair binds with soap scum and forms stubborn clumps.
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Soap scum: Some soaps contain fats that combine with minerals in water, creating a sticky residue.
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Limescale: Especially common in hard water areas.
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Foreign objects: Small items like shampoo lids, razor caps or kids’ toys can cause hidden blockages.
Step-by-step: How to unblock your shower drain
1. Boiling water
A good first step for minor clogs such as soap scum and minor grease build-up is to use some hot water from your kettle to try and shift the blockage.
How: Boil a kettle and slowly pour the water down the drain in two stages, giving a few seconds between each pour.
2. Manual hair removal
Time to roll up your sleeves and see if you can get the build up of hair out with your own hands. Warning - this can be messy and a little smelly!
How: Ideally pop some washing up gloves on and remove the drain cover. Placing your hand in the drain, try to remove any visible hair and gunk by hand. You may need to grab some tweezers to help. A bent wire hanger is another great alternative that can do the trick.
3. Baking soda and vinegar
A natural, chemical-free option that can help to shift those clogs by wearing down the grime. The fizzy reaction between the two products breaks down grime and dislodges build-up.
How: Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain. Follow with half a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a plug or cloth and leave for 15–30 minutes. Flush with hot water.
4. Use a drain snake
Also known as a plumber’s snake, this handy tool reaches deeper blockages. You can usually pick one up at most DIY shops or online.
How: Insert it into the drain, twist and pull out any gunk.
5. Try a drain un-blocker
When the natural methods don’t work you can always try a more chemical approach with a drain un-blocker.
How: Follow the instructions on the product carefully and always wear gloves.
Warning: Don’t mix chemicals or use them after vinegar/baking soda as this can be dangerous and create harmful fumes.
How to keep your drain flowing
There are a few simple ways you can keep your drain flowing and your shower routine smooth.
Use a drain catcher: These simple tools sit over your drain and trap hair before it causes problems.
Flush monthly: Pour hot water or use the baking soda/vinegar trick once a month to stay ahead of clogs.
Avoid greasy soaps: They may smell great but can contribute to build-up over time.
When to call a professional
If you’ve tried all of the above and your shower still isn’t draining properly, or if water is backing up elsewhere in the bathroom, it’s time to call a plumber. The blockage may be further down your drainage system and require specialist tools.
Unblocking a shower drain doesn’t have to be daunting. With a little know-how and the right approach, most blockages can be cleared in under an hour. A clean, free-flowing drain helps keep your bathroom fresh and functioning, just the way it should be.
Need a bathroom refresh? Explore our full range at Tap Warehouse for everything from drains to designer showers.
