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Unclogging Shower Drains: Tips and Tricks from the Pros

One of the most common signs your drain is clogged or blocked is if you have a slow-draining bathtub. Whether it’s hair, dirt, or other debris, clogs slowly build up over time. At FloHawks, we’ve helped countless homeowners with safe and effective techniques for unclogging shower drains. Here are some professional tips to keep your shower experiences enjoyable and prevent you from standing in water.

Start with the Basics

Before you resort to pouring a chemical-heavy shower drain cleaner, it is important to remove the drain cover and check for visible blockages. The most common culprit is strands of hair when it comes to clogged drains. Use a gloved hand or a zip-it tool to gently pull out any hair – get out as much buildup as you can. Another natural way to help break down any soap or grease is by flushing the drain with hot (not boiling) water. For tougher clogs, a mix of baking soda and vinegar will be beneficial. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before flushing with water.

Use a Plunger Properly

We know what you’re thinking: A plunger for a shower drain? Yes, it suprsingly helps with a slow draining tub. Place a wet cloth over the drain, fill the tub with enough water for the plunger to fill and apply pressure. This process can dislodge clogs deeper in the drain.

Invest in Preventive Maintenance

The easiest way to avoid slow drainage and not having to look up methods to unclog shower drains is by performing regular cleaning. A helpful tool to install is a hair catcher, which is a way to limit buildup in your shower drain. Also, if you have a septic system, make sure it is properly maintained because a slow draining tub is also a result of a septic backup.

Call the Pros When Needed

If you’ve tried these methods and still can’t manage to unclog shower drains, it may be time to call a professional. If you are facing these issues often, it may be a more severe issue that you can’t reach at the surface level. Our FloHawks team can diagnose and fix the issue without damaging your pipes. If you need a helping hand, we are open 24 hours a day!

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OUR SERVICES

Isaiah Taylor

Service Advisor

Tacoma native Isaiah Taylor has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor, he focuses on building strong relationships with customers and making sure they feel confident in the solutions being provided.

Isaiah believes the company’s culture sets FloHawks apart. He appreciates working alongside people who genuinely care about customers and take pride in doing the job right.

At 26, Isaiah is focused on building his career and continuing to grow in the industry. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him in the gym lifting weights and staying active.

Kevin Elbert

Service Advisor

Born in Olympia and now living in Lacey, Kevin Elbert has spent 11 years serving customers with FloHawks. As a Service Advisor, he is focused on helping homeowners and businesses find solutions when plumbing or septic issues arise.

Kevin’s favorite part of the job is working with customers who need help and finding a path forward that solves the problem. He values being part of a team that takes pride in delivering dependable service when it matters most.

In his free time, Kevin enjoys staying active outdoors. Hiking, camping, fishing, photography, soccer, and travel are some of his favorite ways to spend time when he’s not at work. At home, he stays busy with his four teenagers.

Stephen Redford

Service Advisor

Stephen Redford was born in Tacoma and now lives in Gig Harbor. With 14 years at FloHawks, he’s built a reputation as both a trusted Service Advisor and a key contributor to the company’s growth and outreach.

Stephen plays a role in business development, trade shows, and marketing while also supporting service operations across multiple areas. He appreciates FloHawks’ unique culture and commitment to customer service, believing the team consistently goes above and beyond what most companies offer.

Outside of work, Stephen enjoys walking, playing golf, and riding motorcycles. He’s married to his wife, Lori, and is the proud father of three children.

Janie “J” Kirkland

Service Advisor Assistant

Janie “J” Kirkland was born in Miami, Florida, and now calls Roy, Washington, home. Despite being newer to FloHawks, joining the team mid-2025, she has already become a valued member of the Service Advisor support team.

J enjoys the strong sense of teamwork at FloHawks and the relationships she has built with the people she works alongside each day. That collaborative spirit helps the team deliver the dependable service customers count on.

Outside the office, J loves spending time outdoors, especially at the beach, as well as making memories with her family. She’s the proud mother of two sons and a grandmother to four grandchildren.

Carl Evanson

Service Advisor

A Puyallup native who now lives in Spanaway, Carl Evanson has been helping customers at FloHawks for more than 13 years. As a Service Advisor, he brings deep experience and a practical approach to solving plumbing and septic challenges.

Carl takes pride in helping customers find real solutions to their problems. At FloHawks, the philosophy is simple: if water runs through it, the team can handle it, and Carl has spent more than a decade proving that to customers across the region.

When he’s not working, Carl enjoys camping and spending time with his growing family, which includes two grown sons and seven grandchildren.

Luke Schneider

Service Advisor Assistant

Originally from the Midwest and now living in the Puyallup area, Luke Schneider has spent the past three years supporting the FloHawks service team as a Service Advisor Assistant. His role focuses on logistics and administrative coordination, making sure the details are handled so the team can deliver excellent service in the field.

Luke especially enjoys the moment when everything comes together to solve a customer’s problem. Helping turn a complicated situation into a clear plan and a successful outcome is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

When he’s not working, Luke loves hosting and entertaining with his wife. Much of their free time is spent with family, often gathered around the table for board games and good conversation.

Crystal Lyons

Service Advisor Assistant

Born and raised in Tacoma and now living in Puyallup, Crystal Lyons has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor Assistant, she helps keep operations running smoothly while making sure customers feel supported every step of the way.

Crystal’s favorite part of the job is simple: helping people. Whether she’s assisting the service team behind the scenes or making sure customers get the answers they need, she takes pride in being part of a company that puts people first.

Outside of work, Crystal enjoys camping and spending time with her family. She’s married, and the proud mom of one daughter, and she also helps care for her niece, keeping family at the center of everything she does.