Have you ever been taking a shower and suddenly the water starts to back up? It can be a frustrating and messy experience, but it’s one that can be easily fixed with a few simple tools. In this article, we’ll show you how to get a shower drain out without causing any damage to your plumbing. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent future clogs from occurring.
The first step is to remove the drain cover. This is usually done by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. Once the cover is removed, you’ll see the drain hole. If you can see any hair or debris blocking the hole, you can try to remove it with your fingers or a pair of tweezers. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a drain snake. A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain hole and used to break up clogs. Once the clog is broken up, you can flush the drain with hot water to remove the debris.
If you’re unable to remove the clog yourself, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will have the tools and experience to safely remove the clog and prevent future clogs from occurring. To prevent future clogs, it’s important to clean your drain regularly. You can do this by pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water. You can also use a drain screen to catch hair and other debris before it can clog the drain.
Tools and Materials Required
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need:
- Plunger
- Drain cleaner (optional)
- Bucket
- Screwdriver or Allen wrench
- Small flashlight (optional)
Advanced Drainage Tools
For more stubborn clogs, you may need specialized tools such as:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Drain snake | A flexible cable that can be inserted into the drain to remove blockages |
| Hydro jet | A high-pressure water jet that can blast away clogs |
| Auger | A motorized tool with a rotating head that can break up and remove clogs |
These tools can be rented or purchased at hardware stores. It’s important to use them carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging your plumbing.
Using a Wet/Dry Vacuum
Wet/dry vacuums are designed to suck up both liquids and solids, so they’re perfect for unclogging shower drains. Here’s how to use one:
- Remove the drain cover.
- Attach the wet/dry vacuum hose to the drain.
- Turn on the vacuum and let it suck up the water and debris.
- If the drain is still clogged, you may need to use a plunger to help dislodge the blockage.
- Once the drain is clear, turn off the vacuum and remove the hose.
- Replace the drain cover.
- Run hot water down the drain to flush out any remaining debris.
- If the drain is still slow, you may need to repeat the process or call a plumber.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can suck up both liquids and solids | Can be messy |
| Easy to use | May not be powerful enough to unclog all drains |
Inspecting the P-Trap
The P-trap is a curved section of pipe beneath the shower drain that holds water, creating a seal that prevents sewer gases from entering the home. If the P-trap becomes clogged, it can cause slow drainage or even a complete blockage.
To inspect the P-trap:
- Place a bucket beneath the P-trap to catch any water that may spill when you remove it.
- Using a wrench or pliers, loosen the nuts that hold the P-trap in place. There will be two nuts, one on each side of the P-trap.
- Carefully remove the P-trap and inspect it for any clogs or debris.
- If the P-trap is clogged, use a drain snake or drain cleaner to remove the blockage.
- Once the clog is removed, reassemble the P-trap and tighten the nuts securely.
- Turn on the water and check for any leaks.
- If there are no leaks, the P-trap is properly installed and the drain should be functioning properly.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Wrench or pliers | Used to loosen the nuts that hold the P-trap in place. |
| Bucket | Used to catch any water that may spill when you remove the P-trap. |
| Drain snake or drain cleaner | Used to remove clogs from the P-trap. |
Call a Professional Plumber
If you’ve tried all the other methods and nothing has worked, it’s time to call a professional plumber. They will have the tools and expertise to quickly and safely remove the drain plug.
Here are some tips for choosing a plumber:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Ask for recommendations | Friends, family, or neighbors may have had positive experiences with a particular plumber. |
| Check online reviews | Look for plumbers with good ratings and reviews on platforms like Google My Business or Yelp. |
| Get multiple quotes | Comparing quotes from different plumbers can help you find the best price. |
| Make sure the plumber is licensed and insured | This will protect you in case of any accidents or damages. |
| Trust your instincts | Choose a plumber who you feel comfortable with and who you believe will do a good job. |
Once you’ve chosen a plumber, call them and explain the situation. They will likely schedule an appointment to come and take a look at the drain. Be sure to have the following information ready:
- The location of the drain
- The type of drain plug
- Any other relevant information
How To Get A Shower Drain Out
A clogged shower drain can be a frustrating problem. The water backs up, making it difficult to take a shower. It may even start to smell bad.
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to unclog a shower drain. First, try removing the drain cover. If it’s clogged with hair or other debris, you can remove it with a pair of pliers. If the cover is stuck, you may need to use a drain snake to remove it.
Once the cover is removed, you can use a drain snake to clear the clog. A drain snake is a long, flexible cable with a hook or auger on the end. Insert the drain snake into the drain and turn the handle to feed the cable down the drain. When you feel resistance, you’ve reached the clog. Use the hook or auger to break up the clog and then pull the snake back out.
If the drain is still clogged, you may need to use a chemical drain cleaner. Pour the drain cleaner down the drain and let it sit for the amount of time specified on the bottle. Then, flush the drain with hot water.
People Also Ask
How to prevent a shower drain from clogging?
There are a few things you can do to prevent a shower drain from clogging. First, make sure to remove any hair or debris from the drain cover after each shower. You can also use a drain strainer to catch hair and other debris before it gets into the drain.
To further prevent clogs, try to avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain. These substances can build up and clog the drain over time.
What if I can’t get the shower drain unclogged?
If you’ve tried all of the above methods and you still can’t unclog the shower drain, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will have the tools and expertise to clear the clog and get your shower drain flowing again.
