How to Unclog a Shower Drain: Easy DIY Methods & When to Call a Plumber

A clogged shower drain can be frustrating, especially when water pools around your feet instead of draining properly. Hair, soap scum, and mineral buildup are the most common culprits, but the good news is that you can often fix it yourself using simple tools and techniques.

In this guide, we’ll cover step-by-step DIY methods, the best tools for unclogging a shower drain, and when it’s time to call a professional plumber in Montreal or the South Shore.

1. Common Causes of a Clogged Shower Drain

Before jumping into solutions, it helps to understand what’s causing the clog:

🔹 Hair & Soap Scum – Hair binds with soap residue, forming sticky blockages.

🔹 Hard Water Deposits – Mineral buildup can narrow pipes, restricting water flow.

🔹 Shampoo, Conditioner & Oils – Greasy substances coat pipes and trap debris.

🔹 Foreign Objects – Small items like razor covers or jewelry can accidentally fall in.

🔹 Mold & Biofilm Growth – Moist environments encourage bacteria buildup inside pipes.

💡 Pro Tip: If your shower drain gurgles or drains slowly, it’s time to act before the clog gets worse!

2. Easy DIY Methods to Unclog a Shower Drain

A. Boiling Water (For Minor Clogs)

✔ Best for: Soap scum and grease buildup.

✔ How to do it:

1️⃣ Boil a full kettle of water.

2️⃣ Slowly pour it down the drain in stages.

3️⃣ Wait a few minutes, then test if the water drains better.

💡 Warning: Avoid this method if you have PVC pipes, as excessive heat can damage them.

B. Baking Soda & Vinegar (Eco-Friendly Drain Cleaner)

✔ Best for: Organic buildup and mild clogs.

✔ How to do it:

1️⃣ Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain.

2️⃣ Add 1 cup of white vinegar and cover the drain for 10 minutes.

3️⃣ Flush with hot water to clear the loosened debris.

💡 This natural solution works great for regular maintenance!

C. Using a Plunger (For Tougher Clogs)

✔ Best for: Partial clogs blocking water flow.

✔ How to do it:

1️⃣ Remove the shower drain cover and fill the shower with a few inches of water.

2️⃣ Use a cup plunger, centering it over the drain.

3️⃣ Plunge vigorously for 20-30 seconds, then check if the clog clears.

💡 Tip: Block the overflow drain with a wet cloth to create better suction.

D. Remove & Clean the Drain Cover (For Hair Buildup)

✔ Best for: Hair and visible blockages.

✔ How to do it:

1️⃣ Unscrew or pry off the drain cover.

2️⃣ Use a hooked wire or a drain snake to pull out hair and debris.

3️⃣ Rinse with hot water to flush any remaining residue.

💡 Hair clogs are the #1 cause of shower drain blockages—cleaning the cover regularly prevents buildup!

3. When to Use a Drain Snake or Drain Auger

✔ Insert the drain snake or plumbing auger into the pipe.

✔ Rotate the handle to catch and break up the clog.

✔ Pull out debris and rinse with hot water.

💡 You can buy a manual drain snake for around $20 at Home Depot or Rona.

4. When to Call a Plumber in Montreal

🚨 Signs You Need a Professional Plumber:

✔ The clog keeps coming back despite DIY fixes.

✔ Water backs up into the tub or sinks when using other drains.

✔ A bad odor or sewage smell comes from the drain.

✔ The pipes are old or leaking under the floor.

📍 Best Plumbers in Montreal for Drain Cleaning:

✔ Plomberie Roger Chayer – Specializes in shower drain unclogging.

✔ Plomberie Richard et Fils – Reliable for emergency plumbing.

✔ Drain Montreal – Experts in deep clog removal.

5. How to Prevent Future Shower Drain Clogs

✔ Use a Drain Cover → Catches hair and debris before they enter the pipes.

✔ Flush with Hot Water Weekly → Prevents soap and grease buildup.

✔ Baking Soda & Vinegar Maintenance → Keeps drains clear naturally.

✔ Avoid Pouring Oils or Thick Conditioners → They can solidify inside pipes.

💡 Regular maintenance can save you from costly plumbing repairs!

6. Cost of Unclogging a Shower Drain in Montreal

Method	Estimated Cost
Boiling Water Flush	Free
Baking Soda & Vinegar	$5 – $10
Drain Plunger	$10 – $20
Drain Snake	$20 – $50
Professional Drain Cleaning	$150 – $300

💡 Fixing a clog early prevents expensive plumbing repairs later!

Conclusion: Keep Your Shower Drain Flowing with BonBain Construction

A clogged shower drain can disrupt your daily routine, but knowing how to unclog a shower drain can save you time and frustration. Fortunately, DIY solutions like boiling water, baking soda & vinegar, plungers, and drain snakes can usually clear the blockage.

However, if your drain remains clogged despite these efforts, it may be time to call a professional plumber in Montreal or the South Shore.

At BonBain Construction, we specialize in bathroom renovations and plumbing solutions to ensure your shower drains properly and efficiently.

👉 Need help with your shower drain? Contact us today for expert service! 🚿✨