Clogged Shower Drain: Signs, Causes & Solutions

Home
Blog
How to Fix a Clogged Shower Drain (Without Damaging Your Plumbing)

A shower drain clogged with hair, soap scum, or debris is one of the most frustrating bathroom problems. It often leads to standing water, slow draining, and unpleasant smells — and if left untreated, it can even affect other parts of your plumbing system.

Your shower should be a place of relaxation — not a standing puddle of stress. Knowing how to fix a clogged shower drain early can save you hundreds in plumbing repairs, especially in older homes or shared bathroom spaces.

At Butler Plumbing, Heating & Gasfitting, we’ve seen it all. From clogged shower drain repair to full plumbing inspections, we’ve helped hundreds of Edmonton homeowners clear stubborn shower blockages — and we’re sharing the same practical steps with you in this blog.

This guide walks you through how to fix a clogged shower drain, what to avoid, and how to keep it from happening again.

Common Signs of a Clogged Shower Drain

Before we jump into solutions, watch for these warning signs:

Pro Tip: Even if water still drains, a lingering smell or slow flow often means you have a partial clog forming.

Water draining slowly or clogged shower drain with standing water pooling around your feet
Gurgling sounds from the drain
Shower drain smells but not clogged — odours could signal partial blockages or bacteria buildup
A visible buildup of hair or debris in or around the drain

Common Causes of a Clogged Shower Drain

Clogs usually form slowly over time. Some of the most common culprits include:

Small objects accidentally dropped down the drain

Hair buildup (especially long hair)

Soap scum and shampoo residue

Shaving cream and oils

Mineral deposits (especially in hard water areas like Edmonton)

Over time, these substances mix to form a sticky sludge that narrows your pipe’s diameter, reducing water flow and inviting bacteria.

Avoid rinsing down bath bombs with glitter, clay masks, or thick conditioners — all common clog triggers.

Handy Tools to Keep for Minor Drain Clogs

Every homeowner should have a basic shower drain plumbing kit. It saves time and avoids damage. Here’s what we recommend keeping on hand:

Drain snake / hair clog remover – Flexible, reusable, and safe for pipes
Plastic zip tool – Budget-friendly and great for hair clumps near the surface
Cup plunger – Not just for toilets! Cup-style works best for flat drain openings
Rubber gloves – Essential when pulling out debris or handling chemicals
Drain cover screwdriver – depending on your model
Natural cleaning agents – Baking soda, vinegar, and a kettle for boiling water

Step-by-Step: How to Clear a Shower Drain

If you’re wondering how to drain a clogged shower without calling in a pro, these methods are safe and effective:-

1. Start With the Basics: Remove Visible Hair

If your shower drain is clogged with hair, this simple first step can solve it.

Remove the drain cover using a screwdriver if necessary.
Put on rubber gloves and use a drain snake, wire hook, or even a zip tie with notches cut into it.
Pull out as much gunk as you can — you’ll often pull out hair clumps coated with soap scum.
Dispose of debris in the garbage — not back down the drain.

This is often the easiest fix for clogged shower drain solutions caused by hair.

2. Use a Baking Soda & Vinegar Flush

This method is eco-friendly and ideal for soap and oil buildup.

Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain.
Follow with ½ cup of vinegar.
Cover the drain with a plug or rag for 15–30 minutes.
Flush with boiling water to rinse the pipe clean.

This is a great monthly routine to prevent buildup and works as a natural anti-clog shower drain maintenance tip.

3. Try a Plunger

Yes — plungers work on shower drains too.

Add a bit of water to the shower floor if needed.
Place a cup-style plunger over the drain opening.
Plunge vigorously for 30 seconds.
Remove the plunger and check if the water drains.

If the clog is deeper, this may push it loose enough for other methods to finish the job.

What Not to Do

Don’t use chemical drain cleaners regularly — they can corrode your pipes and damage finishes.
Don’t ignore the problem — a small clog often turns into a bigger, more expensive one.
Don’t try to disassemble pipes without proper tools or experience.

How to Prevent Future Clogs

Use a hair trap or drain screen to catch debris before it goes down
Flush your drain monthly with baking soda and vinegar
Avoid using heavy oils, bath bombs, or clay-based shampoos
Run hot water for 30 seconds after every shower to clear residue

Can a Clogged Shower Drain Affect the Toilet?

Yes — if your home’s plumbing is older or if the clog is deep in the main drain line, it can cause issues with other fixtures, including your toilet. Water may back up or drain slowly in multiple places. This is especially true in basement bathrooms.

If you notice slow flushing or gurgling in your toilet along with a clogged shower, it’s time to call in the pros.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried all the DIY methods and the clog keeps coming back — or water is backing up from other drains in your home — it’s time to call in the professional plumber.

At Butler Plumbing, Heating & Gasfitting, we offer fast, affordable drain clearing services in Edmonton and surrounding areas. Our licensed plumbers use drain cameras, mechanical augers, and hydro-jetting to handle even the toughest blockages.

A clean, clog-free shower drain doesn’t just keep your bathroom smelling fresh — it saves you from bigger plumbing headaches down the road.

Need help now? Call 780-432-3947 or book your service now.

How to Fix a Clogged Shower Drain (Without Damaging Your Plumbing)