Free-flowing shower drains are an essential part of your bathroom, wet room or shower enclosure. However, if the water is coming out slower than usual—and you’re standing in muddy water every time you shower—the drain cap is likely clogged with hair or soap scum.
It’s important to check the condition of your drains from time to time to avoid problems and to help keep your shower tray or tile clean. Thankfully, removing the shower drain cover – for replacement or cleaning – is a simple process, especially with NICEMOCO’s easy-to-follow “how-to” guide.
1. What is a Shower Drain Cover?
In order for water to flow smoothly and efficiently from your shower or wet room, you need a clean drain and a shower drain (or trap). After all, who wants to stand in soapy water while you’re trying to clean? Shower drain covers do more than just hide unsightly shower waste underneath, they also help prevent clogged drains and add a stylish touch to your shower tray or wet room floor.
2. Drain Cover Varieties
There is a range of drain covers for showers that are styled to fit your shower tray or wet room – giving you the look you want.
1) Stainless Steel Shower Drain Cover
These combine classic style with durable quality. These grate drain covers are engineered to not rust and are easy to clean. Available in a brushed or polished finish, they also complement your bathroom, complementing faucets, shower heads and accessories.
2) Chrome-Plated Drain Cover
Timeless and smart, if you’re looking for a value-for-money option for your bathroom, choose a stainless steel shower drain cover that won’t go out of style.
3) Brushed Brass Shower Drain Cover
For a stylish shower with the latest brushed brass fittings, a matching shower drain cover will complete the look.
4) Hue Shower Drain Cover
From black and white to rose gold, slate and graphite, there are a variety of options to match your shower tray. These will ensure your bathroom looks seamless.
3. How to Replace and Install a Shower Drain Cover
Step 1: Wipe the Existing Drain Clean
This will reveal the screws holding it in place – allowing you to find the fixture – or if you can’t see the screws it may simply snap into place.
Step 2: Unscrew the Drain Cap
Using the correct screwdriver, remove the screw on the drain cover. If there is silicone sealant around the edges, you may need to carefully remove it before you can lift the drain cover.
If you can’t see the screws, you can use a screwdriver to gently pry the drain cover off the edges – but if you’re replacing it, be careful not to break it, or damage your shower tray or tile floor.
Step 3: Time to Clean Up!
When the drain cap is removed, it’s likely to reveal a disgusting, sticky mess of hair and soap scum. There’s nothing to do but clean it thoroughly—whether you’re replacing an old shower drain cover or installing a new one.
Step 4: Put the Cover Back on and Seal the Deal
Once your shower head is clean and free of any blockages, you can install your new drain cover by simply screwing or clipping it into place.
If you’ve used silicone sealer or caulk in there before, now is the time to reseal the edges for a neat, waterproof finish.
Step 5: Organize Time…and Wait
After you’ve cleaned off all the old sealant and checked that there are no old screws left in the shower, allow the sealant to cure (dry) at least 12 hours before showering. Enjoy a refreshing and relaxing shower without dirty water sloshing around your feet!
4. How to Remove a Shower Drain Cover for Cleaning
If you see that your drain cover is just stuck to with hair or soap – no damage or wear – it probably just needs a simple cleaning. Follow the same steps as above to remove the drain cap – take the time to thoroughly clean the drain cap and the waste underneath before reinstalling and resealing. This should allow the water to flow freely again, leaving your shower tray or wet room floor cleaner and more comfortable to stand on.