How to Unclog a Shower Drain with Standing Water?

Are you experiencing plumbing problems and need professional guidance? Call Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. at (847) 716-2261 to get our trusted team to diagnose the issue and restore your system!

Your shower or bath is where you like to relax after a long day; however, nothing is relaxing about seeing your shower drain clogged and full of standing water. Standing water can quickly attract pests and create a multitude of health concerns.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to unclog a shower drain with standing water, offering five helpful methods to produce fantastic results.

If your own efforts are unsuccessful, count on Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. to help. We are Aurora’s reliable drain cleaning professionals and can keep your plumbing system in top shape.

Why It’s Bad to Have Standing Water in Your Shower Drain

Standing water in your shower or bathtub begins as a mere frustration but quickly becomes a larger problem. Here’s why leaving a clogged drain and standing water for too long is bad for your property:

• Standing water attracts insects like dragonflies, mosquitoes, and flies, contributing to disease and grime.
• Mold and mildew thrive in dirty standing water, making your bathroom an unsafe environment.
• The shower or tub will start to smell bad.
• The clog will worsen, and the shower will completely stop draining.

Reasons Why Your Shower Drain Can Clog

If everyone in your house has medium to long hair, this is likely the culprit of your clogged shower drain. A hair strand or two going down the drain may seem like no big deal. However, hair can build up over time and form a large clog if you have no hair catchers (or an improperly sized one).

Other substances that can cause clogs include:

• Mineral buildup
• Soaps
• Salt and sugar body scrubs
• Shower and bath liquids

You should also clean your drains from time to time; around every year and a half to two years is best. Participating in maintenance will keep your drain and plumbing in top shape.

How to Unclog a Shower Drain with Standing Water: 5 Methods

If you have a clogged drain, don’t panic! Consider these five ways to unclog a shower drain.

1. Combine Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda, a cup of vinegar, and boiled water are a perfect home remedy for clearing a clog.

Here’s what you can do:

• Place 3/4 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar.
• Pouring boiling water down the drain after an hour will warm and melt the clog.

2. Use a Plunger

You can use a plunger with an airtight seal to remove the clog. Petroleum jelly around the plunger’s rim adds suction, so place it firm against the drain and begin plunging. After three minutes, run hot water, then cold water for a few minutes to see if it worked.

Repeating the process two or three more times might do the trick, but if not, try other methods instead. 

3. Try a Drain Snake

A drain snake (also known as a drain auger or plumber’s snake) can tackle difficult-to-reach clogs when other techniques can’t. That said, you should know there is a risk of using this tool. Plumbers can safely handle them without harming the pipes, but a homeowner could do some damage. You should place and remove the snake slowly and crank the handle carefully to reduce the risk of damage.

4. Use a Coat Hanger

If you want to learn how to unclog a shower drain with standing water, try using a wire coat hanger. After bending one end into a hook, hold the opposite end and place the hook into the drain until you feel the clog. Remove the hook with the gunk until you’ve cleared the clog. 

5. Call Your Local Expert Plumber

The best way to resolve your clog is by calling your trusted plumber. They’ll remove the clog with their professional equipment and training and will recommend ways to prevent clogs and keep your drains safe and clean.

Ways to Prevent Clogged Shower Drains in the Future

Although clogged shower drains are annoying, you can take several steps to prevent clogs from happening again, such as:

• Pour contaminated water into your yard, not down your shower drain
• Keep hair out of the drain by wearing a shower cap or investing in a ShowerShroom or TubShroom
• Remove stuck oils by running hot water from time to time for at least two minutes
• Put solid waste in the trash

Learning what can and can’t properly pass through the lines helps you protect your pipes and avoid future clogging scenarios.

Tackling a Clogged Shower Drain: DIY vs. Professional Methods

Sometimes, simple at-home techniques can remove pesky clogs. Whether you use a bendable coat hanger or try a baking soda and vinegar solution, you could resolve the problem in a couple of hours or less. However, this isn’t always the case for every property owner.

If your attempts at DIY clog removal aren’t getting anywhere, you’re potentially facing a more stubborn or serious clog. Many homeowners use chemical drain cleaning or de-clog products that end up doing more harm than good. Instead, you’ll want to call a professional plumber who can carefully and safely remove the clog without damaging your pipes.

Furthermore, many people feel uncomfortable or grossed out when it comes to removing a clog. Getting the job done yourself may work in some cases, but you’ll get the best results from contacting a trusted local plumbing professional.

Contact Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. Today for Services in Elgin, IL

Now that you’ve learned five methods for how to unclog a shower drain with standing water, see what other plumbing questions we can answer for you. Our business knows the best tips and tricks for a variety of common plumbing situations, such as when your sink drain smells like sewer water.

Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. is here to help residents of Elgin, IL, and the surrounding areas address their plumbing needs. Schedule an appointment for top-notch services by giving us a call at (847) 716-2261 today!