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Stesso
Project

Remove non-screw drain covers — Remove Standing Water from Shower

Beginner45 mins

Part of project

How to Clear a Clogged Shower Drain with Standing Water · Step 1 of 3

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In this video

Place the flat head screwdriver between the notches of the drain cover. Then pull up to remove the cover. If the cover doesn't come up easily, spray WD-40 along the rim, wait 15 minutes, and try again. Alternatively, thread a rope or wire hanger through the cover and pull it up.

Goal: Remove drain cover

Used in this video

  • Screwdriver — Prying the cover loose
  • Pliers — Pulling up the cover
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FAQs

What can I use if I don't have a wire hanger or a specialized drain snake for manual clog removal?

You can improvise with common household items. A sturdy piece of wire, like from a coat hanger, can be bent into a hook shape. Alternatively, a long zip tie with small notches cut into it can effectively grab hair and debris.

What safety precautions should I take, especially when dealing with dirty standing water and the clog itself?

Always wear protective rubber or disposable gloves to shield your hands from bacteria and grime. You might also want to wear old clothes or an apron to prevent splashes. Ensure the area is well-ventilated and have a disinfectant ready for cleanup afterwards.

What should I do if I can't reach the clog with the wire hanger, or if it feels like I'm pushing it further down?

If you can't feel the clog, it might be deeper than a simple manual removal with a hanger can handle; consider purchasing a longer, flexible drain snake. Avoid forcing the wire, as this can compress the clog or push it further down, making it harder to remove. Try gentle, probing and twisting motions.

The project estimates 45 minutes; what if it takes longer, or I can't clear the clog myself?

The 45-minute estimate is for a typical, accessible clog. If you've spent over an hour and are making no progress, or if the clog feels exceptionally stubborn, it might be time to call a professional plumber. Persistent clogs can indicate a deeper issue within your home's plumbing system.

Transcript
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so what we're going to do is we're going to take a flat head screwdriver and get one that has a kind of a thin tip if you look on each side there's these little notches and what we can do is gently put our screwdriver under those notches and pry it up now if it's not coming up you don't want to force it and crack this cover if it's a plastic one get yourself some wd-40 spray it around the rim of the drain let it sit for about 15 minutes or so and then get yourself some pliers that fit into these holes in the drain cover you're going to go ahead and hold the pliers and you're going to pull up with the pliers at the same time you're going to pry that edge with the flat head and pull up and the cover should just pop right out

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.