How to Unclog Shower Drains

Whether you’re wondering how to clean a shower drain that can’t be removed or want to learn about the best products and techniques for unblocking shower drains, we’ve compiled six easy hacks to help you tackle the problem.

As unpleasant as it sounds, the most common cause of a blocked shower drain is a build-up of hair, dead skin, soap scum and other debris. Removing hair from the plughole after every shower and regularly cleaning the drain are the best ways to prevent blockages. 

Shower drains can also become blocked by limescale build-up, especially if you live in an area with hard water. If you suspect this could be causing the blockage, there are plenty of ways to descale your pipes using household products, from vinegar to lemon juice. Check out our guide to removing limescale for more useful tips.

Not sure how to unblock a drain in your shower or bath? Work through these six easy steps to fix the issue before it worsens.

Hot water is unlikely to unblock a shower drain completely, but it's generally a good place to start. If a build-up of soap scum is causing the blockage, then pouring some piping hot water down will loosen it up. Boil the kettle, let it cool for a few minutes, and pour it down the drain. Don't use water while it's at boiling point, as this can cause your pipes to warp.

White vinegar is a known saviour for various cleaning tasks, and drain unblocking is no exception. Follow this method to unblock your drain using baking soda and vinegar:

1. First, fill a cup with baking soda and pour it down your drain. Wait two to three minutes, then follow with a cup of white vinegar. The mixture will start to bubble.
2. Put the plug in and leave the mixture to work for around an hour.
3. After an hour, pour hot water (not boiling) down the drain.
4. The vinegar and baking soda solution should loosen any hair or soap scum, and the hot water can then flush out the pipework and clear the blockage.

If it doesn't fix the problem, repeat the process once more. Bear in mind that while this is a more ecologically friendly method of clearing your shower drains, it is still reasonably caustic, so don't overdo it.

If you've tried all of the above steps and still can't sort out the problem, it’s time to call a plumber. If you live in an older property and are experiencing repeat blockages, you may need to upgrade your pipework. If so, learn how to replace a shower drain in our step-by-step guide.

You can unblock your sink and bath drains using the same methods outlined above for showers. 

So, now you know how to clean a shower drain, find out how to clean shower wall panels and prevent mould in the bathroom to make the space feel brand new. 

Want to give your bathroom a complete makeover? Explore our range of shower enclosures here. If you have low water pressure in your shower, consider installing a pump to improve water flow and enhance your showering experience.