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There’s nothing worse than taking a relaxing shower and finding yourself standing in a pool of lukewarm, soapy water. Slow-draining water is a sure sign that your drain is clogged. A clog is often a minor issue and one that you may be able to fix without the help of a professional. Before you call in the pros to fix your clogged shower drain, learn what causes a drain blockage and try these five approaches to get things flowing again.

What Causes a Clogged Drain?

You might not realize it, but a lot of things make their way down your drain. Soap scum, food, dirt, hair, and other debris often travel through your pipes and can cause a significant clog once these materials build up. Over time, the passage of water narrows and becomes increasingly obstructed by this buildup until a clog occurs. Some of the most common signs of a clogged drain include slow-draining water, unpleasant odors emanating from your drain, pipe leaks, and in extreme cases, flooding. Most of the time, a clogged shower drain is an easy fix, but if your drain clogs frequently despite several repair jobs or there are multiple clogs throughout your home, you could be facing a more serious plumbing problem. 

How to Fix a Clogged Shower Drain: DIY Solutions

Once you’ve found the culprit, there are plenty of DIY solutions to unclogging a drain. It’s vital to remember that if the clog is large or deep, you might not be able to remove it with these methods. When this happens, you should call Fosh and take advantage of our superior plumbing services. In the meantime, try these five remedies to unclog your drain.

Use your fingers

If you see a hair clog in your shower drain, you can reach in and pull it out. Be sure to wear gloves, as the debris will be slimy from the soap and shampoo scum. 

Use a plunger

You can also try a toilet plunger on a clogged toilet drain. The suction will move the blockage closer to the surface where you can reach it.

Utilize a plumbing snake

One of the best home remedies for drain cleaning is a snake. A plumbing snake can be purchased or rented at a home improvement or hardware store. It’s also a great tool for fixing toilet clogs!

Try natural remedies

There are several natural drain-clearing remedies you can use on your clog. The first one you can try is boiling water. Simply boil a pot of water and dump it down the affected drain. Another effective method is a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Pour one cup of baking soda into your drain and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then, pour a cup of vinegar down the drain. Ideally, this solution will dissolve any hair or debris that has built up. 

Try chemicals

As a last resort, you can try a chemical-based drain cleaner. Drain cleaners are affordable and effective, but be careful when handling them. Many have noxious vapors which can be poisonous in enclosed spaces. 

Drain Cleaning Services by Fosh Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

If your clog is large or deep, call the professionals at Fosh! Our team is armed with the most advanced tools and technology to ensure your drains are working correctly. Whether you need to schedule a drain cleaning service or looking to have your pipes maintained, Fosh Plumbing & Heating is here to help! Contact us at (610) 496-5700.