All of us have, at one time or another, fallen victim to hair clogging up the drain. When your bathtub is draining slowly or you find yourself standing in inches of soapy water with each shower, the culprit is most likely lurking just below the drain cover. This can be a relatively simple fix, as long as you know how to remove a shower drain cover properly.
There are several types of shower drain covers and each comes with its own set of instructions for removal. Here are the most common shower drain covers we typically see:
- Pop-Up Drain Covers: These typically pull straight off, though others might require a bit of wiggle work.
- Screw-In: Screw-in drain covers look like a strainer. To remove, simply unscrew with the appropriate screwdriver and remove.
- Toe-Touch: Toe-touch shower drains are aptly named, as they open and close with a push of the toe. To remove this style of drain, you can usually unscrew the drain from the open position and remove the cap. (Remember: Lefty loosey, righty tighty!) If this doesn’t work, look for a screwdriver slot for the removal of the entire mechanism.
Don’t see your shower drain cover listed above? Not to panic! We also provide services for lift-and-turn, flip-it, push/pull, and virtually every other shower drain cover available.
Tools You May Need in The Process
- A utility knife
- Needle nose pliers
- A flat-head screwdriver
- Silicone caulk
- Spray lubricant
Removing The Cover
To begin, you need to spray the cover with lubricant. This will help lubricate any stuck parts, making them easier to remove. Don’t forget to wear gloves when doing this! Once the cover is properly lubricated, use your screwdriver or pliers to attempt removal. If you’re still unable to remove it after a few attempts, try using a utility knife.
If the cover is attached by screw only, unscrew it with the appropriate screwdriver and remove it. If the cover is attached by a ring or other type of clip, try using a pair of needle-nose pliers to loosen it and then carefully remove it.
If it’s a snap-in cover, also spray the edges of the cover with lubricant and leave it for some time so it goes into the threads. Next, try to wiggle it out, or use a flathead screwdriver or pliers to carefully pry it off. You can use some more lubricant if you need to.
Cut the caulking around the cover as needed using the utility knife. To avoid damage to the shower floor, place masking tape around the cover before attempting to remove it. Sometimes, debris around the cover makes it difficult to remove. If this is the case, use the utility knife to carefully cut away any debris before attempting removal.
After the cover is removed, make sure to check for any debris or clogs that might be causing your slow drainage. If everything looks good, you can replace the drain cover and seal it with some silicone caulk.
And there you have it! With a few easy steps, you’ve learned how to remove a shower drain cover. If you’ve followed the instructions above and still can’t get it off, contact Rick’s Plumbing for help. We can easily assess the situation and provide assistance so that you can quickly get back to enjoying your showers!
Unclogging The Shower Drain
If you’re dealing with a pesky clog below the shower drain cover, there are also several DIY and over-the-counter fixes that can provide temporary relief: inexpensive drain clog remover tools for hair, baking soda, and vinegar, and even using a plunger can help remove the clog.
Keep in mind that these are all quick fixes and should be followed up by a call to the plumber to prevent the build-up from recurring or moving deeper into the drain pipe.
Plumbers in New Haven And Fairfield Counties
Removing a shower drain cover is an important step that should be taken when cleaning your bathroom. It can also help you identify plumbing problems or other issues with the drains in your home. Before attempting to remove a shower drain cover, make sure you have the right tools and know the proper steps to take.
If you have trouble removing the shower drain cover and fixing the clog, don’t hesitate to contact Rick’s Plumbing. Our experienced plumbers provide the best plumbing service in the area. Call us today at (203) 874-6629.