You turn on the shower or pull the plug out of your bath, and instead of being met by the usual fast-draining water, you get a backed up plug, or water cascading out of your shower, and you simply can’t get rid of it.
When your drain is blocked, it can be stressful and incredibly inconvenient.
Drain unblocker products are the way to go when you are struggling to get things flowing normally again
But there are so many different types of drain unblockers out there, we hear you, so how do you choose with a whole load of blockages that need different care and attention.
We spent hours analysing and reviewing (35 Hours to be precise), but which one was the best drain unblocker for showers and baths from over 50 we checked out?
Ultimately it was this model from Scotch that was a clear winner for us. It’s powerful, works quickly on hair, which tends to be the biggest culprit in the bathroom blocking up the shower drain and bath waste.
It is safe to use on multiple drains and pipes within your home, so not only was it a winner for the bathroom, you can use this in the kitchen, thanks to the way it deals with fats and grease..HAPPY-DAYS!
Editor's Pick
Scotch is a powerful solution that works quickly - A great all rounder for around £10.
Due to its strength and the speed at which it works, it gets our vote for the best out there for showers and baths. But if our top pick isn't for you, fear not we have plenty of other options for you, this quick table highlights our shower and bath drain unblocker picks for all types of blockages.
Best Drain Unblockers for Various Issues
MODEL | PRICE | RATING |
|---|---|---|
Best Shower Drain Unblockers for Hair – Scotch
Scotch is a big brand, and one that has proven itself time and time again.
When your drain gets clogged with hair (pet and human alike) it can be a real pain to get clear again, and that is why we have chosen a drain unblocker that is powerful and ready for action, so take a good look.
The Good
This particular drain cleaner comes in a 1L bottle and as a single pack, although you have the option to purchase up to 12 in a bulk order – keeping your home stocked up and ready, which is particularly useful if you have muddy pets to rinse off.
It is one of the strongest formulas on the market as well, so you are assured success with every use. It doesn’t just push the hair down and out either; it actually dissolves it in the drain so that you have a completely clear system.
It even works to tackle grease, completely melting it, which is ideal if you fancy using it for the kitchen sink as well as your bath or shower. The fact that it is able to get rid of two of the biggest clogs really works in its favour, and it works quickly, so you can get back to full functionality faster.
The Not So Good
Some customers feel that it is quite expensive to buy, especially when compared with other brands, but we disagree as its on another level to supermarket brands
Our View
This shower drain unblocker is incredibly powerful and effective, making it one of the best on the market for removing hair and grease from drains.
While there are some who found it quite expensive, they all noted that it worked really well, and you don’t have to use the entire bottle on one blockage (unless it’s really severe). It is quick to act and easy to use as well as rinse out after, and so definitely worth spending a little extra.
Q. How much do you need to use at any one time?
A. At one time it is suggested to use half the bottle to unblock the shower leave it overnight then flush it out with boiling water.
Our Runner-Up and Great for Showers – Mr Muscle
Mr Muscle has been a household name for decades, and for a good reason.
It has always been a strong and effective shower drain cleaner, so if you if you didn't like out top pick Scotch product and want to stick with a brand you will certainly be familiar with then this could be your choice.
The Good
This particular shower drain unblocker comes in a twin pack, with each bottle containing 500ml – perfect for severe blockages or for regular maintenance of your shower drain.
One of the most important features that this cleaner has is that it is safe for use with all piping, making it multi-functional and ideal for use in every room.
It comes in gel form, which is easy to insert into the drain, and it works fast to get rid of grunge, hair, and grease effectively.
While it will clean your shower drain nicely, it will also remove any foul odours that might be lurking down there – leaving it smelling fresh ready for your next shower. If your shower had a slow running drain before, this unblocker promises to rectify it.
The Not So Good
Some customers found this one quite tricky to get open, and a couple even ended up cutting a hole in the bottle.[We didn't experience this when we tested it]
Our View
This one shot drain cleaner comes at a pretty good price, especially considering there are two bottles in the pack.
