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How to clear a shower or tub drain
Most shower and tub clogs are hair bound with soap residue, within the first foot of the drain.
Steps
- Remove the strainer or stopper. Many unscrew or lift out. Tub lever stoppers come out with the overflow plate.
- Pull out hair with a plastic barbed drain stick or needle-nose pliers.
- Plunge: for tubs, cover the overflow opening with a wet rag so the plunger can build pressure.
- Auger with a small hand auger if needed.
- Flush with hot tap water.
Keep it clear
- Fit a hair catcher and empty it weekly.
- Clean the stopper monthly.
If the tub fills when you flush the toilet or run the washer, that's not a hair clog. It's likely a main-line blockage (what to do).