Home Remedies for a Clogged Shower Drain

Shower drains often become clogged with soap scum, hair and body residue. Chemicals used for clearing a clogged drain can be highly caustic, damage pipes and be potentially damaging to the environment. In many cases, a shower drain can be unclogged without the use of chemicals or a plumber by utilizing home remedies.

Cleaning the top part of your shower drain can often remedy a clogged shower drain. If hair and/or residue are visible, use tweezers or needle-nosed pliers to pull out matted hair and residue clogs. Shower drain clogs are often unsightly and create significant blockage that isn't visible beyond the top part of the drain. Carefully remove the top part of the drain by removing screws to search for additional blockage. Use tweezers or pliers to remove excess blockage. Use a paper towel or toilet paper to wrap clog and dispose in trash.

Using an unwrapped wire coat hanger can prove an effective remedy for removing deep shower drain clogs. Remove the top part of the shower drain and use coat hanger to probe the drain pipe until you feel the clog. You can attempt to pull the clog out of the drain, or force the clog into a larger region of the pipe where it is easily flushed out.

Create a natural, chemical-free drain cleaner by combining baking soda and vinegar. Pour one-half cup of baking soda into clogged shower drain and follow with one-half cup of white or cider vinegar. Cover drain and allow to sit for several hours. Remove drain cover and flush with hot water.

The Popular Mechanics home repair professionals suggest using a wet/dry vacuum to remedy a clogged shower drain. Place the mouth of the vacuum hose over the drain opening. Secure the hose by wrapping in a wet cloth or with duct tape. Turn the vacuum on and off quickly, repeating the process until the clog clears.

No one enjoys plunging, but it often is the trick for removing stubborn shower clogs. Use a plunger to force pressure into the pipe to clear the clog. Repeat plunging until water drains at a normal rate through the shower drain.

According to the Popular Mechanics home repair professionals, serious clogs that do not clear with home remedies or a plunger may need a powerful fix. Run a garden hose into your bathroom and secure it in the opening of the drain with duct tape. Once the hose is secured in the drain, open your water spigot on full force to blast the stubborn clog free.