How To Remove A Shower Drain Cover In Australia

If you're reading this, chances are you're fed up with standing in a puddle of slippery, conditioner-filled water. If your drain isn't emptying quickly enough, the next step is to remove it to check if there are clogs, blockages, or any other visual issues. There are a few other tricks you can try, such as a drain snake or drain clearing crystals, but if these haven’t worked, you might have no other options.
 
The only issue is that drain covers can be very difficult to remove, and there are quite a few different types. If you try to force the cover and you’re not sure what kind you have, you run the risk of damaging it. A damaged drain or drain cover can be pretty pricy and might lead to leaking pipes. We’ve compiled a list of different drain cover types and how to remove them.
 
Tools you’ll need:

• 2 flathead screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Drain auger/snake
• Rag

For cleaning out stubborn gunk, you might also want some paper towels or rags, as well as an old toothbrush you don’t mind throwing away afterwards.

Floor Inset 

An inset drain is usually covered by a square of metal or tile, with a small gap around the edge where the water flows in. They are elegant and blend seamlessly into the surrounding tiles but are pretty puzzling if you’re trying to remove the cover. Even though they look complicated, they’re actually quite simple to remove! You’ll need 2 flathead screwdrivers, which you insert gently into the gaps and lever up the cover. If you’re extra lucky, you’ll be able to remove the cover using just your hands.
 
Under the tile cover is a screen or grate, which often fills up with hair or soap scum and blocks the flow of water. To clean it, simply remove the hair and give the screen a good rinse. If you’re finding this to be a regular issue, the holes in the grate might be a little bit small, so you could look into buying another grate with larger clearance to avoid clogs.

Pop Up

Again, these can be a bit tricky-looking but are relatively simple. When in the open position (with the top popped up), unscrew the main piece in a counterclockwise direction. Some of these might even pull straight up.
 
These usually build up clogs around the middle piece (which looks like a small stick), so routinely cleaning this piece off will avoid any frustration in the future. They also have a gasket that can get grimy, so cleaning this off with some spray and a rag is a good idea.

Floor Grate

A floor grate is likely the shower drain style you’re used to. They have small slats covering the drain hole. Many of these can simply be removed by grasping the slats with a pair of small pliers and pulling up gently. If the cover doesn’t budge, you might need to twist the cover as it has a small thread or locking pins.
 
Occasionally, these covers will be screwed in. If this is the case, you’ll need a small Phillips head screwdriver, and then follow the above steps.
 
These are usually the only grates on these types of drains, so the blockage or clog is usually a bit further down the pipe. Using a drain auger or snake, you can grab the clog and remove it, which, while usually a bit gross, can be very effective.



Still having issues removing your shower drain cover?

If you live in the Lismore region and have followed these steps but the issue isn’t resolving, Gillespie Plumbing is here to help with your drainage plumbing. Get in contact with us and get back to showering in comfort!