Clogged showers can result in a magnitude of issues. From nasty odors seeping up through the drain to standing water as you shower, clogs in the drain can affect your showering experience. If taken care of early on, this can be a minor issue with a quick fix, otherwise you could invite additional damages and more costly repairs into your bathroom.We’ll include some quick tips to keep your shower drains in Downriver Michigan to make sure they are okay.
Manually Unclog your Drains
Perhaps the first and most obvious step to unclogging your shower drain is to physically remove whatever is clogging it. This is often a rather gross and curious conglomeration of hair and debris all molded together with oils. You really have to pull this out in its entirety to remove the clog. If you can, remove your shower drain to start. Using a light, see if there is a visible physical clog blocking the flow of water.
If you can see the clog and it’s within reach, you can easily remove it with your hands. We recommend the use of disposable glove, a strong stomach, and perhaps even a pair of needle nose pliers.
In the event you can see the clog but cannot reach it, you may have to get more creative. A wire clothes hanger can come in handy in this event.
- You’ll want to cut the wire hanger with wire cutters so that you can separate the ends from the juncture of the hook.
- Then, bend the hanger until it is a straight piece of wire with the hook at the top. The hook will serve as your handle.
- You could also untwist the hook part if you wanted to separate the hanger ends. Do this and then straighten the hanger until it is one long wire with the hook at the top.
- At the straight end, use the needle nose pliers to pinch the last ¼ to ½ inch into a smaller hook.
- Very carefully put the small hook down the shower drain towards the clog. Move the hook around unit you feel some resistance.
- Rotate the hook to capture the clog and gently pull the hanger out of the drain. Sometimes it will be necessary to repeat these steps until the entire clog has been removed from the drain.
If a wire hanger still can’t reach the clog, you may need to purchase a hand-snake to assist in removing the clog. These can be found at your local hardware store and are relatively affordable. Use the instructions that are provided with the hand-snake to remove the clog in your shower drain.
Use Kitchen Ingredients to Unclog Drains
If you can’t quite get over stomaching the act of pulling the hair conglomeration from your drain, you may be able to remove it with a more passive approach. These can work to dislodge or dissolve a clog and allow it to move through your drain system.
- Using ½ to 1 cup of liquid dish soap, pour this directly into the drain. Let this sit for 20-30 minutes before flushing the drain with very hot water. We recommend boiling 2-3 quarts of water to use for this.
- Rather than using hard chemicals, you can use baking soda and vinegar to attempt to unclog the drain. First, pour 1 cup of baking soda into to the drain. Then, follow this with 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. Cover the drain completely and let the mixture set for 20-30 minutes. Once again, flush the drain with very hot water to dislodge the obstruction.
- Contrary to belief, flushing the drain with a liter of carbonated soda followed with hot water can work to dislodge the debris as well!
Standing Water to Unclog Drains
If you find that your shower is holding water, you will need to use a plunger to partially unblock the drain. Once you have plunged the drain and allowed the water to recede, you can attempt to unclog the drain yourself.
Calling a Professional
There may come a time where doing it yourself just won’t get the job done. In the event that this happens, you’ll need to call in a professional plumber in Downriver Michigan. Remember to do your research when hiring a professional to ensure they are licensed and recommended. When in doubt, always turn to a professional so that you don’t cause more damage than what is already there! One of the best is Downriver Plumbers. Call them today if you’re having problems with your drain in Downriver Michigan at 734-548-9925