While there are some that have noted the bottles can be really hard to open (even resorting to cutting it open) at least you know it is child safe, and it doesn’t affect how well the product works. Ideal for showers, and the rest of your home, it’s a fast-acting solution to any blockage.
Great on Soap Scum – Buster
Just like the shower, the bath can get clogged pretty easily – especially if there is a lot of hair and soapy scum getting down the drain.
To tackle blockages like this, you need something powerful, and Buster is one of the leading brands. Have a look at the reviews below and see what you think of it.
The Good
This drain cleaner comes in a pack of six, each of which contains 300ml of liquid so that you can get started right away.
It is good for use on drains that are fully clogged, as well as those that are slow moving due to build-up starting.
Made to be powerful, it will dissolve any hair that it down the bath drain, as well as soap scum and any other debris that has built up in there.
It has been designed to be used on showers, baths, and basins, so your entire bathroom is covered by this pack of drain unblocker, and the instructions are really easy to follow with a strong and effective solution to get things back to normal.
While normally used for unblocking drains, you can also use a small amount for regular maintenance so that things remain clear.
The Not So Good
Some customers have noted that it can be a little slow to start working, especially with severe blockages.
Our View
This drain cleaner doesn’t just come from a reputable brand; it is also really cost-effective because it comes in a handy six-pack. While it has been stated that it can be a little slow to work, the results are absolutely fantastic and well worth waiting a little longer for.
It’s a powerful solution that will eliminate hair and scum in your drain, leaving it fresher and cleaner than ever before. Plus, it can be used as a preventative measure – which is great if your bath gets a lot of use.
Best Drain Unblocker for Outside Drains – Jeyes
The outside drains need love too, and it is pretty normal for them to end up clogged at some point.
To help you out, we have picked our favourite outdoor drain unblocker so that you can ensure it works well the first time.
Take a look below and see if this is going to be the one for you.
The Good
This drain unblocker comes in a 500ml bottle, which is more than enough to take action on any blockages in your drain.
It is a thick gel that will cling to the entirety of the drain, wrapping itself around the blockages and working to dissolve them so that you have free flow again. It will even deodorise the drain to remove any foul odours.
This particular drain cleaner will dissolve grease, hair, soap scum, food, and even leaves, so there really isn’t anything this particular cleaner can’t work on when clearing the external drain.
It works incredibly fast as well, ensuring that within 30 minutes you are able to see the water running normally again – or overnight for those really difficult blockages – after rinsing.
The Not So Good
Some customers found that they needed a few bottles for the really bad clogs.
Our View
This drain cleaner comes at a pretty reasonable price, and is perfectly suited for use outside. While some customers found they needed a few bottles for their blockages, this is not a common occurrence, and so you should be fine with just one.
It doesn’t just unblock the drain either, it also leaves it with a fresh smell and gets rid of whatever was causing the foul one. A fantastic choice to make for any outdoor drain.
Q. Can you use this on an inside drain aswell as an outside drain?
A. Although it is sold as an outside drain product, there should be no problem using it inside aswell.
Extremely Powerful Shower Drain Unblocker - HG
There are some blockages that just need something extra in order to get loose, and this is where the HC formula is for those really heavy-duty tasks..
If this is the kind of thing you need for your home, make sure you take a look at the reviews below and maybe pick a pack up.
The Good
With this drain cleaner, you have a choice, because you can either pick up a single 1L box, or you can get as many as three so that you are fully prepared for current or future blockages.
This particular product uses two separate cleaners that you will pour down your drain to create the ultimate and most powerful unblocker around, and it is safe for use on all pipes in your home.
It does not splash or foam when you pour it down the drain, so there is no stress when you go to use it, and it will just get straight to work.
It can get rid of anything from hair and grease, to soap scum and toothpaste, and even the biggest blockages can be broken down by this beast. The instructions for both bottles are also very clear, so you will find using them incredibly simple.
The Not So Good
Some customers were disappointed that it needed to be left overnight to soak.
Our View
This drain cleaner is incredibly effective and comes at a great price, making it ideal for difficult blockages in your home.
While there are some who were a little displeased with the fact it needs to be left overnight, but for blockages that need a heavy-duty cleaner, you can’t expect really quick results.
