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Remove the Pop-up Stopper — Remove the Shower Drain Cover

Beginner60 mins

Part of project

Unclog a Shower Drain: Quick Guide with Standing Water · Step 1 of 3

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In this video

Begin by unscrewing the decorative cap from the top of the pop-up stopper. Once removed, use a flathead screwdriver to loosen and remove the screw that secures the stopper assembly. Lift the stopper out of the drain to gain access to the drain flange.

Goal: Plumbing Fixture Removal

Used in this video

  • Screwdriver (Screwdriver_Type: Flathead)Removing the screw that holds the pop-up stopper in place.
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FAQs

What type of plunger should I use for a shower drain, and is the specified VEVOR drain auger necessary?

For shower drains, a cup-style plunger (also known as a sink plunger) works best as it creates a good seal on flat surfaces. While the VEVOR auger is a solid recommendation, any flexible drain snake with a good hook or corkscrew end will generally be effective for most shower clogs.

What safety precautions should I take when trying to unclog a shower drain, especially with standing water?

Always wear sturdy rubber gloves to protect your hands from bacteria and grime. Eye protection is also advisable to guard against splashes during plunging or snaking. It's crucial to avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can cause serious burns and damage pipes.

I've plunged several times, but the water isn't going down. What am I doing wrong, or what should I try next?

Ensure you have a complete seal with the plunger; sometimes adding a little more water to fully submerge the plunger head helps. If there's an overflow plate in the shower/tub, cover it with a wet cloth to prevent air from escaping. If plunging fails, it's time to move on to the drain snake, as the clog is likely too deep or solid for just a plunger.

The project estimates 60 minutes. What if it takes much longer, or I can't get the clog cleared?

The 60-minute estimate is for typical clogs using the recommended tools. If you've diligently followed the steps for over an hour and the clog persists, it might indicate a more complex issue deeper in your plumbing. At this point, it's best to contact a professional plumber to avoid potentially causing further damage.

Transcript
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need to remove this pop-up stopper and already kind of loosen this one already so I can easily take it off for you oops maybe not as easy as I thought there go and if there's also a screw for this particular one so let me just remove that there we go and we can just remove the pop-up stopper here there we go so

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