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!
