How to Unclog a Shower Drain

Does your shower have standing water or drain too slowly? Hair, lint and bath product residues build up over time to cause your shower drain to clog, but there’s a quick and easy DIY solution to clearing your drain and making your shower drain work properly again.

Steps to unclog a shower drain.

• Step 1 – Buy a drain snake from your local hardware store
• Step 2 – Remove the stopper or strainer on top of the drain. Use a screwdriver if necessary.
• Step 3 – Insert the drain snake into the drain, guiding it through the area where the drainpipe bends.
• Step 4 – Twist and push until you feel it snag onto the clogged area and then slowly pull out the drain snake. Toss away any clogged material.
• Step 5 – You may need to perform the previous step a few times in order to remove the entire clog.
• Step 6 – Replace the stopper or strainer and turn on the shower to test the drainage

If your shower drain remains clogged after using the drain snake, you can also try using a manual auger or plumber’s snake, using a plunger, or pouring a chemical drain opener down the drain.

If your shower drain is still clogged after attempting all these options, please call your property management company or submit a maintenance request to your resident portal. We’re here to help!

• Use a drain protector hair catcher.
• Frequently clean your shower of hair, dirt, and lint to prevent them from going down your drain.
• Before showering or bathing, brush your hair! This will remove any loose hairs that would otherwise build up in your drain.
• While shampooing, instead of letting stray hairs wash down the drain, place them on a shower wall or the edge of the tub to dispose of them, rather than letting them go down your drain.