A slow-draining shower can turn your relaxing routine into a frustrating experience. Standing water around your ankles isn't just gross, it's a sign that hair, soap scum, and other debris have built up in your drain over time.
While chemical drain cleaners promise quick fixes, they're harsh on your pipes and expensive to keep buying. The good news is that you probably already have everything you need to clear that blockage sitting in your kitchen cupboard.
This simple method uses basic household items to break down buildup and restore proper drainage. The process takes some waiting time, but only a few minutes of actual work, and costs practically nothing compared to calling a plumber.
1. Remove the drain cover and clear visible debris
Put on rubber gloves and remove the drain cover by unscrewing it or prying it off, depending on your shower's design. Many shower drains also have a small filter or hair catcher at the top of the opening.
If you see a filter, pull it out carefully and set it aside for cleaning. Use your hands to remove any visible hair, soap buildup, or debris that you can easily reach from the surface.
This initial cleanup removes the most obvious blockages and gives you better access to the drain opening for the deeper cleaning steps.
2. Use a drain snake for deeper blockages
If you can see debris further down that's out of reach, you can use a straightened coat hanger, tweezers, or a drain snake to pull it out.
A drain snake is a flexible tool specifically designed for this job and can reach 18 inches into your drain to wrap around hair and gunk. Insert the tool and twist it around to catch hair and debris, then slowly pull it back up to remove the blockage.
ou might need to repeat this process several times to clear all the buildup. Work slowly and avoid pushing debris further down the pipe.
3. Pour baking soda down the drain and wait
Measure out one cup of baking soda and pour it directly down the drain opening. Make sure the baking soda goes down the drain rather than sitting on the shower floor around the opening.
Let the baking soda sit undisturbed for 30 minutes to give it time to break down soap scum, grease, and other organic matter that's coating your pipes.
The baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer and gentle abrasive that helps dissolve the buildup causing your drainage problems.
4. Flush with boiling water
After the 30-minute waiting period, boil water in your kettle or stovetop. Make sure you have enough hot water to create a strong flush through the pipes. Slowly and carefully pour the boiling water directly into the drain opening in one steady stream.
The hot water works with the baking soda to break down any remaining soap residue and flush loose debris through your pipes. Be careful not to splash the boiling water on yourself and pour steadily rather than in short bursts for maximum effectiveness.
5. Replace the cover and test your drainage
Clean the drain filter and cover with warm soapy water before putting them back in place. Reinstall the filter first, then secure the drain cover by screwing it back on or pressing it into position.
Turn on your shower to test the drainage and see if water flows freely down the drain. The water should drain quickly without pooling around your feet.
If drainage is still slow, repeat the process or consider that you may need professional help for a more serious blockage deeper in your plumbing system.
