Not all plungers are created equal. For a shower drain, you need the right tool for the job:

Unlike chemical cleaners, plunging won't corrode your metal or PVC pipes.

Most shower clogs are caused by a combination of hair, soap scum, and skin cells. This mixture creates a sticky, "bindy" mess that sits just below the drain cover.

Once the water is draining properly, run hot water (as hot as the tap allows) for 3 to 5 minutes. This helps wash away any remaining loose debris and grease that might cause a backup in the near future.

If you’ve tried plunging three or four times and the water still isn't moving, the clog might be too deep or too solid (like a clump of hair wrapped around a bracket).