Removing a shower drain cover is useful for replacing the cover, cleaning out the shower drain, troubleshooting a clogged drain or ensuring the safe use of liquid drain cleaners. Removing the cover is different from removing the actual drain. Removing the entire drain fixture may require a plumber, while cover removal can usually be done by the homeowner or resident.

  • Removing a shower drain cover is useful for replacing the cover, cleaning out the shower drain, troubleshooting a clogged drain or ensuring the safe use of liquid drain cleaners.

Dry the area on and around the shower drain cover. This will ensure that the screwdriver will not slide around during use.

Remove the drain stopper if there is one. Do so by pulling the stopper up until it disconnects from the trip lever. Shower-only setups will not have a drain stopper.

Locate a screw in the centre of the cover. Unscrew the screw using the Phillips head screwdriver. Not all shower drains will have this screw.

Use the flat-head screwdriver to pop the drain cover out of the drain fixture. Place the tip of the screwdriver along the edge of the drain cover, not outside the actual drain fixture.

  • Locate a screw in the centre of the cover.
  • Use the flat-head screwdriver to pop the drain cover out of the drain fixture.

Apply a small amount of force on the screwdriver while prying up the drain cover. Silicone or another sealant may have been used to seal the drain fixture. If so, work the screwdriver around the outside of the drain cover itself to loosen the seal. Continue to pry around the edge of the drain cover until it pops out.

TIP

If there is no screw or the drain cover moves around when touched, simply use the flat-head screwdriver to lift the cover out.

WARNING

If you need to remove the actual drain, you may need to call a plumber.