Clogged shower drains are a common problem that can be easily fixed by removing the drain cover. However, removing the drain cover can be a bit tricky if you don’t know how to do it properly. In this article, we will show you how to remove a shower drain cover in a few simple steps.
Before you start, you will need to gather a few tools. You will need a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a bucket. If your drain cover is particularly stubborn, you may also need to use a hammer or a chisel. Once you have your tools, you can begin the process of removing the drain cover.
The first step is to locate the screws that are holding the drain cover in place. The screws are usually located around the perimeter of the drain cover. Once you have found the screws, use the screwdriver to remove them. Be careful not to drop the screws down the drain. Once the screws are removed, you can use the pliers to gently pry the drain cover off. If the drain cover is stuck, you may need to use the hammer or chisel to loosen it.
Locate the Drain Cover
Identifying the location of your shower drain cover is crucial before attempting its removal. Shower drain covers can differ in shape and design, but they typically reside in one of three common locations.
Center of the Shower Base
Many modern shower bases feature a drain cover located directly in the center. It’s often a simple round or square cover that can be easily removed by hand or with the help of a suction cup.
Edge of the Shower Base
Older shower bases may have a drain cover situated along the edge of the base. This type of cover is typically rectangular or square-shaped and can be accessed from the outside of the shower.
Inside the Grating
Some showers have a decorative metal or plastic grating that conceals the actual drain cover. In this case, the grating must be removed first to access the drain cover underneath. To remove the grating, locate the screws or clips holding it in place and unscrew or unclip them.
| Location | Shape | Removal Method |
|---|---|---|
| Center of Shower Base | Round or Square | Hand or suction cup |
| Edge of Shower Base | Rectangular or Square | Access from outside |
| Inside Grating | Concealed | Remove grating first (unscrew or unclip) |
Identify the Type of Cover
Identifying the type of cover on your shower drain is crucial before attempting to remove it. There are several common cover types:
1. Screw-On Cover
As the name suggests, these covers are secured by screws. They typically have small screws located around the circumference of the cover. Use a screwdriver to unscrew them, then lift the cover off.
2. Snap-On Cover
Snap-on covers are held in place by a series of plastic clips or tabs. To remove these covers, you need to carefully pry them off with a flat-head screwdriver or a putty knife. Insert the tool into a gap between the cover and the drain and gently lever it up. Work your way around the circumference until the cover pops loose.
Additional Tips for Removing Snap-On Covers:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a thin tool | Inser a thin tool under the edge of the cover can help prevent scratching the drain or cover. |
| Apply even pressure | Avoid prying too hard on one spot as it could damage the clips or tabs. |
| Be patient | Removing snap-on covers may require some patience and finesse. |
Gather Necessary Tools
To successfully remove a shower drain cover, you’ll need a few essential tools:
Screwdriver
A flathead or Phillips screwdriver is typically required to loosen or remove screws holding the drain cover in place. Choose the appropriate screwdriver based on the type of screws used in your drain cover.
Pliers
If the drain cover is particularly stubborn or has no visible screws, pliers can be used to gently grip and remove it. Be cautious not to apply excessive force to avoid damaging the surrounding area.
Suction Cup
A suction cup is an effective tool for removing drain covers without using any tools. Simply attach the suction cup to the center of the cover and pull straight up with moderate force. This method is especially useful for covers with intricate designs or no visible screws.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Flathead or Phillips Screwdriver | Loosening or removing screws holding the drain cover |
| Pliers | Gripping and removing stubborn drain covers with no visible screws |
| Suction Cup | Removing drain covers without tools by attaching to the center and pulling up |
Remove the Drain Cover
1. Determine the Type of Drain Cover
Most shower drain covers are either screw-on or pop-up. Screw-on covers have a circular or square shape with a removable screw in the center. Pop-up covers sit flush with the surrounding floor and are opened by pressing them down.
2. Remove a Screw-On Drain Cover
Using a screwdriver, remove the screw from the center of the drain cover. Lift the cover straight up and out.
3. Remove a Pop-Up Drain Cover
Press down on the center of the pop-up cover until it becomes loose. Carefully pry the cover up and out with a slotted screwdriver or butter knife.
