The secret to clean drains? It’s quicker, cleaner, and cheaper than you think.

October 8, 2025

Gross, Gurgly Drains? Here's the Shower Drain Hack Every Home Needs

Why that slow drain isn't just annoying — it's a warning sign

You know that moment — standing ankle-deep in shower water, wondering if you’re bathing or slowly submerging. It’s not just frustrating, it’s literally a backed-up problem waiting to burst. Blocked shower drains might start slow, but left alone, they can turn into clogs that bring your bathroom to a standstill — not to mention a plumber call that ruins the weekend vibe fast.

The good news? Keeping your shower drain clear isn’t as hard (or gross) as you might think. With a little routine and a few simple tools, you can keep hair, soap scum, and other culprits from causing drama in the drains. Let’s walk through the right way to clean your shower drain — and how to make future blockages a non-issue.

What Causes Shower Drain Blockages?

It’s a sneaky mix. Every time you wash your hair, shave your legs, or scrub off dirt after a day in the garden, you’re sending tiny strands of hair, skin, and greasy soap suds right down that hole. Over time, they don’t just vanish — they gather. Like a bad group chat, they clump together, stick to the inside of your pipes, and eventually stop everything from flowing smoothly.

"Think of it like cholesterol for your pipes — a slow build-up you don’t see until it blocks the flow." – Candeece from Strathalbyn H Hardware

How to Properly Clean Your Shower Drain

Step-by-step, here’s how to do it right without spiralling into a DIY disaster:

1. Clear the Cover

Remove the drain cover. Most lift with a gentle wiggle or screwdriver assist. If it's been there a while, brace yourself — it's probably holding some secrets.

2. Pull Out Hair and Gunk (Yep, It’s Gross)

Gloves on. Paper towel ready. Use a drain snake or a straightened wire hanger with a hooked end to gently fish out any hair or debris lurking near the top. It won’t be pretty — but it’s satisfying, like popping bubble wrap for homeowners.

3. Boiling Water Rinse

Heat up a kettle and pour boiling water slowly down the drain in two stages. This helps melt down any gooey soap or grease lining the inside walls.

4. Bicarb Bomb + Vinegar Volcano

Pour half a cup of bicarb soda into the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar. It’ll fizz, bubble, and sound like it’s hosting a mini rave. Let it work for 10–15 minutes. Follow with more hot water.

5. Check Flow

Turn on the shower. Water should be flowing quickly with no back-up. If it’s still sluggish, there may be a deeper blockage — worth getting some backup on that one.

How to Prevent Future Shower Blockages

Now that it's clean, let’s keep it that way. Prevention is easier than cleaning — and much nicer to deal with.

Use a drain hair catcher: These little sieve-like covers catch hair before it goes rogue. Rinse every few days.
Weekly rinse with boiling water: Too easy. Makes a big difference, especially in homes with long hair or heavy product use.
Bicarb & vinegar monthly ritual: Mark it on your phone or make it a Sunday habit. This gentle combo breaks down gunk before it becomes a problem.
Limit oils and conditioners: They’re heavier to break down and love clinging to pipe walls.
Teach the crew: If your household is bigger than just you, show others what to avoid doing — like rinsing clumps of hair right down the plughole.

What If the Drain's Still Not Right?

If you’ve cleaned and treated the drain but it’s still not draining properly, or worse — it backs up quickly — it may be a bigger issue. You might be dealing with a blockage further down the line. That’s when it’s worth having a chat with local pros you trust.

But often, it really just comes down to buildup right around the drain head, especially in older homes where the plumbing has... character.

Quick Tools That Make This Easier

Drain snakes (reusable or single-use)
Eco-safe drain gel for monthly maintenance
Universal-fit drain catchers
Flexible cleaning brushes for grates and heads

All of these can be picked up while doing your regular hardware run — they’re simple buys that pay off big time in peace of mind.

A Shower That Just Works — Every Single Time

Blocked drains don’t just slow you down — they steal the joy from your daily rituals. There’s something soothing about a hot shower after a long day. But if it's turning into a paddle pool or holding onto mystery smells, the calm gets washed down the drain with it.

With a few regular habits and a touch of know-how, you’re setting yourself up for smooth showers, peace of mind, and pipes that stay quietly in the background – where they belong.

Got questions about drain-safe cleaners or simple tools for the job? Pop by or give us a ring. We see a lot of these little (and sometimes not-so-little) household hiccups — and we’re always happy to help you fix them the right way.

Here’s to simple wins that make home life smoother. Catch you in the next project,

— Candeece