How to Unclog Toilets and Showers Safely

Shower drains may become blocked by hair accumulation, improperly maintained sink strainers, or sewer issues. Toilets can also become clogged in various ways.

Clogged toilet and shower drains don’t necessarily indicate serious issues, but they’re inconvenient all the same. Here are some approaches you can try to unclog them.

If do-it-yourself remedies fail, don’t be afraid to contact PlumbTech‘s knowledgeable plumbers for dependable plumbing solutions.

Plunger

Your household should already possess this essential tool.

When plunging, run hot water through its rubber end to soften and create an effective seal before plunging into any hole or tubing.

Set the plunger over the drain hole with its cup covering it. Make sure its flange firmly covers any clogs or blockages. Push up and down without breaking the seal seven to ten times without blowing air out of its cup.

If this doesn’t seem effective, reposition its cup for better sealing before trying again.

Wire hanger

A simple wire coat hanger can serve as an affordable DIY drain snake to unclog sinks, showers, and toilets.

Before beginning, ensure you have needle-nose pliers and a wire coat hanger on hand. Cut off both hooks of the coat hanger so it forms one long straight rod. Use pliers to bend a small loop into one end of the wire coat hanger.

Start by unplugging the drain cover to inspect that there’s enough space for water to flow freely. Remove the shower stopper and push your wire snake down until resistance occurs—that indicates where your clog lies. At that point, rotate and break it up by rotating the snake.

Even though it could take some time and persistence, this approach will be effective.

If the problem persists, a toilet auger could help break apart larger clumps of hair or debris.

Dish soap

Liquid dish soap works wonders at dissolving grease on dinner plates; similarly, it can help unclog toilets when they become blocked. Pour a small amount directly down your toilet drain if it appears blocked. This should unclog most blockages.

Keep a bucket of near-boiling (but not boiling) hot water nearby for this process. Pour some of it into your toilet bowl after adding dish soap. This helps soften and dissolve any obstructions to flushing more easily.

Bleach

If the plunger, metal coat hanger, or drain snake has failed to clear away your shower or sink clogs, bleach may be your go-to chemical for clearing them away. Bleach works to dissolve organic build-up, such as hair clumps and soap scum, from pipes by breaking up the structure, causing blockages in pipes.

Be careful to use bleach sparingly and only in combination with hot water, as it’s an abrasive chemical that could potentially cause burns if it comes in contact with the skin. Make sure that adequate ventilation exists in your work environment when handling bleach to minimize risks of injury to those nearby.

Baking soda

Baking soda is unquestionably the top nontoxic drain cleaner available. When combined with vinegar, it creates a foaming chemical reaction, which can jostle and break up grime stuck in your drain pipe. Vinegar acts as an acid that cuts through grease build-up and hair accumulation.

The vinegar-baking soda combination may take time to work its magic, but the wait will pay off! Not only is this method much safer and cheaper than commercial drain cleaners, but all it involves are pantry ingredients available right in your own kitchen.