How To Easily Remove a Shower Drain Grate

It has happened to all of us. Hair slowly builds up right beneath the shower drain cover, waiting to leave you standing in several inches of soapy water, trying to figure out you can get your shower to drain. The cause of your clog is very likely setting just below your drain grate and may be easy to remove if you can just figure out how to remove the cover. Here we will shed a little bit of light on your cover and how you can remove it and clear up your hairy situation.

What Kind of Shower Drain Cover Do You Have?

There are several kinds of shower drain covers, and the type you have will determine how you can remove them. Here are a few of the most common types you may have:

  • Pop-Up: A pop-up drain cover can often simply be pulled straight up and out. In some cases, these types of drain covers may need to be wiggled back and forth as you pull, or if it is a richer head style, you may have to follow pulling up by moving it horizontally to remove it.
  • Toe-Touch: These aptly nailed covers are able to be opened and closed with the punch of a toe, but removal may take a little bit more. In many cases, this style can be unscrewed and removed while in the open position. In some cases, however, you may find a screwdriver slot you can use to remove the whole mechanism.
  • Screw-In: These drain covers look just like a flat or slightly curved strainer and can simply be unscrewed and pulled out.

Removing the Drain Grate

To start with, spray the grate and, in particular, any threads with a penetrating lubricant such as WD-40. This will help to lubricate any stuck components and help them to move freely. Make sure to protect your hand and eyes with safety gloves and goggles while doing this.

Once your cover is well lubricated, look for any screws, and if there are any present, try using a screwdriver to remove them. If you see any rings or clips holding it in place, try using a pair of needed nose pliers to remove them.

In some cases, the cover may be held in place by caulking. If this is the case, you can use a utility knife to carefully cut the caulking and release the cover. In order to prevent damage to the surrounding floor, consider laying down some masking tape around the cover first.

Next, gently try wiggling the cover free or pry it loose with a flathead screwdriver or pliers. Once removed, you are free to remove the clog with whatever method you choose.

Final Thoughts

There you have it. Armed with the right knowledge, it is easy to identify your shower cover and remove it. This can give you access to your drain and make it much easier to remove clogs, particularly those caused by hair buildup. However, if you have trouble removing your cover or the clog, don’t hesitate to call a licensed plumber for help.

Contact Us

For assistance with slow or clogged drains, contact  J Griffin Heating & Plumbing. Our locally owned and operated business has more than 30 years of experience helping with heating and plumbing services. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.