How to Unscrew a Shower Drain: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step-by-step guide on how to unscrew shower drain with tips, tools, and tricks from real DIY experience to make the job easier.

Let me begin by saying this: if you are reading this searching “how to unscrew shower drain,” there is a good chance that you are knee-deep in a plumbing DIY endeavor or that you are standing in your bathroom with hands on hips, staring at a drain cover that simply will. not. come. off. I have done that. More times than I care to admit, in fact. And I can guarantee you this – whether it’s dealing with a stubborn drain or figuring out something like plumber’s putty dry time, by the conclusion of this article, you will have the knowhow, equipment, and confidence to handle this like a pro (or at least like a decently equipped DIY enthusiast).

You May Need to Unscrew Your Shower Drain Because:

Perhaps your shower drains slower than January’s molasses. Perhaps you are replacing a drain cover with a newer, more streamlined one to fit in with your bathroom’s updated look. Or perhaps, as I did that first time, you’ve lost a ring down there and aren’t quite ready to give it up.

Regardless of the cause, unscrewing a shower drain is relatively straightforward if you understand what you are working with. It will become very frustrating if you are attempting to force it without knowing.

So, let’s dive in. We’ll first establish what type of drain you have, then I’ll take you through the actual steps I used – including how to handle those inevitable moments when things don’t quite work out (because they almost always don’t).

If you still have questions about how to unscrew shower drain covers in a safe manner, bear with us—we have just begun. This tutorial also includes general variations and other phrases typically used in search, such as how to take off shower drain cover, how to take off shower drain, how to take off shower drains, and how to take off drain in shower. It’s all part of the same DIY picture.

Step 1: Determine Your Shower Drain Type

Not all shower drains are alike. It sounds silly, but I didn’t know there even existed more than one variety until I stared down my own drain for ten good minutes trying to understand why it looked completely different from that which I’d read in my YouTube tutorial.

Following are the most prevalent types:

1. Push-Pull Drain

This is the type which is pushed down to be closed and pulled up to open. It normally includes an exposed knob.

2. Lift-and-Turn Drain

Comparable to push-pull, but in place of pulling up, turn the knob to open or shut.

3. Toe-Touch Drain

You push with your toe to open and to close. Fancy, isn’t it?

4. Snap-In or Grid Drain

This is a flat cover with holes, occasionally with screws, occasionally without. It simply snaps in place.

Pro Tip: Google image search the picture if you are unsure which one you have. That’s what I did.

This is all useful to anyone looking for how to remove shower drain or delving into the nitty-gritty of shower drain cover removal.

Step 2: Collect Your Tools

Now that you have declared your enemy, it’s time to stock your armory. Here’s my advice:

• Flat screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver (just in case)
• Needle pliers
• Drain wrench or intelligent dumbbell wrench (every penny worth!)
• Adjustable wrench.
• WD-40 or similar lubricant
• Rag or towel (you will understand why)
• Gloves, particularly if your drain is used to seeing stuff. and most are.

I tried to use kitchen tongs once. Don’t be me.

Step 3: Take out the Drain Stopper (If Present)

Should you have a push-pull, lift-and-turn, or toe-touch stopper, you will need to take this out in order to access the actual drain.

Here is how I did mine (a lift-and-turn):

1. Raise the stopper to position B.
2. Grasp body of stopper with one hand and turn knob to left.
   • Other times you can just loosen with ease. Other times, I’m trying to turn open a pickle jar with damp hands.
3. If it spins constantly, there may be a set screw hidden beneath the cap.
   • Remove the top cap carefully with a flat screwdriver and check for a very small screw in the interior. Use a tiny screwdriver or Allen tool to loosen it.

Collect all those tiny components in a cup or container. You don’t wish to have to fish screws out of the drain.

If you’re in this stage and googled how to remove shower drain cover or removing a shower drain, this step is key.

Step 4: Unscrew the Drain Cover

This is what you’ve waited for. With the stopper out of the way, you are looking at the actual drain.

If It’s Screwed Up:

Take them out with a screwdriver. Piece of cake (usually).

Once you have removed the screws, gently pry open the cover. If it is stuck, rock it from side to side or use the flathead screwdriver to pry it from the seams.

If It’s a Snap-In:

These may be more tricky. Use flathead screwdriver to prize one edge gently. Work slowly along the edges, being patient. It may have to pop off abruptly, so have your face clear.

