As specialists in shower drains, we know Ontstoppen.nl We pinpoint exactly where the problem lies in your drain pipe or trap. Whether you're dealing with a temporary blockage, a recurring problem, or unsure whether a drain snake, chemical plungers, or professional tools are necessary, we'll solve it quickly and thoroughly.
No need to worry about your tiles or bathroom furniture. We work neatly and ensure your shower drain stays free of blockages, unpleasant odors, and leaks. See how our customers rate us and read our reviews. 5/5 Google reviews about unclogging shower drain by Ontstoppen.nl!
What is a clogged shower drain and why do blockages occur?
A clogged shower drain in the bathroom is a classic problem that almost every household in the Netherlands encounters at some point. A shower drain connects your shower floor to the drainage system and its function is to quickly transport dirty water, soap scum, and hair to the sewer. It's usually a small grate, often made of stainless steel or plastic, designed to trap most dirt.
However, over time, hair, skin oils, shampoo residue, sand and even limescale build up in the drain and siphon, causing the flow to slow down more and more.
How do you tell? The shower water stays still, bubbles up, gives off an unpleasant sewer smell, or drains agonizingly slowly.
- Hair and soap buildup: Hairs quickly twist around each other and mix with soap residue to form a tough, sticky plug that coats the drain wall.
- Limescale: Particularly in areas with hard water, limescale particles adhere to the pipes and form a hard layer on which dirt sticks.
- Solvents and greasy residues: Residues from shower products, oil or conditioner create “grease plugs” that significantly limit drainage capacity.
- Invisible blockages: Sometimes the drain appears clean, but the problem lies deeper in the drain pipe, for example due to an incorrect slope or a sagging bathroom drain pipe.
How to recognize a clogged shower drain
A clogged shower drain is always inconvenient. Fortunately, there are several signs that indicate the beginning of a blockage. If you act immediately at the first signs, you can prevent a complete blockage or leak. Here are some telltale signs:
- Water remains in the shower: During and after showering, a puddle forms; sometimes it doesn't go away after fifteen minutes.
- Gurgling sound: You hear gurgling or gurgling sounds from the drain as the water drains. This often indicates air that can no longer escape because the pipes are partially blocked.
- Bad smell from the drain: Dirt and soap residue in stagnant water will rot, causing an unpleasant odor.
- Difficulty flushing: Even after cleaning the grille the problem persists, often the siphon or pipe is clogged.
Step-by-step plan: Try to unclog your shower drain yourself
Before you contact our craftsmen at Ontstoppen.nl You can try to remove the blockage yourself. Note: avoid using chemical drain cleaners as they damage pipes and the environment. The RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) also advises against using them for general household use. Follow the steps below:
- Remove the grate from the drain: Turn or lift the grille. Wear household gloves.
- Remove visible dirt: Remove hair and soap residue from the drain by hand or with a hook.
- Clean the siphon (swan neck): Carefully pour hot water and, if necessary, some baking soda into the drain to dissolve the grease.
- Use a plunger: Place this over the drain for a vacuum and move it up and down vigorously. This often dislodges the blockage.
- Check the drain: Rinse the drain with boiling water. If the water still won't drain, call an experienced drain cleaning service for professional help.
How we work
How we work
Report a blockage (without obligation)
Tell us where the blockage is (drain, plumbing, toilet, or sewer). We'll immediately analyze the situation by phone, WhatsApp, or form.
Free quote
You'll receive a clear, all-inclusive price for unblocking—including call-out fees, labor, and a no-win, no-fee policy. No surprises.
National coverage
Our certified sewer specialist often arrives the same day. We unclog drains without any demolition work, using professional equipment.
Unblocking & warranty
We'll fix the blockage, inspect all pipework, and offer an 8-week warranty. Safe, durable, and professional.
Professional shower drain unclogging by Ontstoppen.nl
Sometimes the blockage is too stubborn or it is located deeper in the pipe. In that case you are Ontstoppen.nl Absolutely perfect. We work according to the NEN-EN-13564 protocol and use certified drain cleaning equipment such as the Ridgid K-400 drum machine for mechanical cleaning and powerful pressure washers for flushing pipes. Using advanced inspection techniques like sewer cameras, we pinpoint the exact location of the blockage for damage-free and targeted unblocking.
- Rinsing techniques: A high-pressure machine removes grease plugs and limescale deposits. We flush residual waste directly into the main sewer system.
- Mechanical springs: We use a coil spring or spring machine to break open blockages without damaging pipes or siphons.
- Camera inspection: With a small sewer camera we search for recurring blockages, pipe cracks or subsidence in your drainage system.
Our technicians arrive on-site within 24 hours, work in accordance with the guidelines of Techniek Nederland and Ruimte voor Hygiëne (Space for Hygiene), and use fixed rates for transparency. We offer an 8-week warranty on every unblocking. You don't have to worry about extra costs: all labor, call-out fees, and materials are included in the rate. Are you experiencing recurring blockages? We're happy to recommend preventative maintenance for consistently clean pipes.
