How To Fix A Slow Running Shower Drain? (And 3 Mistakes To Avoid)

A slow shower drain is one of those problems that creeps up on you. At first, the water just collects a little more than usual around your feet. A few weeks later, your shower not draining properly turns every shower into a mini bath.

The good news? In many cases, a slow draining shower drain can be fixed quickly – and pretty easily – with the right approach. The bad news? Some common DIY mistakes can make a blocked shower drain much worse.

Below are 5 practical ways to fix a shower drain that’s slow – followed by 3 mistakes we see all the time that end up costing homeowners more in the long run.

Let’s get into it:

1. Remove hair & soap build-up at the drain opening

Hair is the number 1 reason a shower drain slow but not clogged yet eventually becomes a problem. Over time, it combines with soap, shampoo, and conditioner to form a sticky mass just below the grate.

How to do it properly:

• Remove the drain cover
• Use a plastic drain hook or flexible hair snake
• Pull debris out slowly (it’s not pretty, but it’s effective)
• Rinse with hot water

Just this alone often solves a shower drain slow issue – especially if the problem developed gradually.

Best for: Early-stage blockages

Won’t help if: The blockage is deeper in the pipe.

2. Flush the line with hot water and dish detergent

If you’re wondering how to clear a slow shower drain caused by soap residue or body oils, this method works surprisingly well.

What to do:

• Boil a kettle of water
• Add a generous squirt of dishwashing liquid to the drain
• Slowly pour the hot water down

The detergent helps break down greasy residue while the hot water pushes it through. And it’s a good step if your shower drain blocked symptoms come and go.

3. Use a plunger the right way (yes, there is a right way!)

Most people don’t realise plungers work on shower drains – but only if used correctly.

Correct technique:

• Cover the drain opening completely
• Add enough water to submerge the plunger cup
• Plunge firmly 10-15 times
• Check if the water drains faster.

This creates pressure that can dislodge partial blockages causing a slow draining shower drain.

Tip: Seal nearby floor wastes with a wet cloth for better suction.

4. Remove and clean the shower trap (if accessible)

Some showers have a removable trap underneath or just below the drain. If yours does, it’s worth checking.

Steps:

• Remove the grate and trap insert
• Clean out built-up hair and debris
• Reinstall securely
• Run water to test.

For a shower drain slow but not clogged, this can work a treat – especially in newer homes.

5. Try a gentle natural cleaner (but manage expectations)

You’ve probably heard about baking soda and vinegar. While it won’t fix serious blockages, it can help with light build-up.

How to fix a slow running shower drain with natural drain cleaner ingredients:

• Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain
• Follow with 1 cup vinegar
• Let it fizz for 15 minutes
• Rinse with hot water.

But manage those expectations – think of this as maintenance, not a miracle cure.

3 Common DIY mistakes that make slow drains worse

How did you go? Mixed results? Before you reach for stronger solutions, it’s definitely worth knowing what not to do. Because based on our years of experience in the plumbing game, these errors can be very costly indeed.

1. Using harsh chemical drain cleaners

Chemical cleaners may seem like the fastest way to clear a slow shower drain, but they often:

• Damage pipes (especially older ones)
• Harden hair and soap into tougher blockages
• Fail to remove the full obstruction.

In fact, they’re one of the most common reasons a blocked shower drain turns into a repeat problem.

2. Forcing rigid drain snakes too far

Cheap metal snakes can scratch pipes or push debris deeper. Shower drain slow? Be careful you don’t turn a slow-running shower drain into a completely-blocked shower drain!

If the resistance feels strong, STOP.

3. Repeating the same fix over and over

Have you tried multiple DIY methods for a shower drain blocked for whatever reason and the symptoms keep returning? The issue is likely deeper in the line – not at the surface.

That’s often when professional drain cleaning or a CCTV drain camera inspection becomes the smarter option.

When DIY isn’t enough

Shower not draining how you’d like it to? Perhaps it improved briefly with one of our interventions and and then it slowed down again. Or, perhaps you notice:

• Gurgling sounds
• Bad smells after cleaning
• Water backing up into other drains.

In those cases, it sounds like a deeper blockage is forming. And catching it early can prevent bigger problems – and bigger bills.

Need help with a slow shower drain?

If your DIY attempts haven’t solved the problem, Brisbane Drain Cleaning‘s specialist drain plumbers can clear it properly and make sure it stays clear.

Call now for an obligation-free, fixed-price quote – or book online for same-day service across Brisbane.