Unclogging a shower drain can be a challenging and unpleasant task. If you find yourself facing a clog caused by a large object, you may feel overwhelmed and tempted to call a plumber. However, with a few simple tips, you can remove the object and get your shower drain running again without having to call a professional. Whether you are dealing with a clog caused by a toy, a hairbrush, or something else, you can use the following tips to get rid of the object and get your best shower drain wrenches flowing freely again.
Identifying and Removing the Object
The first step towards removing the object from the shower drain is to identify it. Depending on the size of the object, you may be able to see it in the drain. If the obstruction is large enough, you may even be able to reach it and pull it out with your hands. If the object is too small to reach or see, you may have to use another tool to help you fish it out of the drain. First, use a pair of rubber gloves and a bucket to catch the water you are removing from the drain.
Next, depending on how far down the object is, you may be able to use a fishing line or a wire coat hanger to gently pull the object out of the drain. If the object is a toy or other small object that is too far down the drain to be removed, you may be able to use a plumbing snake to push the object back up towards the exit.
Home Remedies for Unclogging a Shower Drain
Depending on the size of the object clogging your shower drain, you may be able to remove it with your hands. If the object is small enough, you may be able to use a pair of pliers or slip-joint pliers to pull it out. If the object is a toy or other item that your child may have dropped down the drain, you can use a flexible child’s play tube to try to retrieve it.
If the object is a hairbrush, comb, or another long object, you may be able to wrap the item in a plastic shopping bag or paper towel and then use the bag to pull it out of the drain. If none of these methods work, you may need to call a plumber to unclog the shower drain.
Professional Help for Unclogging a Shower Drain
If the above methods to unclog a shower drain do not work, you may need to call a plumber to help you remove the object. The plumber may be able to snake, or push, the object back through the drain toward you, allowing you to grab it with your hands. If the object is too large to push back through the drain, you may need to hire a plumber to remove the object with a special tool.
If the object is a toy or other object that your child dropped down the drain, the plumber may be able to retrieve it without damaging the toy. If the object is too far down the drain for the plumber to reach, you may need to break up the drain or replace the drain entirely to remove the object.
Preventing Future Clogs in a Shower Drain
To prevent future clogs in a shower drain, you can use a drain cover that traps hair and other objects before they reach the drain. You can also keep toys out of the bathroom and clear the drain of toys and other objects as soon as your child drops them down the drain. You can also use a product like Bio-Clean to keep your drain flowing freely and smelling clean.