How to prevent a shower drain from getting clogged
Prevention is better than cure. Regular cleaning and smart use of your shower can prevent a lot of problems. Here's what to look out for:
- Hair removal: Make it a habit to remove any visible hair from the drain after showering.
- Limit soap and shampoo residue: Do not use too many care products, this prevents greasy build-up and biofilm.
- Flush regularly: Rinse weekly with hot water and a spoonful of baking soda.
- Inserting a hair separator or sieve: An additional sieve catches hair and dirt before it disappears into the drain.
- Check piping: Make sure that the slope is properly constructed to ensure that water drains away properly.
When do you need a professional for a clogged shower drain?
Is the water still draining poorly despite cleaning? Are you experiencing odors or damp patches in your bathroom? In many cases, there's a deeper blockage or pipe problem. Sometimes the blockage is a sign of a larger problem in the entire domestic sewer system or the external sewer system. In such a situation, it's important to call in a specialist to inspect the pipe system and prevent damage.
If you want to know more about sewer problems in different regions, check our page about Unclogging a sewer in Amsterdam.
For all professional unblocking work in shower drains, house drains, bathroom pipes or sewers, you are at Ontstoppen.nl Guaranteed fast service, fixed prices, and expert solutions. Request your free, no-obligation quote today via Receive a quote for your clogged shower drain within 24 hours.
Want to know more? Call or WhatsApp us at 085 2505 217 or email us at info@ontstoppen.nl for advice or to make an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
How does a clogged shower drain develop and what are the main causes?
A clogged shower drain is usually caused by a combination of hair, soap residue, body oil, shampoo, and sometimes dirt or limescale that accumulates in the trap or drain. When these deposits become lodged inside the drain, water no longer drains properly, creating a blockage. Especially in older homes, or in drains that are rarely cleaned, clogs are more common due to caked-on debris or small objects that accidentally enter the drain.
Daily use accelerates the process, and if you don't use a filter, the risk is even greater. Besides hair and soap, bits of plastic or other materials can also worsen blockages. Want to know how to safely unclog multiple drains simultaneously without damaging your pipes? Then check out our page about unclog multiple drains at the same time.
What can you try yourself if the shower drain becomes clogged?
If your shower drain is clogged, you can first try a plunger, a classic rubber suction cup. Firmly press it over the drain, and see if the blockage dislodges. Then, remove the drain screen and remove any visible hair and debris with a hook or glove. Sometimes a mixture of hot water and cleaning vinegar with a little baking soda can clear minor blockages.
If that doesn't help, you can try loosening soft blockages with a flexible drain snake. Be careful with chemical drain cleaners: they can damage your pipes and are bad for the environment. Is the problem more persistent or is the blockage causing shower water to back up into other parts of your bathroom? Then it's wise to use our professional shower drain blockage solution to turn on.
Can a clogged shower drain damage my bathroom?
A clogged shower drain prevents water from draining away, potentially flooding your shower tray or bathroom floor. If water remains, it can seep into joints, seams, or cracks. This causes water damage to floors, walls, baseboards, or underlying structures, which can eventually lead to mold, wood rot, or loose tiles.
Moreover, serious blockages can cause wastewater to back up from other drains in unwanted places. This leads to odors and sometimes even leaks. To prevent damage, quick action is essential. Interested in a no-demolition approach? Then consider our options for unclog drain without demolition work for persistent blockages.
When do you call a professional drain cleaning company for a clogged shower drain?
You engage us as Ontstoppen.nl Contact us immediately if you notice that unblocking yourself isn't working, the water isn't draining at all, you're experiencing a persistent odor, or if you have recurring blockages. A professional approach is important if you suspect the blockage is located deeper in the drain or main sewer.
We have specialized tools like a pressure washer and sewer cameras, allowing us to not only quickly resolve the blockage but also identify the cause to prevent recurrence. Thanks to our fixed price, no-win-no-fee guarantee, and 8-week warranty, you know exactly what to expect upfront. In most cases, we resolve the blockage within 24 hours.
What are the costs for professional unclogging of a shower drain and what does it offer? Ontstoppen.nl?
At Ontstoppen.nl For unblocking a shower drain, we charge a fixed, transparent rate of €169,50, including VAT, labor, professional equipment, and call-out fees. We don't charge surcharges if the work takes longer: you always pay the same amount, even if the job takes longer than expected. For blockages in the main sewer, we offer an all-inclusive flushing rate of €296,45. If equipment needs to be replaced, we'll discuss the price with you upfront so you'll never encounter any surprises.
In addition to our competitive prices, we always offer an 8-week warranty on our work and carry out the work with experienced professionals, expert sewer technicians, and advanced unblocking equipment. Most blockages are completely cleared the same day. This way, you can quickly shower comfortably and worry-free again, with the assurance of a professional solution and the appropriate service you expect from us. Ontstoppen.nl can expect.
