Shower drains commonly become blocked due to hair and soap, soap scum, and other debris collected in the drain pipe—got standing water in your battery due to a clog? Wondering how plumbers go about unclogging a shower drain or looking for a few methods to try before calling a pro? Get all the help you need in this guide from Wilco Plumbing.

What To Try Before You Call A Plumber – Our Tips

A blocked shower drain is a home improvement issue that most people can take care of independently. Here are a few steps you can take to try to clear blocked shower drains on your own before you call a plumber

• Plunger – Remove the drain cover of the clogged shower drain, and put a plunger over the drain. You can put petroleum jelly around the plunger for a better seal. Then, pump vigorously to pressurize the drain and break up the clog.
• Baking soda and vinegar – Dump a cup of baking soda into the drain, then follow it up with a cup of vinegar. The chemical reaction can break apart the clog, clearing your blocked drain.
• Drain cleaners – For a tough clog, drains can be cleaned with professional-strength drain cleaners, which destroy grease and other compounds using highly-caustic active ingredients.
• Boiling water – You can pour boiling water directly into the drain to help break up the blockage. This is an excellent method to use with any other options on this list.
• Coat hanger – A hair clog or other clog not too far down your shower can be broken up with a wire coat hanger, clearing the blockage.

If none of these DIY methods works, it’s probably time to call a plumber and get professional help.

How Do Plumbers Clear A Blocked Shower Drain? The Power Of “Drain Snakes”

A drain snake also called a “plumber’s snake”, is a long, flexible metal tube with a drill-like tip at the end and is held in a plastic housing. The snake is inserted directly into the drain opening and fed toward the blockage.

Most plumbers have snakes reaching 10 metres or further into your drain. Once your plumber goes the clog and starts to feel resistance, they will turn the drain snake. Drain snakes can be cranked manually or attached to a drill for higher performance. The drill-like tip of the snake will dig into the clog and begin breaking it apart.

This is the most common way to clear blocked shower drains. Most drain clogs can be resolved using a plumber’s snake. However, tough clogs may require your plumber to use a professional-grade chemical drain cleaner and a drain snake.

Get Help For Your Blocked Shower Drain In Sydney – Contact Wilco Plumbing Now!

Don’t let a blocked shower drain inconvenience you. If you’ve tried clearing a drain blockage on your own but had no luck, it’s time for the pros at Wilco Plumbing to take care of it. We offer drain-clearing services at reasonable rates throughout the Sydney metro area. Give us a ring at (02) 9186 3371 or contact us online to get the help you need from reliable plumbers in Sydney.