The shower drain can become clogged due to accumulations of limescale, soap residues or, very often, lumps of hair. Each of the methods described below can help you to clear a shower drain. If the first method doesn't work, try the next ones.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Superficial Obstructions
Step 1. Wait a few minutes after taking a shower for the water to run down the drain
This will make it easier for you to try to clear the drain.
Step 2. Get a screwdriver
Remove the grille covering the drain.
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If the drain is fitted with a push-in plug, it may be snap-fit or have a screw on the side.
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Step 3. Use a flashlight to look inside the drain
Most obstructions are caused by hair buildup. If a mass of hair is stuck near the mouth of the drain, you can remove it by hand.
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If the obstruction is caused by larger objects getting stuck in the drain, you may need to contact a plumber, as you will not be able to easily remove solid objects with makeshift tools.
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Method 2 of 5: Iron Wire
Step 1. Get a wire hanger
Straighten the wire until you have a straight, single piece.
Step 2. Use a pair of pliers to bend one end of the wire
This kind of hook will help you remove obstructions due to a build-up of hair, and for this purpose a small hook works best.
Step 3. Hold the flashlight with one hand
With your other hand, push the wire down the drain, and try to hook any obstructions blocking access.
Step 4. Grab the accumulation of hair with the hook, and pull out
If the obstruction is large enough to block the water, it should be possible to extract it entirely without fragmenting.
Step 5. Repeat the procedure a few times, until you find no more hair in the drain
Try running some water to make sure the drain works without slowing down.
Method 3 of 5: Suction cup
Step 1. Make sure the outside of the drain is wet
If it's not evenly wet, add some water.
Step 2. Place the suction cup on the drain
As you operate the suction cup, you should feel that it creates a vacuum and then presses into the drain.
Step 3. Operate the suction cup by pressing and pulling the handle 5-10 times
Step 4. Lift the suction cup
Look inside the drain using the flashlight, and check for any obstructions that can now be cleared with the wire hook.
Step 5. Run water down the drain, and verify that the obstruction is completely removed
Method 4 of 5: Hose
Step 1. Purchase a hose at your hardware store or home improvement store
Step 2. Move the hose closer to the drain
Step 3. Insert the hose into the drain
Stop if you feel resistance - you should have reached the obstruction.
Step 4. Turn the hose handle clockwise
Step 5. Keep turning the crank as you pull out the hose
The material blocking the drain should be pulled out with the tip of the tube.
Method 5 of 5: Bicarbonate Solution
Step 1. You can try to remove the obstruction with something homemade and natural, before resorting to more harsh chemicals
Remember that most obstructions are made of hair, which can be dissolved and removed by pulling them out.
Step 2. Wait until the drain is clear of water
Step 3. Pour about 300 grams of baking soda down the drain
Step 4. Add about 100ml of white vinegar by pouring it down the drain
Step 5. Cover the drain with a rubber stopper and let the chemical solution sit for 30 minutes
Step 6. Boil one liter of water in a pot or kettle
Step 7. Remove the rubber plug and pour the boiling water down the drain
This should free the residues already dissolved by the action of the baking soda and vinegar.
Step 8. Use the flashlight to check for other obstructions
Try to remove residual hair by hand using the wire hook. When the water flows freely, cover and fix the drain as it was originally.
