Drain From Shower Tray Blocked in The AnswerBank: Home & Garden

Pour down some boiling water, add half a packet of soda crystals. Leave for half an hour then add another kettleful ok boiling water.

If that doesn't clear it try Tesco's sink and drain unblocker.

SparklyKid

https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/gb/groceries/mr-muscle-sink---plughole-unblocker-500ml?dclid=CJ7CheaRs90CFYqzUQodrXYI5g&langId=44&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz93cBRCrARIsAEFbWsiV4ByDXWcBaO21p4aVcc2jfTnholAopFD6S1b2Jn01V8-ELEIWBHwaAv6AEALw_wcB&storeId=10151&krypto=kAbSn3xoMbKUKbCXpOy%2BbRVglQLBXYwu03B7ifvgdL4%2FBx3PEcWk0CDDtiHVcDiS4wwaLhGMi3jI1f8Oqg9v9uh6uywLxsUOkJSJz2CFNZuvWbWHkI8CppU5x4%2FN3ujzYf4XOZsVqBhj0pJ9nmwX9IQvb9Oy7%2FF0guzOVQrV%2BiB7rDUlFf%2BMlR%2BbraHaSEhQEiyU072WnnalFVP6idjh9IOIwrtWFzFKqsTanZnb2SyDOJ%2BKFkQgPmlTEXSuBIlBWXnlPfj5S7SZqaYHmLlt1g%3D%3D&ddkey=https%3Agb%2Fgroceries%2Fmr-muscle-sink---plughole-unblocker-500ml

Or similar, much safer than shoving a wire down

sandyRoe

Question Author

Thanks Cloverjo, I'll try the first and if it doesn't work, the second.

sandyRoe

Question Author

Hopefully one of the three should do the trick.

SlackAlice

No idea how big your shower drain is. Tried a 'Sink' plunger?

SparklyKid

Never use a plunger if the trap is not in sight, ie, under a sink. The pressure applied could undo a push fit joint out of sight, plunger, bad idea.

SparklyKid

Should say a plunger is okay if you can see the trap, like under a sink. Not a good idea for a bath where the trap is inaccessible.

sandyRoe

Question Author

The trap seems very close to the floor of the shower tray and the pipe is under a tiled floor. I've used a plunger a few times but it doesn't fully clear the pipe, just helps it drain away slowly.
It's very annoying. A quick shower now is just that, in and out before the water in the tray overflows.

SparklyKid

A liquid drain unblocker is the best way. Anything fierce like caustic soda could damage the seals on the joints . Use the proper stuff. Plenty in B and M etc

ethandron

Mr Muscle drain unblocker, gloopy stuff comes in a bright orange bottle. Tip half the bottle down and leave overnight before running warm water down the drain. If it still hasn’t completely cleared, tip the other half of the bottle down and repeat.
I’ve just done ours and it works well. If you do it regularly, before any drain gets blocked, it will keep it clear, I always have a couple of bottles of it in.

theshedman

I unblocked ours through the pipe where it goes into the hopper outside. We have a small screw to open on it just where it changes direction to go into the hopper. Just open it and put a hose pipe in for couple of seconds and it does the trick.

SparklyKid

https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/gb/groceries/mr-muscle-sink---plughole-unblocker-500ml?dclid=CJ7CheaRs90CFYqzUQodrXYI5g&langId=44&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz93cBRCrARIsAEFbWsiV4ByDXWcBaO21p4aVcc2jfTnholAopFD6S1b2Jn01V8-ELEIWBHwaAv6AEALw_wcB&storeId=10151&krypto=kAbSn3xoMbKUKbCXpOy%2BbRVglQLBXYwu03B7ifvgdL4%2FBx3PEcWk0CDDtiHVcDiS4wwaLhGMi3jI1f8Oqg9v9uh6uywLxsUOkJSJz2CFNZuvWbWHkI8CppU5x4%2FN3ujzYf4XOZsVqBhj0pJ9nmwX9IQvb9Oy7%2FF0guzOVQrV%2BiB7rDUlFf%2BMlR%2BbraHaSEhQEiyU072WnnalFVP6idjh9IOIwrtWFzFKqsTanZnb2SyDOJ%2BKFkQgPmlTEXSuBIlBWXnlPfj5S7SZqaYHmLlt1g%3D%3D&ddkey=https%3Agb%2Fgroceries%2Fmr-muscle-sink---plughole-unblocker-500ml

Wonderful, if you have an outside hopper and a small screw.lol.

theshedman

Lol

SparklyKid

Whoops, forgot about the earlier copy.

The Builder

It will depend on how recent your tray is, Sandy. Modern ones have an insert that is removable for cleaning. You simply prise it out and you should be able to see right into the trap. Then it's easy to clean.

sandyRoe

Question Author

Job done. Lifted off the silvered plastic cover and used the lugs on the next section to unscrew it. Loads of matted hair and gunk now in the bin and free flowing water.