How to unclog a shower drain without removing the cover?

 
Clear the Drain Surface
 

• Start by removing any visible hair or debris from the drain’s surface using gloved hands or a pair of tweezers. Even without removing the cover, you may be able to access part of the blockage near the edge.
• Use a flashlight to inspect the drain opening through the gaps in the cover, and manually extract visible obstructions.

 
Use a Drain Snake or Flexible Tool
 

• Purchase a drain snake or a flexible hand auger from a hardware store. These are thin, flexible cables designed to navigate around and through drain pipes.
• Insert the drain snake carefully through any available opening in the cover. Gently feed it into the drain until you meet resistance.
• Once resistance is met, rotate and push the snake to break up or catch the clogging material. Slowly withdraw the snake while pulling any dislodged debris out with it.

 
Attempt a Plunge Technique
 

• Fill the shower area with a small amount of water. A plunger can be effective even if the cover is in place, as long as you can create a good seal around the drain opening.
• Place a small cup plunger directly over the drain and firmly push down and pull up several times to create suction and pressure that might dislodge the clog.
• Check if the water drains more freely after several cycles. Repeat as necessary until the blockage is cleared.

 
Apply a Chemical-Free Cleaning Mixture
 

• Combine equal parts of baking soda and vinegar. First, pour a generous amount of baking soda into the drain opening.
• Slowly add vinegar and allow the fizzy reaction to work on dissolving the build-up. Cover with a plug or towel if possible to maintain the reaction.
• Let the mixture sit for at least 15–30 minutes, then flush the drain with boiling water to clear the loosened debris.

 
Use Boiling Water
 

• If the clog is due to soap scum or grease buildup, boil a kettle or a large pot of water.
• Carefully pour the boiling water directly into the drain opening in stages. This can help dissolve and wash away the clog.
• Note: Ensure that any plastic components in the shower cover or nearby fixtures are tolerant of high temperatures to avoid damage.

 
Combination Methods and Repeating the Process
 

• If one method does not work, repeat the process or use a combination. For example, after using the baking soda and vinegar method, follow with plunging and the drain snake.
• Be patient, as clogs sometimes require multiple treatments to become fully cleared.

 
Prevent Future Clogs
 

• Install a hair catcher or strainer on top of the cover if possible, which will allow water to flow while trapping hair and debris before they build up.
• Perform routine maintenance by flushing the drain with boiling water or a vinegar solution on a regular basis.

For those managing home or commercial properties, knowing simple solutions is valuable—whether you’re in St Louis or Nashville, these tips can help maintain a flowing drain.