This product does what it says it will, and that is the most important thing, as well as one of its biggest advantages. Overall, it’s an excellent cleaner to choose.
Further Shower Drain Unblockers
Here are some further models of drain unblocker for you to look at, just in case the ones above do not quite meet your requirements.
Best Budget Drain Unblocker Liquid - HG
Another drain cleaner from HG, this liquid saviour is sure to leave you feeling quite satisfied with the end results. Ready to use, all you need to do is pour it into the drain and leave it to sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it out with hot water.
When you do pour it into the drain, it won’t foam or splash, making it a tidy product to use, and it also guarantees that it won’t make the blockage worse – unlike granular unblocker.
It works on every form of waster pipe as well, making it a versatile product to choose, and it will even remove any foul odours for the perfect finish. Available at a low price, this miracle worker is sure to end up at the top of your list.
Shower Drain Unblocker Tool – Silverline
There are times when you need a tool to unblock the sink as opposed to liquids and granules, and this is where the Silverline drain unblocker comes in.
All you need to do is hand-feed the spiral rod down the drain using the rotating handle. Using the pistol grip, you can clear stubborn clogs and blockages with great ease.
The whole system is very easy to use, and the ergonomic design means that it is also comfortable to hold.
The ideal combination of simplicity and functionality can be found in this model, and it comes to you at an incredibly cheap price.
Best Supermarket Brand – Mr Muscle
Back to the classics, this is another gel drain cleaner from Mr Muscle, but this time it has been designed to deal with your kitchen as well as your bath or shower –
As soon as the liquid is poured into the drain, the two main ingredients are activated and produce a strong cleaning foam that will cleanse the entire width of your pipes; breaking down grime and debris to leave things clearer than before.
After leaving it for 15 minutes or overnight (depending on how bad the blockage is) just rinse it with hot water and you’ll be back in action. For a twin pack of this cleaning wonder, it's a good supermarket type product but not the same level as our top picks
Does Caustic Soda Dissolve Hair?
This particular chemical is pretty powerful, and it can dissolve almost anything that is natural – including hair (a paintbrush made with hair will last less than 20 seconds when dipped in caustic soda).
This isn’t all though, as it has been known to dissolve skin and can even remove fingerprints from your hands, as well as burn the skin horribly.
This is why you should always wear gloves and safety goggles when using it, because while it is incredibly effective on drains, it can also cause a lot of damage to your skin and body.
It does, however, practically guarantee that you will have a good drain unblocking experience when you use it, just make sure you check that it can be used with your piping and drain before you buy it as there might be restrictions due to the strength of the product. You can get a tub of caustic soda at a reasonable deal here
How Do You Unblock a Shower Drain Naturally?
There are a few ways you can unblock a shower drain naturally – it depends on how severe the clog is and what you have available to you at the time. Here are some of the natural methods that we find work best for you to flick through.
#1 Boiling Water
This is often the simplest fix for minor clogs in your drain, and if it is small enough, you should find that this solves everything. All you need to do is fill the kettle up, boil it, and then steadily pour the entire thing down the drain.
The heat of the water is usually enough to remove scum and grunge, or separate small blockages so that the drain is left clear and flowing smoothly again.
#2 Vinegar and Baking Soda
This is a really good natural solution for tougher clogs, and it can work pretty well if you don’t want to use chemicals on your drain. First, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to loosen things up a little, and then pour half a cup of baking soda down after it.
Let it sit for a few minutes before you get a cup of white vinegar and mix it with a little hot water and pour it into the drain. Leave it for around 15 minutes, and then rinse it out thoroughly with hot water. It also deodorises the drain to get rid of any odours that might be lingering.
To Conclude
Hopefully, this guide has been able to help you discover the best shower drain unblocker for your bath or shower.
When you are accompanied by the products we have listed here, you are sure to be an unstoppable cleaning team that can conquer any blockage – no matter how big or small it may be. With a range of brands and prices, we have something for everyone.
What did you think of our drain unblocker guide? Are there any that you would have liked to see or recommended? We love hearing from you, so make sure to leave us a message in the comments below.
