How to Unclog Shower Drain
If you’ve ever wondered how to unclog a shower drain, you’re not alone. Few things are more frustrating than watching water pool around your feet during a shower. A clogged drain is one of the most common plumbing issues in any home, but the good news is that most blockages can be fixed quickly with a few simple tools and techniques.
In this guide, we’ll cover step-by-step methods to unclog your shower drain, the most common causes of blockages, eco-friendly solutions, and tips to prevent future clogs.
Why Shower Drains Get Clogged
Before tackling the fix, it helps to understand the usual suspects:
Hair buildup – The number one cause. Hair easily gets trapped in the drain and binds with soap scum.
Soap scum – Hardened soap mixed with minerals from water can coat drain walls and trap debris.
Hard water deposits – In areas with mineral-rich water, limescale can accumulate.
Small objects – Occasionally, caps, razor covers, or other items fall into the drain.
Signs a Shower Drain Is Clogged
Before you grab your toolbox, it’s important to recognize the early warning signs of a clogged shower drain. Catching the problem early can save you time and prevent bigger plumbing headaches down the road.
Here are the most common symptoms:
Slow draining water – If water takes longer than usual to disappear after a shower, something is restricting flow in the pipes.
Standing water – A clear sign of a blockage is water pooling around your feet or remaining in the shower pan long after you’re done.
Foul odors – Hair, soap, and debris stuck in the drain can start to break down and cause unpleasant smells.
Gurgling sounds – Air bubbles trying to escape around a clog may produce gurgling or bubbling noises when water drains.
Recurring issues – If you’ve cleared the drain recently but the problem keeps coming back, there may be a deeper clog or buildup further down the line.
Noticing one or more of these signs means it’s time to act. Once you’ve identified the symptoms, the next step is understanding what’s causing the problem.
Safety First: Preparing to Unclog a Drain
Before you dive in, take a few precautions:
Wear gloves – Shower drain clogs are messy and often unsanitary.
Protective eyewear – Especially if you’re working with baking soda, vinegar, or chemical cleaners.
Ventilation – Open a window or turn on a fan to avoid inhaling fumes from cleaners.
Right tools ready – Gather what you’ll need (screwdriver, plunger, snake, etc.) so you don’t have to stop midway.
How to Unclog a Shower Drain: A Short Guide
Step 1: Remove Visible Blockages
Start with the simplest fix:
Remove the shower drain cover. A screwdriver may be needed depending on the design.
Put on gloves and use your fingers or a bent wire hanger to pull out any visible hair and gunk.
Dispose of the debris in the trash (never flush it down another drain).
Sometimes this quick step is all it takes.
Step 2: Try a Plunger
If removing debris didn’t solve the problem, reach for a plunger.
Add enough water to the shower floor to cover the plunger cup.
Place the plunger over the drain, creating a good seal.
Push down and pull up with quick motions 10–15 times.
The suction can dislodge clogs deeper down.
Step 3: Baking Soda and Vinegar
A natural solution that’s safe for your pipes:
Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain.
Follow with ½ cup of white vinegar.
Cover the drain with a plug or cloth to keep the fizzing reaction inside.
After 15 minutes, flush with boiling water.
This method works best for soap scum and minor buildup.
Step 4: Use a Drain Snake or Zip-It Tool
For tougher clogs:
A drain snake (also called an auger) can reach deeper blockages. Insert it into the drain, twist, and pull out hair and debris.
A disposable plastic Zip-It tool with barbs is inexpensive and effective at grabbing hair.
Always clean and disinfect tools afterward.
Step 5: Try a Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you have a shop vacuum:
Set it to liquid mode.
Place the hose firmly over the drain and cover any gaps with a wet cloth.
Turn it on to suck the clog upward.
This method is especially effective for pulling out stubborn blockages.
Step 6: Consider a Chemical Drain Cleaner (With Caution)
Chemical drain cleaners can dissolve clogs, but they’re harsh on pipes and the environment. If you use one:
Choose a product labeled safe for shower drains.
Wear gloves and goggles.
Never mix cleaners with other methods (especially baking soda/vinegar).
Because of the risks, many homeowners prefer to avoid chemicals unless absolutely necessary.
When to Call a Plumber in Anchorage
Sometimes a clogged shower drain is more than a quick DIY fix. If you’ve tried the common methods and your drain is still slow, it could be a sign of a deeper plumbing problem. Here are a few situations where calling a professional plumber in Anchorage makes sense:
Repeated clogs – If the drain keeps backing up even after you clear it, there may be buildup further down the line.
Multiple drains backing up – When sinks, tubs, and toilets are slow at the same time, it could point to a sewer line issue.
Standing water that won’t drain – Complete blockages often need professional equipment like motorized augers or hydro-jetting.
Strong odors – Persistent foul smells can mean waste buildup or venting issues in your plumbing system.
Older homes in Anchorage – Many homes in the area still rely on aging plumbing systems that need expert care.
Precision General Contractors, an Anchorage plumbing company, has the experience and equipment to handle stubborn clogs quickly and safely. Serving homeowners and businesses across Anchorage, we’re ready to step in when DIY solutions aren’t enough.
How to Prevent Shower Drain Clogs Long-Term
Once you’ve cleared your shower drain, the goal is to keep it that way. Preventative maintenance is simple, affordable, and saves you from emergency plumbing calls.
Here are some long-term habits and solutions:
Use a drain screen or hair catcher – This inexpensive tool stops hair before it reaches the pipes. Clean it weekly.
Flush with hot water regularly – Run hot water for 1–2 minutes after showers to wash away soap and residue.
Monthly baking soda & vinegar flush – Keep your pipes fresh and reduce buildup naturally.
Be mindful of products – Avoid washing oily products, shaving cream, or heavy conditioners directly into the drain.
Schedule professional drain cleaning – An annual service helps keep Anchorage homes safe from unexpected backups, especially in older plumbing systems.
With just a little upkeep, you can dramatically reduce the chances of dealing with another clogged shower drain.
Conclusion
Unclogging a shower drain doesn’t always require a plumber. With a few household tools and some patience, most blockages can be cleared in under an hour. But if the clog won’t budge, or you suspect a bigger issue, it’s best to bring in professionals to prevent damage to your plumbing system.
Commercial general contractors in Anchorage AK like PGC don’t just build. We take care of the details that keep your property running smoothly. From minor drain issues to major plumbing and mass excavation or custom framing projects, our team is here to help.
Need help with a stubborn clog? Contact Precision General Contractors today to request an estimate.
