7 Easy Steps to Take Out a Shower Drain

A step-by-step guide to taking out a shower drain
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Maintaining a clean and functional shower drain is essential for a pleasant showering experience. However, clogs and blockages can occur due to hair, soap scum, and other debris, making it necessary to regularly clean the drain. If you find yourself dealing with a clogged shower drain, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent further issues and ensure proper drainage. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to remove a shower drain cover, unclog the drain, and effectively clean it to restore optimal functionality.

Before embarking on the task of removing your shower drain cover, it’s essential to gather the necessary tools. You will need a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and a drain snake or auger. Additionally, prepare a bucket or container to collect any water or debris that may be released during the process. With the proper tools and materials at hand, you can confidently remove the drain cover and address the underlying issue. Once the cover is removed, you can proceed to unclog the drain using the drain snake or auger. By carefully inserting the tool into the drain and rotating it, you can effectively break up and remove any clogs or blockages.

After successfully unclogging the drain, it’s important to thoroughly clean it to prevent future clogs and ensure optimal functionality. For this task, you can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, which is a natural and effective cleaning solution. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Allow the solution to sit for 15-20 minutes, allowing it to dissolve any remaining debris or soap scum. Once the waiting period has elapsed, flush the drain with hot water to rinse away the cleaning solution and any loosened debris. This simple cleaning method will leave your shower drain clean, refreshed, and ready to perform efficiently.

Removing the Drain Cover

The first step in taking out a shower drain is to remove the drain cover. This can be done by hand or with a tool, depending on the type of drain cover you have.

Older,screw-on drain covers

If you have an older, screw-on drain cover, you can remove it by simply unscrewing it.

Newer, pop-up drain covers

If you have a newer, pop-up drain cover, you will need to use a tool to remove it. There are two types of tools that you can use: a drain key or a pair of pliers.

To remove the drain cover with a drain key, simply insert the key into the slot in the drain cover and turn it counterclockwise. To remove the drain cover with a pair of pliers, simply grip the drain cover with the pliers and pull it straight up.

Once you have removed the drain cover, you can proceed to the next step, which is removing the drain strainer.

Type of Drain Cover	Removal Method
Screw-on	Unscrew by hand
Pop-up	Use a drain key or pliers

Using a Drain Snake

A drain snake, also known as a plumbing snake or auger, is a long, flexible cable with a hook or corkscrew-shaped head at the end. It is used to clear clogs in drains by snagging the blockage and pulling it out.

Materials

Item	Description
Drain snake	A long, flexible cable with a hook or corkscrew head
Gloves	To protect your hands from debris
Bucket	To collect any water or debris that comes out of the drain
Flashlight	To illuminate the drain if needed

How to Use a Drain Snake

1. Remove the drain cover.
2. Feed the drain snake into the drain, rotating it as you go to help it grip the blockage.
3. Continue feeding the snake into the drain until you feel resistance or until the head of the snake emerges from the other end.
4. If you feel resistance, gently wiggle the snake back and forth to loosen the blockage.
5. Once the blockage is loose, slowly pull the snake out of the drain, snagging the blockage with the hook or corkscrew head.
6. Dispose of the blockage in the trash.
7. Flush the drain with hot water to remove any remaining debris.

Applying Chemical Drain Cleaners

Step 1: Prepare the area and gather your tools

Before you start, make sure the bathroom is well-ventilated. Open windows or turn on the exhaust fan. Gather your tools, including chemical drain cleaner, a pair of gloves, a bucket, and a flashlight.

Step 2: Read the product label carefully

Follow the instructions on the drain cleaner label precisely. Different products require different application methods and precautions. Make sure you understand the correct amount to use and the recommended wait time.

Step 3: Apply the drain cleaner

Type of drain cleaner	Application method
Liquid or gel	Pour directly into the drain
Granular	Spread evenly over the drain opening
Foam	Dispense into the drain using a trigger nozzle

Once the drain cleaner is applied, let it sit for the recommended amount of time. Avoid using the shower during this period. The drain cleaner will work its way down the drain and dissolve the clog.

Step 4: Flush the drain

After the wait time is complete, flush the drain with plenty of hot water. This will help to remove the dissolved clog and any remaining drain cleaner. If the clog is still present, you may need to repeat the process or use a different method.

