A blocked drain in the shower cabin is one of the most common problems you might encounter in the bathroom. When water doesn't drain from the shower, a characteristic gurgling sound and an unpleasant smell may indicate only one thing — a blocked shower trap. Luckily, there are proven ways to deal with the problem yourself without having to call a plumber. How to remove the blockage from the shower trap?
What will you learn from this article?
An unpleasant smell from the drain and water standing in the shower cabin are big problems. In this article, we suggest how to deal with a blocked trap yourself — quickly, effectively, and safely.
You will learn, among others:
What most commonly causes a blockage in the shower trap?
How to unblock a clogged drain in 15 minutes without using chemicals?
What to use to clear the shower tray when home methods fail?
When is it worth replacing the trap with a new one?
What causes a blocked drain in the shower tray?
If you start wondering whether your bathroom has its own ecosystem, it's probably time to unblock the trap. Don't worry — the shower can get blocked even when the bathroom is spotless. Most of us don't look under the drain grating until there's a problem, and it's hard to blame us. The trap is a place that can easily be forgotten, but only seemingly doesn't require attention.
Standing water, bad smell, bacteria growth will quickly remind you of the importance of regular cleaning. Before you reach for appropriate chemicals, let us explain the cause of the problem. Common culprits are hair, soap and cosmetic residues, pet hair, as well as grease and dirt rinsed from the body. Such a mix clogs the drain, creating an effective barrier for water.
A blocked shower trap is a problem that can be easily avoided. Regularly removing hair after bathing, using a protective strainer and rinsing the drain with hot water, will prevent permanent blockages. Proper use and systematic cleaning of the trap not only ensures a smoothly operating drain but guarantees comfort and hygiene in your bathroom. In the next section, we'll answer the question of how to clean the drain in the shower cabin.
When is it worth dismantling the shower tray trap?
When the drain is completely blocked, there’s no point in delaying — you need to dismantle the trap and clean it manually. To access the elements where dirt has accumulated, just remove the drain cover and the bottom of the cover. A dismantled shower tray trap can be cleaned of hair and soap residues using a small hook or straightened hanger. Precision is key! This process will be effective if the blocked shower drain is near the surface.
How to clear a shower drain in more challenging cases, when the blockage is deeper in the pipe? — then it's best to use home methods. It's worth acting in stages but firmly.
Blocked shower cabin drain — how to clean the trap?
Just like any other day, you get up in the morning, go to the bathroom to take a shower, turn on the water, and a large puddle begins to form under your feet. Quick diagnosis — a blocked shower drain. How to unblock the shower from hair and other accumulated dirt? One effective method for a blocked shower tray is using baking soda and vinegar. This method of clearing the drain is environmentally friendly and healthy.
How to clear the shower trap step by step?
Pour a cup of baking soda into the drain.
Pour half a cup of vinegar into the drain.
Leave the mixture for 15-30 minutes — after combining baking soda and vinegar, you'll hear fizzing and see foam, which is a good sign. During this time, a chemical reaction occurs that dissolves the blockage.
Finally, pour two cups of boiling water into the drain — the hot water helps dissolve the dirt, which will be washed away down the drain.
Why give this method a chance? Because baking soda and vinegar are partners that work surprisingly well and are gentle on the system. It’s an effective and simple way to unblock pipes without using harsh chemicals. The whole process takes 15 minutes and is often sufficient to restore drain flow.
What else can be used to clear the shower drain?
Not every blockage will clear with a vinegar and baking soda mix. If standard methods for clogged pipes have failed and the water is standing in the shower — there’s no need to panic. It’s a sign that the blocked shower tray needs stronger action. What can be used to clear a shower drain? Several alternatives may prove helpful. Discover home methods for clearing the drain.
Aspirin and boiling water — dissolve two aspirin tablets in the drain and pour hot water over them. The chemical reaction helps dissolve accumulated dirt.
Table salt with warm water — a mixture of warm water and table salt works gently but effectively. Clearing a blocked shower drain should be done regularly.
Natural unblockers — combining baking soda, salt, and vinegar is a bit stronger mix than the classic baking soda and vinegar duo. It’s worth testing this option when the blockage is larger than usual.
Plumbing snake — you insert a spiral wire into the drain and gently turn it with a crank or manually. The snake moves deeper into the pipe until it encounters a blockage, which it begins to break apart. Such cleaning of the shower drain from hair and debris can be effective, but caution is required. Too vigorous movements or incorrect use of the snake may lead to pipe damage.
Plunger — uses suction force to handle dirt and push it further into the system. A few energetic movements can restore full flow without disassembling the drain.
How to unblock a blocked channel shower drain?
Though a linear drain looks different and has a more dispersed water drainage system, its operating principle is identical to classic traps. Therefore, there's no need to look for special solutions, as the same methods will work as with a blocked bath or shower tray. Just baking soda with vinegar, aspirin, or mechanically remove debris. Linear floor drains are built to provide easy access to the interior. Removable grill and special strainer collecting hair and dirt allow for quick and convenient cleaning without needing to dismantle the entire installation.
Want to unblock a linear drain yourself? See how to do it correctly.
What to do when a blocked shower drain won't unclog?
Home remedies for a blocked drain didn’t work, water remains standing, there’s no flow, and an unpleasant odour comes from the sewage system. All previous methods have failed, the blocked shower tray prevents normal use of the bathroom at home. When despite attempts to unblock the drain, the shower still remains clogged — it's worth considering hiring a professional.
Unfortunately, sometimes the obstacle may be deeper in the sewer system, in which case conventional methods won’t work. In removing the blockage, the following might help:
professional drain clearing agents,
specialist cameras for pipe inspection,
electric or pressure snakes.
If the problem keeps recurring, consider a comprehensive diagnosis of the installation. You might need to replace part of the pipe or use a more appropriately selected trap. Helpful tips for choosing a shower tray trap can be found here.
Choosing the right trap — an effective solution for a blocked shower drain
A blocked drain under the shower is a huge inconvenience. If you notice that the problem comes back like a boomerang, despite regular cleaning, it might not be a matter of dirt and neglect, but an unsuitable drain construction. Older traps often can't handle the excess debris — in such a situation, the best solution is to replace the trap with a new one. Learn how to quickly and effectively change the trap in the shower tray by using our guide.
Modern shower tray traps with top cleaning option are systems designed for efficient drain unblocking. It’s enough to remove the upper, movable element, remove accumulated dirt, rinse it under running water and put it back in place. A big convenience is the flexible pipe that can be stretched to fit the trap to the sewage system regardless of the sanitary configuration. Thanks to this, installation is simple, and the drainage system works reliably.
Similar convenience is provided by a linear drain trap with filter, which catches hair and other debris before it can get into the pipes. Thus, cleaning is quick, and no contact with lodged dirt is required. This is effective protection against unpleasant odours and a simple way to keep your drain clear without using chemicals.
Clearing the shower drain can be done in various ways — from home methods to actions requiring greater intervention. In many cases, home methods like soda, vinegar, or salt are effective, allowing you to dissolve daily dirt without using chemicals. When that's not enough, consider mechanical clearing techniques — a plunger or a plumbing snake.
Recurring drain problems can also result from structural errors or worn-out installation elements. Then the best solution might be replacing the trap with a new model.
When you want to avoid the problem of a blocked drain, act preventively. Regular trap cleaning significantly reduces the risk of blockages. Simple, daily habits are enough for the shower to work without stoppages.