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Quick Fixes for a Slow Shower Drain

Photo credit: Bigstockphoto
Photo credit: Bigstockphoto

It can be frustrating dealing with a slow shower drain. Thankfully, you don’t have to call a plumber to restore fast draining. Unless you are dealing with busted pipes, clogged pipes are the most common cause of slow draining. As long as you clear the clog, the water will start draining quickly. In today’s post, we are listing down quick, easy fixes to unclog a shower drain:

The Wire Hanger Method

This method is simple but it works so effectively, you might never need to call the plumber ever again. As the name implies, you will need a wire hanger to remove the clog in the pipes. Start by unscrewing the drain cover with a screwdriver. Get a wire hanger; straighten the wire under the hook as best as you can. Bend one end to create a smaller hook.

Now, push the small hook inside the drain and start pulling the wire inwards to dislodge the clog. Once you pull the bent wire hanger, you should get all sorts of nasty gunk like hair, debris, and grime.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution

Baking soda and vinegar will melt grime and debris that could be clogging your shower pipe. Mix about 1/3 cup of baking soda with equal parts vinegar in a measuring cup. Mix well and then pour the solution directly into the clogged drain. The fizzy solution will melt all the gunk building up inside the pipe. Let the solution sit for an hour or two before flushing with boiling water.

The Wet and Dry Vacuum Method

A wet and dry vacuum is a powerful unclogging tool so if you have one, have it ready when you start cleaning the shower drain. Start by unscrewing the drain cover with a screwdriver. Then, set it to the vacuum liquids and cover the vent so the debris won’t fly around and create a mess. Make the tightest seal you can using the vacuum and start the machine on the highest setting. The vacuum is powerful enough to dislodge the clog in the pipe directly into the vacuum bag.

Boiling Water

If your shower drain is clogged by soap and grime buildup, you don’t have to go to great lengths to eliminate the clog. Just boil a pot of water and then pour the liquid down the drain in two to three stages. You have to give the hot water enough time to melt all the gunk inside the pipe before pouring again. After the last stage of pouring, let the liquid sit for a few seconds before turning on the faucet to check if the water is draining faster.

Sodium Hydroxide

Just like baking soda, sodium hydroxide or caustic soda makes an excellent de-clogger. However, you have to wear protective gears because this stuff can cause chemical burns. You can get sodium hydroxide from your local hardware store. Just pour about a ¾ gallon of cold water into a bucket and add 3 cups of sodium hydroxide. Mix well and pour the solution into the clogged shower pipe. Leave the solution for 20 to 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water. Then, turn on the faucet and check the draining speed. If it is not draining quick enough, repeat.

The Drain Snake Method

The drain snake is a long flexible metal rope with a spiral of metal at one end and a hand spinner on the other end. It is used to dislodge clogs in pipes manually. To use the drain snake, just insert the spiral end of the metal rope into the pipes and start turning the hand spinner. The spiral metal will grab onto the clog. When you pull the metal rope, the clog will come with it.


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