How do I unblock a shower drain?

The fastest shower-drain fix is usually hair. Remove the cover or strainer, pull out any visible buildup, and then try flushing the drain with hot water if your pipes can handle it. Home Depot and Mr. Rooter both put the simple fixes first.

If that does not clear it, a mix of baking soda and vinegar can help loosen soap scum and grime, especially in a slow drain rather than a fully blocked one. After the fizzing stops, follow with hot water and see whether the water drains more quickly.

If the clog is still stubborn, use a drain snake or auger to reach deeper into the pipe. Shower drains often clog just below the surface, so a few inches of mechanical removal can do more than repeated pours of cleaner.