How to unblock a clogged bath or shower

There is nothing worse than finishing a relaxing shower only to realise you are standing ankle-deep in dirty water. A clogged bath or shower is one of the most common household plumbing issues we see across London.

Before you call a national chain and pay premium prices, try these DIY methods to unblock your drain. If these fail, the local experts at CleverWorks are ready to help with a professional CCTV drainage survey to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem.

Step 1: Remove the obvious debris

The primary culprit for a clogged bath or shower is usually a combination of hair and soap scum. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and remove the drain cover. Use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to pull out any visible hair clogs sitting near the surface. You'd be surprised how often this simple step restores full flow.

Step 2: Try the baking soda and vinegar method

If the blockage is further down, try a natural chemical reaction before resorting to harsh store-bought unblockers.

• Pour half a cup of baking soda directly down the drain.
• Follow it immediately with half a cup of white vinegar.
• Cover the drain with a plug or a wet cloth to force the fizzing reaction downwards.
• Leave it for 20-30 minutes.
• Flush the drain with a kettle full of boiling water.

Step 3: Use a plunger

If the natural method didn't work, it's time to use a plunger. Ensure there is enough water in the bath or shower tray to cover the rubber cup of the plunger. This creates an airtight seal. Plunge vigorously up and down for about 30 seconds. The suction should dislodge the blockage.

When to call CleverWorks for a CCTV Drainage Survey

If you have tried the steps above and your bath or shower is still draining slowly, the blockage is likely deep within your pipework or outside your property. This is where guessing stops and professional diagnostics begin.

At CleverWorks, we use state-of-the-art cameras to conduct a CCTV drainage survey. This allows us to see exactly what is causing the blockage—whether it's a severe fatberg, tree root ingress, or a collapsed pipe—without any unnecessary digging. We provide fast, fixed-price solutions across London and the UK.