How to Unclog a Shower Drain With a Plunger, Snake and Other Tools

How to Unclog a Shower Drain | Roto-Rooter

Knowing how to unclog a shower drain is a valuable skill. You don't need to run out to the store to buy a harsh chemical product to pour down the drain. Instead, you can unclog your shower drain with materials you already have around the house. Prevent future shower damage by learning to unclog shower drains naturally and with other tools.

Why Is My Shower Drain Clogged?

Shed hair is the most common cause of a clogged shower drain. Other culprits include:

• Foreign objects like hairbands, jewelry, or other small items
• Grease and oil from bathing products
• Dirt and sediment
• Hard water mineral deposits
• Cracks in the drain pipe
• Tree root infiltration
• Improperly sized drain traps

While some of these clogs are unavoidable, you can prevent many of them with a little caution and maintenance.

Best Ways to Unclog a Shower Drain (With and Without Tools)

Want to know how to unclog a shower drain with standing water? Try the following tips to clean a shower drain and get your water flowing again. We cover all of the best ways to unclog a shower drain, including some lesser-known DIY and professional methods. They include:

• Pouring boiling water down the drain
• Pouring dish detergent down the drain
• Pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain
• Using a plunger
• Using a drain snake

How to Unclog a Shower Drain With Boiling Water

Try this before attempting one of the more complicated ways to unclog a shower drain. Simply boil some water and slowly pour it down the drain. With any luck, you won't need additional supplies or steps, and you'll have a clear drain again. It's one of the best ways to unclog a shower drain naturally.

How to Unclog Your Shower Drain With Dish Detergent

If your drain remains clogged after you try boiling water, try using a thicker lubricant to loosen built-up hair. Pour 1/4 cup of dish detergent down the drain, followed by boiling water. The thick dish detergent can free hair stuck to the side of your drain, and the water rinses the rest of the unwanted gunk out, unclogging your shower drain.

How to Unclog a Shower Drain With Baking Soda and Vinegar

There are two ways to unclog a shower drain using ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar. 

• Method One: Mix the baking soda and vinegar before pouring it down the drain. You’ll see a bubbling, fizzing chemical reaction when the two substances are mixed. 
• Method Two: Pour the baking soda down the drain first, followed by the vinegar. 

Either method will remove tough grime, grease, and hair from the drain. Make sure you rinse the shower and drain it with hot water if you use vinegar to remove residue before your next shower.

How to Unclog a Shower Drain With a Plunger

Here's how to unclog a shower drain with a plunger:

1. Remove the shower drain.
2. Position the plumber cup over the drain opening. 
3. Add enough water to cover the lip of the cup. Plunge up and down quickly to dislodge the clog.
4. Run water after plunging to check the drainage before replacing the drain cover.

Learn more about how to unclog a shower drain with a plunger.

How to Unclog a Shower Drain With a Snake

If that doesn't work, you can try the more advanced drain auger method. Here's how to unclog a shower drain with a snake:

1. Remove the shower drain using a screwdriver or pry tool.
2. Insert the snake into the drain until you feel resistance. Don’t force it — just gently guide it in as far as it will go.
3. Turn the snake handle clockwise, applying gentle pressure to move the snake further down the drain and around bends. 
4. When you no longer feel resistance, slowly turn the handle counterclockwise to pull the clog out of the drain. This motion helps the tip latch onto hair and debris or break up blockages enough to flush them away.
5. Remove hair and debris.
6. Run hot water to flush out any remaining debris. This helps rinse away any remaining residue and confirms the blockage is gone.
7. Replace the drain cover. 

How to Remove Hair from a Clogged Shower Drain

Hair is the most common cause of shower drain clogs. It collects at or just below the drain cover and tangles with soap and conditioner residue.

Here’s how to remove it:

1. Remove the drain cover using a screwdriver or by prying it up gently.
2. Use a wire hanger, drain stick, or gloved hand to pull out hair clumps.
3. Dispose of debris in the trash — never flush it.
4. Rinse the drain with hot water to clear out loosened residue.

If you regularly deal with hair clogs, consider installing a hair catcher to prevent buildup in the first place.

When Should You Call a Plumber for a Clogged Shower Drain?

If your shower is still slow-draining or the clog returns quickly after cleaning, you may be past the point of DIY. Here are signs you should call a plumber:

• Standing water doesn’t drain even after multiple methods
• A foul smell comes from the drain
• Water backs up into other drains
• You hear gurgling or bubbling noises
• Clogs keep coming back within weeks

Luckily, Roto-Rooter is always here to help with unclogging shower drains — literally. We offer 24/7/365 support, so you never have to panic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Unclogging Shower Drains

What’s the best way to unclog a shower drain?

The best way depends on the type of clog. For hair, a drain stick or wire hanger works well. For soap and grime, try baking soda and vinegar. For tougher blockages, use a snake or call a plumber.

Can I use vinegar and baking soda to clear a clog?

Yes, baking soda and vinegar can dissolve mild buildup and deodorize the drain. It’s a safe alternative to harsh chemicals. Just be sure to rinse with hot water afterward.

Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners in a shower?

While some chemical cleaners work quickly, they can corrode pipes with repeated use. Find out which drain cleaner is best for you and how drain cleaners work before using them.

Why does my shower keep clogging over and over again?

Recurring clogs often mean there’s buildup deeper in your plumbing system. It could also mean you only partially removed a clog. If problems keep returning, it’s time for a professional inspection.

Still Have a Clog? Contact Roto-Rooter for Fast, Professional Help

Call Roto-Rooter if your DIY solutions fail to clear your shower drain, if multiple drains are clogged, or if you have reason to believe the problem stems from damaged pipes or tree roots. With 24/7 service, advanced tools you won't find in a homeowner's toolbox, and decades of experience, we’ll get your shower flowing freely again in no time. Schedule your drain cleaning appointment with Roto-Rooter today.