Nobody likes getting into the shower, lathering up and then realizing that the shower drain is draining slowly – or worse, not draining at all. The common culprit for slow drains is human hair, which is normally caught in the strain cover. Normally all you have to do is clean out the strainer and check the flow of water. More serious clogged drains should be handled by a plumbing professional, but it’s also worth trying a few simple steps to unclog the drain.
The first step is to see how easily the strainer can be removed, whether it snaps into place or is removed by a screwdriver. Once it’s removed and pulled away, grab a flashlight and check for any clogs that you can see. If you spot anything obstructing your view, try to remove it with wire or other tool, and gently remove it without pushing the clog deeper into the pipe.
If this isn’t a feasible solution, an alternative is using a plunger. Pour or run water around the plunger’s head to create a tight seal, and create a force of suction by pushing and pulling the handle up and down at a fast, steady speed. Make sure you never use a plunger after pouring a chemical solution down the drain. A second alternative is a wire snake, which has a hook on the end – run it down your drain, and when it hits the clog, turn the crank to snag it into the clog before pulling it free.
If none of these solutions are enough to get rid of the clog, your last option is to call a professional plumber in your area, who will have other alternatives to remove almost any pesky clog.
