How to Unblock a Shower Drain at Home | Cillit Bang UK
How to unblock a shower drain at home
Standing water can be a nuisance when you shower, as well as unsafe because of the slippery surface. You don’t have to tolerate it for much longer, as we have our best practice advice on how to unblock a shower drain, remove hair from your shower drain, and tackle drainpipe blockages.
So, let's dive in and get your shower drain back to its optimal condition!
Choosing the right cleaner
First, grab your gloves and apply your chosen cleaner. An effective solution is the Cillit Bang 3-in-1 Drain Unblocker Gel. It unblocks tough clogs, freshens pipes and deep cleans, making it suitable for kitchen and bathroom drains, showers, baths and sinks. You can apply it with the peace of mind that it’s safe on all pipes and even works in standing water. Simply pour all the content down the plughole (do not add boiling water or any other product) and leave for five minutes—for more extreme clogs, leave overnight. Finally, flush with hot water.
This strong solution should solve the problem, but you could also try a natural method first off and see if that might work. Pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain and follow this with half a cup of vinegar. The mixture will create a fizzing reaction, which helps to break down any debris or buildup in the drain. Allow the mixture to sit in the drain for 30 minutes to an hour. Then flush the drain with hot water.
Without a powerful cleaner, you might have to resort to other more traditional, and occasionally tiring methods of unblocking your drain.
Clean the drain cover
Over time, the drain cover can accumulate dirt, hair and soap scum, which can contribute to clogs. Cillit Bang 3-in-1 Drain Unblocker Gel should solve this issue, but keeping your drain cover clean helps the solution’s effectiveness in the long term, ensuring water can flow freely. Carefully remove the screws or lift the cover, depending on the type of drain you have, and look for any visible debris. Then remove any hair or gunk that may have accumulated under the cover.
Use a plunger to unclog the drain
If you’re dealing with a smelly bathroom drain, and haven’t used a Cillit Bang Expert cleaner, a plunger is a helpful tool to have close at hand. The suction and pressure created from its use can dislodge any debris your drain might be unnecessarily storing. To use a plunger correctly, start by ensuring there’s enough water in the shower to cover the rubber part of the plunger—if the water level is low, add some water to create an appropriate seal. Next, place the plunger over the shower drain, hold it upright and pump it up and down for about 10-15 seconds. This action will create suction and pressure, which will help to loosen and dislodge any clog buildup. Repeat this process until you feel the blockage has been cleared.
Step 4: Try using a drain snake or wire hanger
If using a plunger doesn't solve the problem, don't panic! One effective option is using a drain snake or a wire hanger. Insert the end with the hook into the drain and rotate it clockwise while pushing it further into the pipe. This motion will help to hook onto any clog buildup and allow you to pull it out. If you don't have a drain snake, you can also straighten out a wire hanger and create a small hook at one end. Insert the hooked end into the drain and gently manoeuvre it to clasp onto any clogs.
Prevent future clogs with regular maintenance
Now that you've successfully unblocked your shower drain, it's important to implement regular maintenance to prevent future clogs.
- Firstly, consider using a drain cover or strainer to catch hair and other debris before it enters the drain. This simple step can significantly reduce the amount of buildup and blockages in your shower drain.
- Make sure to clean the drain cover regularly to prevent any accumulation of hair and soap scum.
- As a general rule, we suggest pouring boiling water down the drain often to help dissolve any small clogs or buildup that may be forming. This will help keep your drain clear and prevent the need for more extensive cleaning in the future.
A great product to help you clean your bathroom and prevent blocked shower drains is Cillit Bang Expert 100% Limescale Remover. It makes the job of removing limescale from your shower a lot easier. Simply turn the nozzle to the "ON" position, spray on the desired surface from 20cm away, and leave for up to five minutes. Then, clean, rinse, and dry the surface. It can eliminate up to 100% of limescale, so don’t stop at just the drains—make your whole bathroom sparkle!
By taking these proactive measures, you can ensure a clear and functional shower drain for years to come.