Vacuuming the Drain

Vacuuming the drain is another effective method to remove any hair, dirt, or debris that may be clogging the drain. You can use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner for this task. Here’s how to vacuum the drain:

Safety first: Before you start, put on gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any splashes or debris.
Attach the wet/dry vacuum cleaner: Connect the vacuum hose to the drain opening. Make sure the connection is secure to create a good seal.
Start vacuuming: Turn on the vacuum cleaner and position the hose over the drain opening. Allow the vacuum to run for at least 30 seconds or until you no longer see any debris being removed.
Inspect the vacuum filter: After vacuuming, check the vacuum filter to see if there is any hair or debris trapped. Clean or replace the filter as needed.
Flush the drain: Once you have finished vacuuming, run hot water down the drain for a few minutes to flush out any remaining debris and ensure the drain is clear.

If you are unable to remove the clog using a vacuum cleaner, you may need to try other methods, such as using a drain snake or calling a plumber.

Plunging the Drain

Plunging the drain is a simple method that can often clear a minor clog. To do this, you will need a cup-style plunger, which is specially designed for drains.

1. Fill the sink or bathtub with enough water to cover the drain opening.

2. Place the plunger over the drain and create a seal. This may require some maneuvering to get the right angle and position.

3. Rapidly push and pull the plunger up and down for several seconds. The repeated suction and force can help dislodge the clog.

4. Once you have plunged for a while, remove the plunger and check if the water is draining. If it is not, repeat the plunging process until the clog is cleared.

5. If you are still unable to clear the clog with a plunger, you may need to try a different method. The table below provides a summary of the steps involved in plunging a drain:

Step	Description
1	Fill the sink or bathtub with enough water to cover the drain opening
2	Place the plunger over the drain and create a seal
3	Rapidly push and pull the plunger up and down for several seconds
4	Remove the plunger and check if the water is draining
5	Repeat steps 2-4 until the clog is cleared

Disassembling the Drain Assembly

1. Locate the drain cover and remove it using a screwdriver or your fingers. The drain cover is typically a small, circular metal or plastic cap located in the center of the drain.

2. Remove the strainer basket. The strainer basket is a cylindrical metal or plastic basket that sits inside the drain opening. It collects hair and other debris to prevent them from clogging the drain.

3. Disconnect the tailpiece from the drain body. The tailpiece is the curved pipe that connects the drain body to the drain pipe under the sink. To disconnect it, loosen the slip nut that connects the tailpiece to the drain body, using a wrench or pliers.

4. Remove the drain body. The drain body is the round or square metal or plastic fixture that surrounds the drain hole. To remove it, unscrew the locknut that holds it in place, using a basin wrench or a pair of pliers.

5. Inspect the drain body and remove any debris. The drain body may be clogged with hair, soap scum, or other debris. Use a small brush or a pair of pliers to remove any debris that you find.

6. Reassemble the drain assembly. To reassemble the drain assembly, follow these steps in reverse order:

Step	Action
1	Place the drain body back into the drain hole and tighten the locknut.
2	Attach the tailpiece to the drain body and tighten the slip nut.
3	Place the strainer basket back into the drain opening.
4	Replace the drain cover.

Cleaning the Dip Tube

The dip tube is a small, U-shaped tube that sits inside the drain and prevents water from flowing out when the stopper is closed. Over time, hair and soap scum can build up on the dip tube, causing it to become clogged. If the dip tube becomes clogged, it can prevent the water from draining properly and cause the shower to flood.

To clean the dip tube, you will need to remove it from the drain. To do this, use a pair of pliers to gently pull up on the dip tube until it comes loose. Once the dip tube is removed, you can clean it by soaking it in a solution of hot water and vinegar for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, use a brush to scrub away any remaining hair or soap scum.

Once the dip tube is clean, you can reassemble the drain by inserting the dip tube back into the drain and pushing down until it is secure. Once the dip tube is secure, you can test the drain by running water into it and checking to see if it drains properly.

Materials	Instructions	Helpful Tips
Pliers	Remove the dip tube from the drain.	If the dip tube is difficult to remove, you can use a small amount of WD-40 to help loosen it.
Hot water	Soak the dip tube in a solution of hot water and vinegar for 30 minutes.	You can also use a commercial drain cleaner to clean the dip tube.
Brush	Use a brush to scrub away any remaining hair or soap scum.	Be sure to rinse the dip tube thoroughly with water after cleaning it.
	Reassemble the drain by inserting the dip tube back into the drain and pushing down until it is secure.	Once the dip tube is secure, you can test the drain by running water into it and checking to see if it drains properly.

