How to unclog a shower or bath drain

 

A blocked bathtub or shower drain is one of the most common problems you face when using your bathroom on a daily basis. Even if the water is slow to drain, over time this leads to a slippery build-up of soap scum, dirt and grime on the bottom of the bath or shower tray, which can be unsightly or even dangerous. Regardless of what form your troublesome clog has taken, it needs to be dealt with.

Fortunately, it's usually not too difficult to fix a bathtub or shower clog yourself, so you don't have to call a plumber right away. There are a number of DIY methods you can try to clear the blockage.  

Removing the blockage by hand

The first step is to take a look at what is causing the blockage. Remove the chrome cover of your drain by lifting or unscrewing it (whichever is appropriate for your type of drain), or pull out the plug if it's an old style with a plug and chain.

The culprit is usually a build-up of hair and soap residue. If you discover hair on the bottom of the drain, try to pull it out by hand. An unpleasant business, but better than a plumbing bill and an empty wallet.

With a coat hanger

You could also try using a coat hanger. This is something that everyone probably has lying around at home, so it's always worth a try! Bend a wire coat hanger so that it fits into the plug hole. Try using the hook to reach the blockage first, then twist the coat hanger to hook out the debris.

Using a plunger

You will need a plunger in the shape of a cup to clear a blockage in a sink, bath or shower.

Make sure you don't use any chemicals yet, because if you use a plunger with chemicals, they will inevitably get splashed on your clothes or skin.

There must be enough water in the bathtub or shower tray so that the bowl of the plunger is completely submerged. If you use too much water, you will make a splashing mess. Therefore, use a bucket to remove the excess if the drain does not clear.

You will get better results if you can block drains (overflow, another basin, etc.). So if you can put a wet cloth in these drains, you have a greater chance of success with this method.

Dip the water vertically up and down and keep the handle straight and vertical. If you hold the handle at an angle, the force will be reduced and the seal you make with the cap could break. Do this procedure for 15-20 seconds and then look at the result.

If the drain is still blocked after the first attempt, repeat the process a few more times as you may have just moved the blockage further into the pipes.

Call the Emergency Plumber in Liverpool. After your call, we send a professional plumber to you. Call us now, 01519470324.