Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Slow Shower Drain

You’re standing in the shower, ready to start your day, when you notice a pool of water forming around your feet. It’s growing larger by the second, and you can’t help but feel frustrated — you know this slow shower drain is going to turn your relaxing morning routine into a total bummer. While the fix can sometimes be as simple as clearing out the drain stopper, other times, your problems run deeper, quite literally. Thankfully, there are ways to fix slow drains, and we’ll show you how you can get that water flowing smoothly again.

Why Is My Shower Drain So Slow?

Ever wonder why your shower seems to be draining slower than ever? There’s usually a pretty simple explanation. More often than not, it’s because of a buildup of hair, soap scum, and other gunk that’s clogging up your drain pipes. Every time you shower, little bits of stuff wash down the drain. Over time, it all adds up.

But it’s not just your hair and soap causing trouble. Sometimes, the culprit is mineral buildup from hard water. This can create a nasty coating inside your pipes, making them narrower and slowing down the flow. And let’s not forget about those foreign objects that somehow find their way down the drain. Bobby pins, small toys, or even a clump of pet hair can all contribute to a slow-draining shower.

The good news? Sometimes, these issues are fixable without calling in the big guns. But before you start pouring random chemicals and concoctions down your slow drain, let’s look at some safer, more effective methods.

What’s the Best Drain Cleaning Method for Me?

When tackling a slow shower drain, you’ve got options. But which one’s right for you?

Try the old boiling water trick. It’s simple, it’s free, and it can be surprisingly effective for minor clogs. Just pour boiling water down the drain and watch it work its magic on soap scum and minor buildups. But be careful — if you’ve got PVC pipes, stick to hot water from the tap instead.

Next, we’ve got the dynamic duo of baking soda and vinegar. This fizzy combo can break down a lot of the gunk that’s causing your slow drain. Plus, it’s way gentler on your pipes than harsh chemical cleaners. Pour some baking soda down the drain, follow it with vinegar, let it sit, then flush with hot water.

For those tougher clogs, you might want to try a drain snake or plumbing snake. These handy tools can reach deep into your pipes and physically remove whatever’s causing the blockage. They’re great for pulling out hair clumps and other stubborn debris.

Cleaning Your Shower Drain: A Step-by-Step Guide

At times, those clogged drains require a bit of a stronger remedy. So, if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get that drain flowing freely again, we’re here to help. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you solve your slow shower drains:

1. Remove the drain cover or stopper.
2. Take a look inside the drain. Can you see any obvious clogs?
3. If you spot any visible debris, try to remove it with your fingers or a pair of needle-nose pliers. If not, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to help loosen any remaining gunk.
4. Next, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
5. Follow that with 1/2 cup of vinegar. You’ll see it start to fizz — that’s good!
6. Cover the drain with a plug or rag to keep the reaction contained. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
7. While you’re waiting, boil another pot of water. After 15 minutes, pour the boiling water down the drain to flush everything out.
8. If the clog persists, it’s time to try a plunger or a drain snake.
9. Once you’ve cleared the clog, run hot water for a few minutes to make sure everything’s flowing smoothly.

What Shouldn’t I Use?

While it might be tempting to reach for those heavy-duty chemical drain cleaners when you’re dealing with a slow-draining shower, think twice. These products can do more harm than good in the long run.

Chemical cleaners are harsh on your pipes. They can corrode metal pipes and even soften PVC ones if used too often. Plus, they’re not great for the environment. When these chemicals make their way into our water systems, they can cause all sorts of problems.

Another no-no? Trying to use a coat hanger as a makeshift drain snake. It might seem like a clever DIY solution, but you could end up scratching or damaging your pipes. And trust us, that’s a problem you definitely don’t want.

Avoid using excessive force when plunging or snaking your drain. If you’re meeting a lot of resistance, it’s better to stop and call in a pro rather than risk damaging your plumbing.

When in Doubt, the Pros at Cool Willy’s Can Help!

Sometimes, these DIY methods work like a charm. Other times? Not so much. And even when they do seem to clear things up, it’s hard to know just how effective they’ve been without a professional eye.

Cool Willy’s Air & Plumbing brings drain cleaning services to folks in Tucson, AZ. We also provide plumbing repairs and plumbing maintenance solutions you need in case your drain problems are worse than you think. So next time your shower starts to resemble a kiddie pool, why not give Cool Willy’s a call? We’ll have that water flowing freely in no time. After all, shouldn’t your biggest shower worry be whether you remembered to buy more shampoo?