Inspecting the P-Trap

The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe located beneath the drain. It holds a small amount of water to create a seal that prevents sewer gases from escaping into your home. Over time, the P-trap can become clogged with hair, soap scum, and other debris, which can lead to slow drainage or even a complete blockage.

To inspect the P-trap, follow these steps:

1. Place a bucket or towel beneath the P-trap to catch any water or debris that may spill out.
2. Using a wrench or pliers, loosen the nuts that connect the P-trap to the drainpipe and the tailpiece.
3. Carefully remove the P-trap and examine it for any visible clogs or damage.
4. If the P-trap is clogged, use a wire brush or pipe cleaner to clear the obstruction.
5. If the P-trap is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
6. Reassemble the P-trap by tightening the nuts that connect it to the drainpipe and the tailpiece.
7. Turn on the water and check for leaks.
8. For a more thorough inspection, you can also remove the drain stopper and inspect the drainpipe. Look for any cracks or breaks that may be causing leaks. Use a flashlight to illuminate the inside of the drainpipe and check for any debris that may be blocking the flow of water.

Replacing Damaged Parts

If you discover any damaged parts during the cleaning process, they will need to be replaced. This is a relatively simple process, but it is important to do it correctly to avoid further damage to the drain.

To replace a damaged part, you will need a new part, a wrench, and a pair of pliers. First, remove the old part by unscrewing it with the wrench. Be careful not to overtighten the new part when you install it.

Here are some specific instructions for replacing some of the most common damaged parts:

Part	How to Replace
Stopper	Unscrew the old stopper with the pliers and screw on the new stopper.
Gasket	Remove the old gasket with the pliers and install the new gasket.
Washer	Remove the old washer with the pliers and install the new washer.
Strainer	Unscrew the old strainer with the wrench and screw on the new strainer.
Drain cover	Unscrew the old drain cover with the wrench and screw on the new drain cover.

Reassembling the Drain Assembly

With the parts cleaned and ready, it’s time to reassemble the drain assembly. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks:

Apply sealant: Apply a thin bead of silicone sealant around the base of the drain strainer.
Insert the gasket: Place the rubber gasket inside the drain flange, ensuring it fits snugly.
Attach the strainer: Align the drain strainer with the gasket and press it down firmly, twisting it clockwise to secure it.
Install the washer: Place the metal washer on top of the strainer.
Tighten the lock nut: Hand-tighten the lock nut onto the washer until it’s snug.
Tighten further with a wrench: Using a wrench or pliers, carefully tighten the lock nut further by about a quarter turn. Avoid overtightening.
Inspect for leaks: Run water into the shower drain and check for any leaks. If there are leaks, retighten the lock nut or apply more sealant as needed.
Install the hair catcher: If desired, install a hair catcher over the drain strainer to prevent hair and other debris from clogging the drain.
Wipe excess sealant: Remove any excess sealant around the drain using a damp cloth.
Allow sealant to cure: Allow the silicone sealant to cure completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 24-48 hours.

Tips for Reassembling:

Use a clean rag or cloth to handle the parts, as any dirt or debris can affect the seal.
Avoid using excessive force when tightening the lock nut, as this can damage the parts.
If the lock nut is too tight, it can crush the rubber gasket and cause leaks.
If the lock nut is too loose, the drain assembly may not seal properly and allow water to leak.
If you’re unsure about the correct tightness, err on the side of caution and tighten the lock nut slightly more if needed.

How to Remove a Shower Drain

Having a clogged shower drain is a frustrating issue, but it’s one that you can usually fix yourself with just a few simple tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove a shower drain:

Remove the drain cover. This is usually done by unscrewing it counterclockwise.
Use a flashlight to look down the drain and identify the type of drain you have. There are two main types of shower drains: pop-up drains and regular drains.
If you have a pop-up drain, you will need to remove the linkage. This is usually done by unscrewing a screw that is located in the center of the drain.
Once the linkage is removed, you can lift the drain cover out of the drain.
If you have a regular drain, you will need to use a drain snake to remove the clog. Insert the drain snake into the drain and turn the handle until the snake reaches the clog. Once the clog is reached, you can pull the drain snake out of the drain along with the clog.
Once the clog is removed, you can replace the drain cover.