Why baths and showers block
Hair binds with soap and shampoo to form a sticky clump just under the plug or in the trap. It builds up slowly, so the water drains slower and slower until it stops.
Step 1: Clear the plug hole
- Remove the waste cover, pop-up plug or shower grille — most unscrew or lift out.
- Push a plastic hair grabber down and pull up the hair.
- Run hot water to check the flow.
Step 2: Plunge
Fill a few centimetres of water, cover the overflow with a wet cloth, and plunge firmly. The overflow must be blocked or the pressure escapes.
Step 3: Clean the trap
Bath traps sit under the bath behind the panel. Shower tray traps are often reachable from above by removing the grille and an inner cup. Clean out the gunk, check the seals and refit.
Pro tip: Shower tray traps often have a removable dip tube. Take it out, clean it and push it back fully — or drain smells will come back.
Prevent it
- Fit a hair catcher over the plug.
- Run hot water after every shower.
- Clean the plug and grille every couple of weeks.
