Bathrooms are the most used rooms in the house. It's not surprising that showers and basic drains will need to be unclogged from time to time.
Other than obvious things such as hair and flaky skin, make-up, moisturiser and hair wax can also be washed away.
1. Use your hands
You might be able to reach the drain hole with your fingers if you have a removable or pop-up plug.
It is common for hair and skin to congregate high up in the pipes just below the plug. This can be very frustrating.
You don't have to be afraid of using a torch to get a better look at what's happening in the area.
This can be a very disgusting job so you may want to wear rubber gloves.
2. Use a plunger
This is an old-fashioned but effective way to clear a blocked bathroom drain.
A plunger is basically a device that uses suction to remove any obstructions in the flow of water down the toilet drain.
The blockage, usually a mass of hair, is often caused by the suction to rise again from the plug hole. To prevent it from going back down, scoop this up and place in the bin.
You can use the plunger by running the water in the shower, or turning on the tap while you are using it. Your plunger will be able to produce the suction effect by using a small amount of water. If you do this dry, it won't work.
3. Use a coat hanger
You can use the hook part of a coat hanger to stick down a plug hole.
Slowly push down with the hanger, until you feel the end. Then, push against the blockage and move it around. Sometimes, you will be able to remove the blockage and allow it to drain. Sometimes you will need to lift the block and place it in the trash.
You might feel disgusted by what you have to do so make sure you have some kitchen roll on hand to wrap the blockage in.
4. Baking soda and vinegar are good options
When it comes to unblocking bathroom drains, old-fashioned methods are still the best. A classic combination of baking soda and vinegar is a good choice.
You can simply pour some baking soda into the hole, and then add a little white vinegar. This mixture will produce a lot of fizzing sounds and a strong vinegar smell.
Do this right before you go to sleep. The baking soda and vinegar solution will work overnight. Check your shower or taps to see if it has cleared.
5. Use bleach or drain cleaner
These are the most effective ways to clean a blocked bathroom drain without resorting to chemicals. You may need to use bleach to remove a blockage in your drain.
Put on rubber gloves and grab some bleach to clean the drain. Let it sit for a while, then rinse with water to see if the water drains easily.
Make sure you ventilate your bathroom to avoid getting bleach on your skin. It is also a good idea to remove any floor mats, as bleach can leave stains. Make sure to rinse off the bleach from the plug hole after you have used it.
6. Hire a professional
If all of the above fail to solve your problem, it is time to contact a professional plumber.
You may have a blockage deeper in your system. A plumber might be required to access it.
Although a blockage isn't usually an indication of something more serious, a professional should still be able to diagnose it.