4. Clean the Drain Cover
Once the drain cover is removed, clean it thoroughly with soap and water or a cleaning solution. Use a toothbrush or pipe cleaner to remove any hair or debris accumulated around the edges or inside the drain hole.
5. Inspect the Drain Hole
While the drain cover is removed, inspect the drain hole for any clogs or obstructions. Use a drain snake or pipe cleaner to clear any buildup if necessary.
6. Reinstall the Drain Cover
For screw-on covers, align the screw hole in the cover with the screw threads in the drain hole. Tighten the screw using a screwdriver to secure the cover. For pop-up covers, press them firmly down into the drain hole until they snap into place.
7. Additional Tips for Removing a Pop-Up Drain Cover
- If the pop-up cover is stuck, apply a small amount of pressure to the sides of the cover while pressing down on the center.
- If the cover still does not come loose, try using a suction cup or pliers to provide additional grip.
- In some cases, you may need to remove the entire drain assembly to access the stuck cover. Instructions for removing the drain assembly will vary depending on the type of drain system.
Clean the Drain Cover and Drain Hole
Prepare Materials
Gather necessary materials like:
- Adjustable wrench
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Towels or rags
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Plunger
Remove the Drain Cover
**1. Disconnect Pop-Up Drain Cover:**
If the cover is a pop-up type, gently pull it up or press on its center to detach it.
2. Unscrew Screw-On Cover:
For screw-on covers, use an adjustable wrench or screwdriver to loosen and remove the screws holding it in place.
3. Lift Off Snap-On Cover:
If the cover is snap-on, simply lift it up and off its base.
4. Remove Linear Drain Grate:
For long, linear drains, the grate may be held in place by screws or clips. Remove these to lift off the grate.
Clean the Drain Cover
**5. Soak in Baking Soda and Vinegar:**
Combine 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar in a bowl. Submerge the drain cover and let it soak for 15-30 minutes.
6. Scrub with Brush:
Using a soft-bristled brush, gently scrub the surface of the cover to remove any dirt or grime.
7. Rinse Thoroughly:
Rinse the cover thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining baking soda or vinegar residue.
Clean the Drain Hole
**8. Use Plunger:**
To clear any clogs in the drain hole, place a plunger over it and push and release vigorously. Do this several times to dislodge any debris.
9. Remove Hair and Debris:
Use a pair of tweezers or a small hook to carefully remove any hair or debris that may be stuck in the drain hole.
10. Flush with Hot Water:
Pour a pot of hot water down the drain hole to flush out any remaining dirt or debris.
Reinstall the Drain Cover
Once you have cleaned the drain cover and the drain, it is time to reinstall the cover. To do this, simply align the cover with the drain and press down until it snaps into place.
If the cover is not snapping into place, you may need to adjust the position of the cover or apply more pressure. Once the cover is in place, you can test it by running water down the drain. The water should drain freely without any leaks.
Here are some additional tips for reinstalling the drain cover:
- Make sure the drain cover is the correct size for the drain.
- If the drain cover is made of metal, use a screwdriver to tighten the screws that hold the cover in place.
- If the drain cover is made of plastic, use a pair of pliers to gently tighten the cover.
- Do not overtighten the drain cover, as this can damage the cover or the drain.
| Tools You’ll Need |
|---|
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How to Remove a Shower Drain Cover
Removing a shower drain cover is usually a simple task. Most shower drain covers are held in place by a screw or a small tab. To remove a drain cover with a screw, simply unscrew the screw using a screwdriver. To remove a drain cover with a tab, use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry the tab up and remove the cover.
Once the drain cover is removed, you can clean the drainpipe and the drain cover. Use a drain cleaner or a plumber’s snake to clear any clogs in the drainpipe. To clean the drain cover, simply wash it with soap and water.
People Also Ask
How do I remove a shower drain cover that is stuck?
If the shower drain cover is stuck, you can try using a pair of pliers to gently pry it up. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a penetrating oil to loosen the screw or tab that is holding the cover in place.
What should I do if I can’t remove the shower drain cover?
If you can’t remove the shower drain cover, you may need to call a plumber. The plumber will have the tools and expertise to safely remove the drain cover.
