Symptoms
- Water takes longer than usual to clear after a shower
- Slight pooling around your feet
- Gurgling as it slowly drains
- Getting worse over the past few weeks
Likely causes
- CommonPartial hair and soap scum buildupA gradual buildup narrows the opening before fully blocking it.
- PossibleMineral scale narrowing the trap or pipeMore common in hard water areas over many years.
- PossibleSoap and shampoo residue coating the drain pipeSticky residue can trap more hair and debris as it builds.
- Less commonPartial blockage further down the lineWorth considering if multiple drains are slow.
What to do
- Remove the drain cover and clear visible hair and soap scum by hand.
- Use a plastic zip-style drain tool to pull out hair from a bit further down the drain.
- Pour a kettle of hot (not boiling on plastic pipes) water down the drain to help loosen residue.
- Try a baking soda and vinegar treatment: pour baking soda down, follow with vinegar, let sit 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
- If still slow, plunge the drain with some water standing in the shower base for better suction.
- For a persistent slow drain, use a hand-crank drain snake to clear deeper buildup.
- Reinstall the cover and monitor drainage speed over the next few showers.
Tools and parts
- Plastic zip-style drain tool
- Plunger
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Hand-crank drain snake
When to call a pro
Call a plumber if the slow drainage doesn't improve after cleaning and snaking, or keeps returning within weeks.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.