Now you are halfway through the process of unscrewing shower drain assemblies, and the most challenging part is still to come – but don’t worry, I have your back.

This section of activity is also referred to by many as shower drain removal.

Step 5: Unscrew the drain body using a drain wrench (if necessary)

This is where I encountered my first hurdle. The drain body screwed far enough into the pipe that I couldn’t push or pull it out. Enter drain wrench.

How to Use It:

1. Put the drain wrench through the crossbars in the drain.
2. Use an adjustable wrench to rotate drain wrench in a counterclockwise direction.
3. If that will not budge, coat the edge lightly with some WD-40, wait for 10 minutes, then try again.

I tried three times, with much loud grunting, before it loosened. There’s something strangely satisfying in hearing that initial crack when it loosens.

This is the core part of learning how to unscrew shower drain systems without causing damage to surrounding plumbing.

Step 6: Clean the Area

Clean all

Once removed, you will likely notice years’ worth of hair, soap scum, grime, and unidentified gunk. Welcome to the actual cause of your slow shower.

Clean everything down with a rag and cleaner. If you are replacing the drain, ensure that you have one which is securely sealed and is proper for your type of pipe.

Troubleshooting: When Things Go Wrong

The Drain Won’t Budge

Attempt to use heat from a hairdryer to heat and expand the metal, then try using drain wrench again.

Screws are stripped.

Use an extractor screw or hold them gently with pliers. I have also used a rubber band wrapped round the screw for added grip – strange, I know, but successful.

The Crossbars Break

Ouch. This occurred to me with attempt #2. You can purchase a drain extractor tool, which is specifically designed for this event. It resembles a reverse wrench that clamps over the inside rim.

Oftentimes, determining how to unscrew shower drain covers comes with encountering a few surprises—but don’t worry, that’s all part of the DIY experience.

And if you are having trouble, try searching for how to remove shower drain or how to remove shower drain cover for visual instructions. The words used might be different, but the steps are sometimes similar.

Key Taking: 

I am not a plumber. I’m an ordinary homeowner who’s done lots of things wrong, but also learned from them – more often than not, the hard way. But I can confidently say: after you’ve unscrewed one shower drain, you’ll never be intimidated by another.

Similar to baking your first loaf of bread or putting together IKEA. Baffling to start with, potentially messy, but absolutely possible – and sort of rewarding in the end.

So roll your sleeves up, pick up those tools, and get that drain in check. You now have confidence to unscrew shower drain fittings.

Bonus Tips & FAQs

• Do I necessarily need to use a drain wrench?
• You can attempt to use pliers, but there is a drain wrench for this and it makes all the difference.
• Should I use the old drain again?
• A: Fine, if it’s in decent condition. Simply wash it good and inspect for rust or deterioration.
• Should I use plumber’s putty or silicone to seal the new drain? 
• Yes. I use silicone for a more durable, water-tight seal. 
• If I am still unable to get it out

 Don’t beat yourself up over it. There are drains that are older than I am and essentially welded in position. You may have to hire an expert – and that’s okay too

Need More DIY Bathroom Repair

See also our other guides:

• How to Clean a Clogged Shower Drain (Naturally!) .
• Replacing a Shower Head in 5 Easy Steps.
• DIY Caulking: Getting Your Bathtub to Look Brand New Reliable.

 Have a question or a DIY horror story to share? Leave it in the comments – learn and laugh along with us.

Additional Resources

How to Unscrew a Shower Drain – DishwasherGuys.com: Comprehensive guide covering all major types of shower drains with tool recommendations and lubricant tips to help with stubborn covers.

How to Remove a Shower Drain – SensibleDigs.com: Step-by-step instructions for different drain styles, plus safety tips and tricks to avoid damaging the tub or piping.

How to Remove a Shower Drain – HomeGambit.com: Detailed breakdown of preparation, tools, and removal methods for DIYers tackling tough drain covers.

Clear Guide to Removing a Shower Drain – CraftingWithConcrete.com: Focuses on using a drain removal tool for better grip and leverage—ideal if your drain is corroded or stuck tight.

Step-by-Step Drain Removal – BathroomScape.com: Highlights common obstacles and how to overcome them with the right tools and technique.

DIY Shower Drain Removal and Replacement – YouTube: Visual tutorial showing how to remove and replace a shower drain from above—no crawlspace access needed.

Remove Shower Drain Cover & Unclog in 1 Minute – YouTube: Quick, practical video for unclogging and removing your shower drain cover using basic household tools.