Symptoms
- Water doesn't drain at all during a shower
- Water pools around your feet quickly
- Drain cover may be visibly covered in hair
- Slow drainage was noticeable before it stopped completely
Likely causes
- CommonHair and soap scum clog at or near the drainHair binds with soap residue into a dense mass that blocks flow.
- PossibleClog in the trap below the shower drainDebris that gets past the drain cover can still lodge in the trap.
- Less commonBuildup further down the branch drain lineMore likely if other fixtures are affected too.
- Less commonForeign object dropped down the drainSmall bottle caps or razor covers can fully block the opening.
What to do
- Remove the drain cover, usually by unscrewing a center screw or prying it up, and clear out any visible hair mass by hand (wear gloves).
- Use a plastic zip-style drain tool pushed a foot or so down the drain to hook and pull out more hair.
- Plunge the drain with a bit of water in the tub or shower base and the overflow (if a tub) covered, using firm strokes.
- Pour hot water down the drain to help clear loosened soap scum.
- For a stubborn clog, feed a hand-crank drain snake down the drain opening and work it in slowly, pulling out any hair it catches.
- Reinstall the drain cover and run water for a few minutes to confirm normal drainage.
- Consider a hair-catching drain cover going forward to reduce how often this happens.
Tools and parts
- Plastic zip-style drain tool
- Plunger
- Hand-crank drain snake
- Gloves
Hair-catching shower drain coverSearch: “shower drain hair catcher”
When to call a pro
Call a plumber if a hand snake can't reach or clear the clog, or if the drain keeps clogging shortly after clearing.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.