If removing visible clumps of hair and boiling water fails to clear away clogs in your drains, you can use a powerful drain cleaner. This effective solution works quickly and dissolves clogs without emitting strong caustic odors, making it perfect for clearing your drain.
Cleaning your shower drains can be time-consuming, but in this article, we provide effective methods to eliminate shower drain smells and easy techniques to clean your drains effortlessly.
1. Hair Removal
Hair is often one of the main culprits behind stinky drains. Still, there is an easy solution: purchase a plastic or rubber drain cover to capture any loose strands before they enter the sewer line - this could prevent clogs in your plumbing and save both time and effort in the long run.Use a wire hanger bent into a hook shape to fish out any thick clumps of hair that might be blocking your shower drain. Ensure a trash bag is handy to collect any pieces you remove from the pipes.
For stubborn clogs, try a liquid drain cleaner. Pour an entire bottle into your drain overnight and flush thoroughly in the morning using hot water.
2. Plunger
A plunger is an indispensable plumbing tool, capable of easily forcing clogs down into drains and out of them. Fill up your tub or shower basin with enough water to cover its rim, then quickly plunge rapidly in short rhythmic thrusts; most clogs only require six or so cycles before releasing their hold.Consider investing in a plumber's snake from a local hardware store or using coconut oil as a natural cleaner for stubborn clogs. To use a snake effectively, remove the drain cover and push its wire hook down into the pipe until it snags the obstruction before pulling it up into your wastebasket for removal.
Drain cleaners with liquid formula dissolves most types of clogs: hair, soap scum, grease, and paper clogs alike. You must simply leave it overnight before flushing thoroughly the next morning using hot water.
3. Snake
A snake is one of the best tools for clearing clogged shower drains. Resembling a wire coat hanger with a hook at one end, these snakes can attach directly to power drills to reach deep into your tub's pipes for cleaning purposes.Remove your shower grate and feed the snake cable slowly through the drain opening until resistance is encountered.
Don't force it too hard, or the line could double back on itself and become knotted. Additionally, be wary of other drains connecting with your tub that need clearing. If clogs persist with this method alone, try pouring boiling water down it - this may help loosen harder gunk-like soap scum build-up more effectively than snake alone!
This affordable drain snake has an easy drawstring pouch storage option and 1-year manufacturer warranty coverage.
4. Boiling Water
Unlike caustic drain cleaners, boiling water is non-toxic to your pipes. Simply pour a pot of hot water directly down the drain to dislodge any hardened buildups and stubborn hair clogs that may have developed.If your shower still isn't draining correctly after using a snake, plunger, baking soda, and vinegar solutions and the physical removal of debris with a coat hanger doesn't help, contact a reliable plumber immediately for professional assistance.
5. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar, the classic science fair reaction that once powered your elementary school volcano, is also an effective drain cleaner. It's beneficial when your shower drain is blocked with non-liquid substances such as soap scum, hair, or crumbs.Assemble one cup of baking soda and half a cup of white vinegar and pour both down your drain, watching for any chemical reactions that cause it to fizz up and fizzle away - an indicator that the method is working!
After it stops fizzing up your drain, flush it with boiling water before covering it again for safekeeping.
Do not be shocked if this DIY life hack works better than expensive caustic drain cleaners that may damage your pipes and the environment. Just note that a liquid plumber may be necessary to clear significant clogs.
