A slow or clogged shower drain is almost always caused by hair tangled around the drain cover and stopper. Clearing it is a quick, unpleasant but satisfying job that restores full drainage instantly.
STEP 1: Remove the Drain Cover
Most shower drain covers pop out, unscrew, or lift off. Some have a single screw in the center. Once removed, shine a flashlight into the drain — you will likely see a clump of hair and soap buildup wrapped around the crossbars or sitting just below the surface.
STEP 2: Pull Out the Hair Clog by Hand or With a Tool
Now that you have the starting point, use needle-nose pliers, a drain claw tool, or a bent wire hanger to hook and pull the hair clog out of the drain. The clog is usually within the first 6-8 inches. Pull slowly — the mass can be surprisingly large. Have a plastic bag ready for disposal.
STEP 3: Flush With Hot Water
With the basics covered, it is time to run hot water for 2-3 minutes to flush remaining debris. If the drain is still slow, the clog may be deeper. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar into the drain. Let it fizz for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
STEP 4: Use a Drain Snake for Deeper Clogs
Almost there — this step refines the details. if the clog is beyond hand reach, feed a small hand-crank drain snake into the drain opening. Crank clockwise as you push it in — when you feel resistance, the snake is at the clog. Continue cranking to break through or hook the clog, then pull the snake back out slowly.
STEP 5: Install a Hair Catcher to Prevent Future Clogs
The last piece of the puzzle is place a mesh or silicone hair catcher over the drain. These inexpensive screens catch hair before it enters the drain and can be cleaned by peeling them off after every shower. They cost $5-10 and eliminate virtually all future shower drain clogs.
PRO TIPS
Q: What is the best way to unclog a shower drain full of hair?
A: A $5 plastic drain claw tool (like the Zip-It or FlexiSnake) pulls out hair clogs in seconds without any disassembly. Keep one under the bathroom sink — it is the fastest, cheapest, and least messy drain clearing tool that exists.
Q: Should I use Drano on a shower drain?
A: Never use chemical drain cleaners like Drano in a shower drain. They corrode pipes over time, are dangerous if they splash back, and usually just burn a hole through part of the hair clog without fully clearing it. Mechanical removal works better and is safer.
Q: How do I prevent hair from clogging my shower drain?
A: Clean the hair catcher after every shower — it takes 3 seconds. A catcher that is left full of hair just moves the clog from inside the drain to on top of the drain. The prevention only works if you maintain the screen.
SUPPLIES NEEDED
Drain claw tool or needle-nose pliers
Flashlight
Drain snake (for deeper clogs)
Baking soda and white vinegar
Silicone or mesh drain hair catcher
Rubber gloves
Plastic bag for disposal
Products from Amazon
This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
