Over time, shampoo, soap scum and hair can wreak havoc on your shower drain.

If you begin to notice standing water while showering, your drain is most likely clogged. You can try a few simple steps to unclog your drain before calling a plumber.

Here are 3 things to do about a clogged shower drain:

1. Try a quick cleanout.

First, remove the drain screen to get access to the drain. Use a flashlight and look down the drain to see if the cause is visible. If you can see a hair clog, reach in with your fingers or use a straightened wire coat hanger with a bent tip to remove the clog.

If you can’t quite reach the clog, try using a toilet plunger to move the blockage closer to the surface.

A plumbing snake is also a simple tool that can do the trick. You can purchase a plumbing snake at any local hardware store.

2. Use a safe, natural solution.

Another way to unclog your shower drain is a mixture of vinegar and baking soda with hot water. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by an equal amount of vinegar.

Let the solution bubble and foam for a few minutes, then follow with a kettle of hot water. Repeat the process if necessary. The mixture and hot water temperature should help dissolve the clog, and it’s safe for metal pipes.

3. Bring on the Drano.

If the natural solution doesn’t work, a gel formula like Drano is a solution that’s safe for both septic and piping systems. Follow the instructions provided, and flush with hot water to push the clog out of the pipe.

Save yourself time and frustration and prevent future clogs by using a special shower device to catch hair. Be sure to empty the catcher regularly to prevent blockages. Always run hot water down the shower drain after each use.

Omega Plumbing: 521 Oak Leaf Court Unit A, Joliet, IL 60436, 815-773-0808, www.omegaplumbing.com