How Do I Unclog a Slow Shower Drain?

Quick answers

First: A plastic hair snake (Zip-It, Drain Weasel) reaches most shower clogs before any tools are needed.
Next:Remove the drain cover or tub overflow cover and use a sink auger. This handles deeper blockages.
Cleaners: Bleach-based cleaners (Drano, Liquid-Plumr) dissolve hair. Enzyme cleaners prevent buildup. Don't mix them.
Prevention: A $5–$15 silicone hair catcher eliminates most clogs before they start.
Still slow? Stubborn, multiple, or gurgling drains point to deeper issue and not a DIY fix

Hair clogs are the most common drain problem in homes across the Winston-Salem area. Unlike food, hair tangles into a ball that catches soap and gets worse the longer it sits. Most clogs sit within the first 12 inches of the drain; reachable with many DIY simple tools.

How to clear a hair clog

Put on rubber gloves and use a plastic hair snake ($3–$8). The barbed tip grabs hair without breaking it up. Insert, rotate slowly, and pull back out. This resolves most shower clogs before any tools are needed.

If the drain is still slow. You’ll likely need to remove the drain cover or tub overflow plate and use a standard hand-crank sink auger. These go two to three feet into the pipe to catch the clog or push it through. If neither clears the clog, something more serious is going on and it may be time for a professional.

Which drain cleaner works on hair?

Cleaners like Drano and Liquid-Plumr contain chemicals that break down the protein structure of hair. They work on active clogs but not immediately — follow the instructions and never mix with other chemicals. Enzyme-based cleaners (Bio-Clean, Green Gobbler) digest organic matter but work too slowly for an existing clog; use them monthly as a maintenance flush instead. Baking soda and vinegar fizz impressively but don't break down hair or grease. For a full breakdown of which cleaner type works on which clog, see our guide to chemical drain cleaners.

How to prevent shower drain clogs

Install a fine-mesh silicone hair catcher over the drain and empty it after every shower. Pair that with a monthly enzyme cleaner flush and you'll be in good shape. These two habits eliminate the vast majority of hair clogs in Winston-Salem-area homes.

When to call a plumber

Call a licensed plumber if the drain is still slow after snaking, multiple drains are slow at once, you hear gurgling in the pipes, or a cleared clog returns within two weeks. Those symptoms point past a simple shower drain clog. If you're noticing slow drains throughout the house, it may be worth checking for a broader drainage issue before it gets worse.

Tried everything and still standing in water? Our Winston-Salem team can diagnose a stubborn shower drain in one visit. Call us anytime and we'll get you scheduled ASAP. 336-203-2348

Plumbing FAQs

Is it safe to use Drano in a shower drain?

Yes, occasionally. But never pour more than the recommended amount. Repeated or heavy use is when problems occur. Never mix with other chemicals or a second cleaner poured in separately.

Why does my shower drain keep clogging after I clear it?

Recurring clogs usually mean something more is going on with the drain or pipe. Monthly enzyme cleaner flushes can help with buildup, but a persistent deep clog needs a plumber with a longer cable or hydro-jetting equipment.

Is a clogged shower drain an emergency?

A slow or fully blocked shower drain is not typically an emergency. You have time to try clearing it yourself before calling us. It becomes urgent if multiple drains back up simultaneously, if there's sewage odor, or if water is overflowing onto the floor.

How much does it cost to unclog a shower drain?

Costs to clear a shower drain start at $280. Problems with the pipes themselves or the need for different equipment will drive any cost increases from there.