How to Clear a Clogged Drain in the Shower of a High-Rise Building

Wire Method

• 1

  Remove the shower drain cover. Use a screwdriver to twist out the screws. Use a flat head screwdriver to pry up the drain cover if you cannot lift it easily. Set the screws and drain cover outside the shower sot they don’t roll into the opening.

• 2

  Grab one end of sturdy wire that is approximately 18 to 24 inches long with a pair of wire pliers. Use the pliers to create a U-shaped hook on the wire’s end. Make the U shape approximately one-half inch wide. This helps you pull out hair and other debris clogging the pipe.

• 3

  Push the wire’s hook end down into the drain opening about 12 inches.

• 4

  Drag the wire up one side of the interior of the pipe. The hook catches hair and other debris on its way up.

• 5

  Clean the debris from the hook with a paper towel.

• 6

  Repeat inserting the wire and dragging it up the diameter of the pipe until you feel most of the hair and other debris is gone.

• 7

  Flushing the shower drain with hot water further clears the pipes. The water should drain quickly once the debris is gone.

Cable Auger

• 8

  Insert the cable auger’s end into the shower drain after removing the drain cover. This tool is also known as a toilet snake.

• 9

  Push the cable approximately 2 1/2 to 3 feet into the pipe. Do this by twisting the handle on the top end of the cable auger.

• 10

  Pull up on the cable and then push it down again, loosening any clogs. If you feel resistance due to an obstruction, remove the cable auger and clean off any debris with a paper towel.

• 11

  Push the cable auger back down into the drain if nothing comes up with the cable. Doing this may force the obstruction free or down into a larger section of pipe, thus clearing the clog.

• 12

  Flush the shower drain with very hot water and see if the clog is clear. If not, repeat the method.