There are times you might want to remove your shower drain cover plate to clean it and remove hairs or enable a lot of water flow out in a short while after washing.

There are many types of shower drain cover plates; some have screws while others don’t. Those with screws are fastened with a screw-driven through the centre.

Other drain covers have no support media or visible screws. The most common and basic type of drain cover simply connects by snapping the cover into place onto the drain. A silicone adhesive can be used to hold it into place, so when pulling it, you need to apply force.

Below are ways to remove different types of shower drain covers.

Toe-Touch

These types can be opened and close with a push of your toes, you unscrew them anticlockwise from the open position and then you remove the cap.

In some models, the shaft cylinder turns with cap rotation and the entire cover unscrews while some other models have a flathead threaded screwdriver slot for removal.

Screw-In

These covers look like a flat or slightly convex or concave strainer. To uncover them, use a Philips head or a flat head to unscrew them.

Flip-It Style Shower Drain Stopper

This is the easiest shower drain cover to remove, you don’t require any tool; all you need to do is grab the body and rotate it as you pull it out.

Lift-and-Turn

Lift the open position ns and look for a set screw, if there is no screw, then you turn anticlockwise to remove it but if you find a small screw, turn it using an Allen wrench or flathead until its loose enough to remove the stopper. Don’t remove it entirely.

Push/Pull

Hold the body of the stopper and use a plier to unscrew the top knob in an anti-clockwise position. Use a rag to prevent scratching, or you use a rubber grippy. Use a flathead and unscrew the brass inserted below and lift the stopper.

Pop-Up Drain Covers

Some pop-up drain covers pull up and off while some have to be wiggled back and forth. Covers that are rocker-arm style must be pulled to clear the drain. 

What if you’ve removed the shower drain cover and yet the water can’t drain freely because of dirt and hair?

Below are ways of flushing out that hair and obstruction.

Plunger Method

A plunger helps you get rid of dirt, hair, and other blockages where you can’t see them. Add 1 or 2 inches of water and cover the overflow plate with duct tape or a wet rag. Forcefully pump the plunger several times until the drain is cleared.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

This is a non-toxic alternative to chemical cleaners used in cleaning drains; it can break up the blockages stuck in the pipes and eliminate them for good.

Pour a ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar down the drain and allow it to fizz for 15 to 20 minutes before pouring a large pot of boiling water into the drain directly.

Plastic Drain Block Removal for Hair

This plastic tool is an alternative to plumber’s snake cause they work alike and it looks like an extra-large zip strip with spikes. You discard it after use.

To prevent future blockages from occurring, you can purchase a shower drain hair catcher. Although it is not compatible with all types of drain covers, if it is compatible with yours, it will save you time, money, and energy by preventing a recurrence.

If your bathroom drain is still giving you problems, feel free to reach us via 02071833879. We as the reliable plumbing company in Kensington will be glad to be your assistance.