How to Fix a Shower Drain That Won’t Drain (Easy DIY)
Standing in ankle-deep water during a shower means your drain is clogged. Here are 4 fixes that work without calling a plumber.
Still stuck after this guide? You can ask a plumber online — see pricing, expert credentials and common questions first.
Why Shower Drains Clog
Shower drains clog almost exclusively from hair, soap scum, and the combination of the two creating a sticky mass inside the pipe. The average person loses 50 to 100 hairs per day, and in the shower most of those go down the drain. Over weeks and months, hair tangles around the drain cross and soap residue binds it together, gradually restricting water flow until the drain is completely blocked.
Method 1: Remove the Drain Cover and Pull Out Hair
Most clogs are within the first few inches of the drain. Remove the drain cover by unscrewing it or prying it up. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers, a bent wire hanger, or a plastic drain cleaning tool (sold at hardware stores for about 3 dollars) to reach in and pull out the hair mass. This is unpleasant but is the fastest and most effective fix for most shower clogs.
Method 2: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour half a cup of baking soda directly into the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a wet cloth to contain the fizzing action. Wait 30 minutes, then flush with very hot (not boiling) water for 2 minutes. The chemical reaction breaks down soap scum and loosens hair buildup. This method works well for partial clogs and is safe for all pipe types including PVC.
Method 3: Drain Snake
A drain snake or hair clog remover tool is a flexible plastic strip with barbs that grab hair when inserted into the drain. Insert it as far as it will go, twist it, and pull it out slowly. The barbs catch hair and pull it out in one long clump. These tools cost about 5 dollars for a pack at any hardware store and can reach deeper clogs that a wire hanger cannot.
Prevention
Install a drain hair catcher over your drain. These are mesh or silicone covers that catch hair before it enters the drain. They cost 5 to 10 dollars and save you from dealing with clogs entirely. Clean the catcher after each shower. Also flush your shower drain with hot water for 30 seconds after each use to prevent soap scum buildup.
