Shower tray draining slowly or not at all
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Most likely cause & what to check
The most common cause of a slow shower drain is hair and soap scum catching on the drain cover or waste trap. This builds up surprisingly quickly — a weekly rinse prevents it entirely.
Remove the drain cover (usually a push-fit plastic grate, sometimes held by a screw in the centre). Underneath you will find a hair/soap blockage in most cases. Remove it with your fingers or a wire hook — wearing rubber gloves is advisable.
If clearing the grate does not resolve it, pour one kettle of just-boiled water slowly down the drain to melt any soap build-up in the waste pipe.
For a more stubborn blockage, pour half a cup of bicarbonate of soda followed by half a cup of white vinegar down the drain. Cover and leave for 30 minutes — the fizzing action helps break up soap and grease deposits. Follow with another kettle of hot water.
If still blocked, the waste trap (the U-shaped section below the tray) may need clearing. Low-profile shower trays have a shallow trap which blocks easily. You can usually access this by removing the drain cover and inserting a small flexible drain snake.
Avoid chemical drain cleaners (bleach, caustic soda) as a first step — they can damage ABS plastic waste fittings. If all else fails and the blockage is further down the drain run, a drain rod or calling a drainage engineer (£60–£120 for a jetting call-out) is the next step.
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Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean a shower drain?
Clean the drain monthly in a household with long hair — weekly if blockages have been a problem. Fitting a hair catcher (£3–£8) over the drain opening dramatically reduces the frequency of cleaning needed and prevents hair from reaching the U-bend where it is harder to remove.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners in a shower tray?
Yes — enzyme-based or sodium hydroxide drain cleaners can help dissolve soap scum and break down organic matter. Avoid using strong caustic products in acrylic or resin shower trays as prolonged contact can damage the surface. Enzyme cleaners are safer for all surfaces and environmentally kinder.
Is slow shower drainage always a blockage, or could it be something else?
Usually a blockage, but also check: the drain cover is not partially covering the outlet (incorrectly fitted), and the waste pipe slope is sufficient. A waste pipe with insufficient fall (less than 18–45mm per metre) will drain slowly regardless of blockage. If you have recently had building work, a misaligned waste pipe is possible.