Mark Rabe’s technique for Clearing a clogged shower drainsounds like a good solution. But if you don’t happen to have a 12-in. reciprocating-saw blade on hand, you might give this technique a try. It works best with drains that don’t have an integral stopper.
Remove the drain stopper and slowly depress a toilet plunger over the drain. You don’t want to force the blockage farther down the line. Instead, you’re going to lift it. Make sure there is a little water around the drain so that the plunger has a good seal. Now give the plunger a swift pull upward (if you’re working in a tub with an overflow port, you’ll need to cover it with your hand). Do this a few times, and you should be able to snag the hairball with a pair of needle-nose pliers.
Tom Carroll, Glenview, IL
