There’s nothing like a relaxing shower to start or end your day—until the water starts pooling around your feet. A slow-draining or clogged shower is more than just annoying. If left untreated, it can lead to bad odors, slippery floors, and even mold growth. Fortunately, most shower drain clogs are easy to clear without professional tools.
Hair, soap scum, and product buildup are usually the culprits behind clogged drains. Over time, these materials collect just below the surface, slowing down water flow and eventually stopping it altogether. The good news is that with a little effort and a few household items, you can solve the problem on your own.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through five practical steps to clear your shower drain, along with tips to keep it flowing freely in the future. You’ll also learn how to spot when it’s time to call Champion Services for professional support.
What’s Going On in Your Shower Drain?
Your shower drain is built to handle water, not everything else that goes down with it. Each time you shower, hair, soap, conditioner, and dirt flow toward the drain. While the drain itself has a simple design, the buildup happens quickly, especially in homes with long hair or heavy product use.
Most clogs form just below the surface, in the drain trap. This curved section of pipe holds a small amount of water that blocks sewer gases from coming back up. Unfortunately, it also becomes a catchpoint for solids. As those solids pile up, water flow slows down. That’s when you start noticing pooling water, gurgling sounds, or strange smells from the drain.
In many cases, tackling this clog yourself is easy and takes less than 30 minutes. You just need a few tools and a clear plan.
5 Easy Steps to Unclog Your Shower Drain
Before calling a plumber, try these simple steps first. They work for most minor clogs and don’t require any chemicals.
Step 1: Remove the Drain Cover
Start by removing the drain cover so you can access the clog directly. Most covers lift off with a flathead screwdriver. Some are held in place with screws—remove them carefully and set them aside. Use gloves if needed, especially if you expect hair or residue right under the surface.
Once the cover is off, shine a flashlight down the drain to inspect the blockage. In many cases, the clog is within reach.
Step 2: Pull Out Visible Debris
Use a pair of tweezers, a drain snake, or even a straightened wire hanger to pull out any visible clumps of hair or buildup. Go slowly and remove as much as possible. Avoid pushing debris further down the drain.
You may need to repeat this process a few times if the clog is dense. Once it feels mostly clear, test the water flow to see if it improves.
Step 3: Flush with Boiling Water
Next, boil a kettle or pot of water and slowly pour it down the drain. Hot water helps break down soap residue and softens the remaining blockage. Do this in stages, pouring about one quart at a time and waiting a few seconds between each pour.
This step is especially effective when combined with a manual clearing tool like a zip-it stick or drain brush.
Step 4: Use a Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution
If the drain is still slow, mix one cup of baking soda with one cup of white vinegar. Pour the baking soda into the drain first, followed by the vinegar. The mixture will fizz and bubble, helping to loosen remaining grime. Cover the drain with a cloth or plug and wait 15 to 30 minutes.
After the wait, pour another round of hot water to flush everything through. This method is safe for most pipes and doesn’t require harsh chemicals.
Step 5: Reassemble and Test
Once the drain is flowing freely, rinse it one more time with warm water. Replace the cover and secure any screws. Turn on the shower and let it run for a few minutes to ensure the clog is completely gone.
If the water drains smoothly and there are no strange smells, you’ve successfully cleared the clog.
How to Prevent Future Clogs
Now that your drain is clear, keeping it that way is much easier. A few small habits can save you time and frustration later.
Install a Hair Catcher
A simple mesh or silicone hair catcher placed over the drain can prevent most clogs. These are inexpensive, easy to clean, and available at most home stores.
Rinse with Hot Water Weekly
Run hot water down the drain for a few minutes once a week to keep soap scum from hardening. If you use oily products, this step is even more helpful.
Avoid Flushing Foreign Objects
Never rinse large amounts of hair, paper, or product containers down the drain. These materials can get stuck in the pipes and start a new clog quickly.
When to Call a Professional
If your shower drain remains clogged after following all five steps, the issue might be deeper in the plumbing system. Persistent clogs, water backing up in other fixtures, or foul odors could point to a blockage in the main line.
Champion Services provides fast, professional plumbing support throughout Las Vegas and nearby areas. Our licensed technicians use advanced tools to locate and remove stubborn clogs without damaging your pipes.
Don’t let a slow drain turn into a bigger problem. Request a system quote or view our full list of services to see how we can help restore proper flow to your home.
Let Us Handle the Rest
Your shower drain doesn’t have to stay clogged. With just a few basic tools and a little time, you can clear most minor blockages yourself. These five easy steps are effective, safe, and affordable for almost any household.
The key is acting early. A slow drain today can turn into a complete backup tomorrow if ignored. Simple prevention habits, like using a hair catcher and flushing with hot water, keep your plumbing system in better shape long term.
If the clog doesn’t clear after your efforts or if it keeps returning, it’s time to trust the pros. Call Champion Services, we’re ready to help. We’ll restore your drain quickly, safely, and without the stress. Let us take it from here, so you can enjoy your shower again without the puddle.