Two brands publish steps for shower drains, and they do different jobs. Liquid-Plumr's steps clear an existing clog with its Clog Destroyer product. Zep's enzyme products are for upkeep, and Zep says its liquid is not intended as an emergency solution for fully blocked drains. Follow each product's label and check your plumbing's requirements. Liquid-Plumr says if the clog persists, it may be time to call a professional plumber.
Steps, by source
Liquid-Plumr: clearing a clog
Liquid-Plumr's steps for clearing a shower drain clog with its Clog Destroyer, plus its monthly use to prevent slow-draining showers. Source: Liquid-Plumr: Unclog a shower drain.
- Remove and clean the shower drain stopper and strainer.
- Remove as much drain-clogging gunk as you can using a drain stick or a snake.
- Use Pro-Strength Liquid Plumr Clog Destroyer as directed.
- Once you think the clog is gone, flush the drain with hot water.
- Turn on the faucet to see if water drains quickly and easily.
- If there is still a clog, repeat these steps.
- To prevent slow-draining showers, pour two cups of Pro-Strength Liquid Plumr Clog Destroyer down the drain monthly.
What the source lists: drain stick or snake; Pro-Strength Liquid Plumr Clog Destroyer (two cups for the monthly preventive pour); hot water; gloves (when removing the drain stopper and strainer or snaking the drain).
From the source. DO wear gloves when removing your bathtub drain stopper and strainer or snaking your drain.
From the source. If the bathtub or shower clogs persists, it may be time to call in a professional plumber.
How often, according to Liquid-Plumr: pouring two cups of Pro-Strength Liquid Plumr™ Clog Destroyer down your drain monthly
Zep: enzyme powder
Zep's product-page directions for its Drain Defense enzymatic powder: a three-day treatment, then once-a-month use to keep drains clean. Source: Zep: Treat a shower drain with enzyme powder.
- Make sure the drain has at least partial flow so the enzymes can reach further down the pipes.
- Lift the drain stopper and remove hair so the product can reach as far as possible.
- Run warm water into the drain before treatment.
- Mix 1 scoop of Zep Drain Defense Powder in 1 pint of warm water.
- Pour the mixture into the drain and do not use the drain for 6 hours.
- Treat for 3 consecutive days.
- Repeat the treatment as necessary.
What the source lists: Zep Drain Defense Enzymatic Powder (1 scoop per treatment); warm water (1 pint for mixing, plus water run into the drain first).
How often, according to Zep: Use once a month to keep drains clean.
Zep: enzyme liquid
Zep's directions for its Drain Defense liquid, a monthly 1 oz treatment to break down buildup in drains including showers. Source: Zep: Treat a shower drain with liquid enzyme cleaner.
- Pour 1 oz. of Zep Drain Defense into the drain.
- Run warm water to flush the solution through the pipes.
What the source lists: Zep Drain Defense liquid (1 oz. per treatment); warm water.
From the source. Regular use helps prevent clogs before they occur, but it is not intended as an emergency solution for fully blocked drains.
How often, according to Zep: Use monthly to maintain smooth water flow and prevent future clogs.
Questions
What should I do first for a clogged shower drain?
Liquid-Plumr says to remove and clean the shower drain stopper and strainer, then remove as much gunk as you can with a drain stick or a snake.
What if the clog is still there?
Liquid-Plumr says to repeat its steps, and that if the clog persists it may be time to call in a professional plumber.
How often should I treat the drain?
Liquid-Plumr says to pour two cups of its Pro-Strength Clog Destroyer down the drain monthly to prevent slow-draining showers. Zep says to use its powder and liquid once a month.
Can Zep's enzyme cleaner clear a fully blocked drain?
Zep says its liquid is not intended as an emergency solution for fully blocked drains, and that its powder needs at least partial flow so the enzymes can reach further down the pipes.
Should I wear gloves?
Liquid-Plumr says to wear gloves when removing the drain stopper and strainer or snaking the drain.
Models vary, check your manual. These steps come from the sources linked above and HouseHack doesn't verify them. Follow your appliance's manual and safety labels.
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