How to unblock shower drain
How to unblock shower drain fast: remove visible hair, flush with hot tap water, then use a plunger or a drain snake to pull out the clog. If your shower still isn’t draining or you notice gurgling smells, the blockage may be deeper and you should call a drain specialist.
Need help now in Auckland? If DIY isn’t working or water is backing up contact The Drain Unblockers. Service coverage includes Central Auckland, the North Shore, West Auckland, South Auckland, and East Auckland.
What to try first for a blocked shower drain
If your shower is slow-draining, start with the quickest, lowest-risk fixes before you reach for chemicals.
Try these in order:
- Remove the drain cover and clear hair and soap scum you can see
- Hot water flush using hot tap water (safer than boiling water for many homes)
- Plunger to shift a shallow clog in the trap
- Drain snake (hand auger) to pull out the clog, especially hair
If the water level rises quickly or you see overflow risk, stop and get help.
Common causes of a shower drain clogged in Auckland homes
Most blocked shower drains come down to a few repeat offenders, especially in busy households.
Common causes:
- Hair clogs: hair binds with soap residue to form a plug just below the grate
- Soap scum build-up: soap and minerals coat pipe walls and narrow flow over time
- Shampoo, conditioner, body oils: sticky residue traps lint and fine debris
- Older pipework: rough internal surfaces catch debris more easily and harsh chemicals can accelerate damage
- Hidden issues: partial collapses, root intrusion, poor fall, or deeper blockages that mimic a simple shower hair clog
DIY HowTo (step-by-step) How to unblock shower drain safely
Estimated time: 15–45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best for: Slow draining, hair clogs, mild soap build-up
Stop and call a pro if: water backs up fast, multiple fixtures are affected, or you suspect damaged or older pipes
Tools and supplies
- Rubber gloves
- Old towel or rag
- Bucket or small container
- Screwdriver (if your drain cover is screwed in)
- Plunger (cup plunger works well)
- Plastic drain snake or hair removal tool (or a small hand auger)
- Enzyme drain cleaner (optional, non-caustic)
Safety warnings (read first)
- Avoid caustic chemicals (strong acid or alkali drain openers), especially in older pipes. They can damage pipework, seals, and fittings and create hazardous splash risk.
- If you have used a chemical cleaner already, do not plunge or snake immediately. Wait, ventilate, and follow product safety instructions to avoid chemical burns.
- Wear gloves and keep the bathroom ventilated.
- Never mix chemical products.
Step-by-step
- Remove the drain cover and clear the surface blockage
- Place a towel near the drain. Unscrew or lift the grate. Use a gloved hand or tweezers to remove hair and debris you can see. Put debris in a bucket or bag. Do not rinse it back down.
- Flush with hot tap water
- Run hot tap water for 2–3 minutes to soften soap build-up. Avoid pouring boiling water if you’re unsure of your pipe type or the home has older plumbing, as very hot water can stress some plastic fittings and seals.
- Plunge the shower drain
- Add enough water to cover the plunger cup. If there’s an overflow opening, block it with a wet rag to improve suction. Plunge in short bursts for 20–30 seconds. Test drainage. Repeat once if needed.
- Use a drain snake to remove the hair clog
- Insert a plastic hair tool or hand auger slowly into the drain. Twist gently, then pull up to remove hair and sludge. Wipe the tool, repeat until it comes out cleaner. This is often the most effective DIY step for a shower hair clog.
- Rinse and test
- Run hot tap water for 1–2 minutes. If it drains normally, replace the grate.
- Optional maintenance: enzyme cleaner
- If your drain is mostly clear but still a bit slow, an enzyme-based cleaner can help break down organic residue over time. Follow label directions and use it overnight when possible. This is generally safer than caustic products for ongoing maintenance.
If your shower still isn’t draining
Common signs it’s not a simple clog:
- Water backs up quickly: blockage may be deeper in the line
- Gurgling sounds or sewer smells: can signal a partial blockage or venting issue
- Multiple drains slow at once (shower plus toilet or sink): likely a shared line or main line blockage
- Recurring clogs: may indicate ongoing build-up or a pipe condition issue DIY won’t solve
If the problem keeps returning, a CCTV drain inspection can pinpoint the cause before it becomes a bigger job
When to call a professional drain unblocking service in Auckland
DIY is fine for minor clogs, but it’s time to bring in an Auckland drainer when:
- The shower drain clogged issue returns often
- DIY tools can’t reach the blockage
- There’s overflow risk, flooding, or wastewater backing up
- You suspect broken pipework or a collapsed section
For deeper help beyond DIY, see our drain unblocking service
If inspection shows damage, poor fall, or compromised pipework, you may need a targeted drain repair rather than repeated clearing
We help homeowners across Auckland, including Central Auckland, the North Shore, West Auckland, South Auckland, and East Auckland. If you’ve tried the steps above and the shower still isn’t draining, don’t force it. The sooner the blockage is properly identified, the lower the chance of overflow or pipe damage.
Call now: +64 800 448 612
