Is It Possible To Clean Shower Drains That Can’t Be Removed in Concord, OH?

You hop in the shower, ready to start your day—but as soon as you do, the water level starts to rise. It’s obvious that you have a clog, maybe from built-up hair or soap scum. Unfortunately, though, your shower drain isn’t the removable kind. How can you get rid of the clog if you can’t open the drain?



Below, learn how to clean a shower drain that can’t be removed, then call us for plumbing services in Concord, OH.

Top Causes of Clogs in Shower Drains in Concord, OH

Before we dive into our top tips for cleaning a non-removable shower drain, let’s explore why these clogs happen in the first place. A few common causes include:

• Debris in your pipes: This is the most common cause of shower drain clogs. Over time, hair, body oils, and soap scum bind together to form a thick, nearly impenetrable clog. Tree roots can also seek out cracks in your pipes and weave their way through your Concord plumbing system.
• Wrong trap and drain size: If your drain and trap sizes don’t match, the flow of water will be restricted, which can cause backups in the shower.
• Ventilation issues: Your plumbing system includes vents to relieve the air pressure caused by water moving down the drain. If these vents become clogged or damaged, the pressure has nowhere to go.

A plumber from Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. can help you resolve all of these problems and more.

Preparing To Clean Your Shower Drain

You’re eager to learn how to clean a shower drain that can’t be removed, but before you jump in, it’s important to do a bit of prep work. This will save you time and help you protect yourself when working on the clog.

First, determine whether the clog is only affecting the shower drain or other drains in your Concord home as well. If water is backing up in multiple drains, you have a deeper problem that DIY solutions won’t be able to fix.

If the shower drain is the only one affected, start by removing any visible debris from the drain. You can use tweezers or needle-nose pliers to make this easier. If you plan to use a chemical drain cleaner, wear eye protection and rubber gloves. If possible, open a window to ventilate the bathroom. If you can’t open a window, run a fan pointing out of the bathroom.

How To Clean a Shower Drain That Can’t Be Removed

If you can’t remove your shower drain, is calling a plumber to remove that clog your only hope? Not necessarily. You may be able to get rid of the clog with one of the following methods.

Try a Plunger

The humble plunger is a staple in every plumber’s toolkit for a good reason. It works great for removing small clogs that are fairly close to the entrance of a drain. Many homeowners only reach for the plunger when their toilet clogs, so they’re surprised to learn they can use this helpful tool for shower clogs as well.

To start, fill the drain with a little bit of water, which is necessary to create proper suction. Press the plunger firmly over the drain to make a tight seal. Pull and push the plunger repeatedly. If successful, you’ll hear a gurgling sound that indicates you’ve broken up the clog.

Use a Wire Hook for Clog Removal

If you’re lucky, you may not need any fancy plumbing tools or chemical cleaners to eliminate that clog. You might find just what you need in your bedroom closet.

A wire hanger makes a handy DIY drain snake. Untwist the hanger, then bend the tip of it so it forms a small hook. Slide the hanger down the drain and wiggle it around until you catch the clog. Carefully slide the hanger up and pull out the clog. If you’re having trouble seeing down the drain, ask a helper to hold a flashlight while you work.

Dissolve Clogs With a Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution

Wondering how to clean a shower drain that can’t be removed the natural way? This tip is for you. Boil a pot of water, then dump it down the drain, which will soften the clog. For PVC pipes, use only warm water, as boiling water can damage them and lead to leaks.

Mix equal parts white vinegar and baking soda, then pour the solution down the drain. The fizzing action will help to break up the clog. After 20-30 minutes, pour more hot or warm water down the drain to finish flushing the clog.

Employ an Enzyme-Based or Chemical Cleaner

Enzyme-based cleaners are very effective for removing organic clogs, especially hair. They’re safe to use and won’t harm your pipes. To use an enzyme cleaner, follow the steps on the package. Note that if the clog is not organic, an enzyme cleaner won’t work.

For tougher clogs, you can try a chemical drain cleaner, although most plumbers don’t recommend them as they can injure you and damage your pipes. If you’d like to try one, follow the directions on the bottle carefully.

Break Out the Big Guns

If none of the above solutions work, you’ll have to try more advanced methods, such as using a wet/dry vacuum. These vacuums feature powerful suction that may be enough to dislodge the clog.

Drain augers and snakes work well for deep clogs that you can’t reach by hand. Some are manual and require turning by hand. Others are electric or battery-operated, which eliminates the tedious task of hand turning.

Lastly, you could try a pressurized drain cleaner, which uses pressurized carbon dioxide to push clogs through your drain.

Stop Stressing Over How To Clean a Shower Drain That Can’t Be Removed and Call Our Experts in Concord, OH

Still, wondering how to clean a shower drain that can’t be removed? At Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co., our plumbers can remove that clog in no time. Call us to schedule an appointment, or keep reading to learn about the signs of bad plumbing pipes.