How to free your shower drain, according to a plumber with 46 years of experience

Are you a standing two inches of water every time you shower? You really don't have to. " Usually, if the plug is easily identified, it is usually not difficult to help crack a drain ," says Aaron Mulder , co - owner and director of operations of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of San Antonio.

But the only thing that plumbers say you should never use is a chemical drain cleaner like Draino. "We never recommend pouring chemicals down sewers because the fumes can be dangerous and there are safer and more effective solutions," says Brian Parmenter, a master plumber with over 46 years of experience. If you've ever used a chemical cleaner and it hasn't worked, it is time to seek help from a professional instead of trying any of the suggestions below as they could expose you to chemicals that you throw in your sewers.

"When you end up calling a professional, let them know if any chemicals have been used and exactly how much of each type has been used so they can take the correct precautions not to injure themselves in any way," explains Parmenter, who with HomeX works together . a company that connects you with virtual home experts for advice.

If you haven't used chemicals, there are five methods you can try. Here Mulder and Parmenter explain how to plug a shower drain.

How to Clean a Shower Drain, Using 5 Methods That Really Work

1. Use a weasel or a drainage snake

A sewer weasel, also known as a snake, is a tool that runs down the sewer system to remove blockages. "I never recommend using the hanging wire method as we often see broken P-traps made from the stiff, pointed metal that runs through the floor. As soon as this happens, there is no longer a seal in the plumbing system to prevent nasty sewage gases from entering the house, "says Mulder. "The best suggestion is to use a small drainage weasel."

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To use a drain weasel, Parmenter first tells you to remove any drain liners or plugs that may be in the drain opening. Next, put on gloves and slowly guide the weasel down the drain. When you feel it hit a blockage, twist it to hook the source of the blockage and remove the weasel from the drain.

2. Use a flat plunger

"Contrary to popular belief, this plunger isn't ideal for clearing clogs in toilets because it has a flat rubber cup on the end of a wooden handle and works best on flat surfaces like sinks and bathtubs, which the name implies." Mulder. "When used correctly, the shallow cup creates a vacuum over the drain and removes the obstruction within reach."

To use a plunger, Parmenter recommends that you first remove any liners or drain plugs that may be in the drain port. " Partially fill the sink, tub or shower with water and then place the plunger over the drain hole," explains Parmenter. "Make sure that the edge of the plunger completely covers the drain opening and is airtight. Dip vigorously up and down for about 20 seconds. It can be helpful to follow this procedure when pouring one of the solutions. The same applies to the mixing process described below . "

3. Pour baking soda and white vinegar down the drain.

When baking soda and vinegar combine, they bubble, creating bubbles that can help break down dirt and grime to help loosen a clog.   Start by making a mixture of 1/3 cup baking soda and 1/3 cup white vinegar. Immediately pour it down the drain and let it sit for at least an hour, although overnight is even better, then rinse it off with hot water.

"You can also pour the dried baking soda down the drain first and rinse it with vinegar," he says. You can also replace the vinegar with lemon juice, add parmenter.

4. Pour borax, salt, and white vinegar down the drain.

Alternatively, Parmenter says you can use a mixture of borax, salt, and white vinegar. Pour 1/4 cup of borax and salt and 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain. "Close the drain and let the mixture foam up in the drain," explains Parmenter. "After about half an hour, pour plenty of hot (not boiling) water down the drain."

5. Use boiling water

"Probably the easiest tip of all! Boil as much water as your kettle can hold and slowly pour it down the drain in two or three stages so that the hot water can run for several seconds between each pour, "says Mulder. "Boiling water can work, but over time it can also damage the plastic or rubber seals under the sink with repeated use. Look for leaks when trying any of the DIY methods mentioned."

This will avoid drain plugs

The best way to avoid drain plugs is to reduce the burden on the drain from things that can clog it. "Including drain maintenance regularly in your cleaning routine will help limit clogging," explains Parmenter. "The more often the preventive measures, the less the drainage problems."

1. Use a drain cap and clean it after every shower.

"Use a drain cover with holes small enough to let water through without leaving small objects or debris in the drain," says Mulder. Hair is the biggest culprit. " It's normal to lose an average of 50 to 100 strands of hair a day, so it's no wonder hair can be a major culprit of clogged shower drains," says Mulder. "Hair can wrap around other objects and worsen existing blockages."

2. Always remove any soap residue

"Skim off the soapy water after every bath or shower so that it doesn't build up in the drain. After removing the lather, he says to run hot water down the drain for a minute or two "to keep the drain hose clean and tidy."

3. Do not wash oily substances down the drain

Oils can harden as they cool, so Mulder does not recommend flushing them down the drain.

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