Drains, whether it’s your shower, bath, or sink, are a total pain to unblock.

From soap scum and hair to limescale and grease, there could be a whole host of reasons for the blockage.

One home remedy many test out first is baking soda and white vinegar, however, that works with only very minor blocked drains.

Having tried out that method on her shower drain, one woman took to the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips and Tricks Facebook page for alternative methods.

Dawn Murphy said: “Can anyone give me a tip on how to unblock my shower.”

Posting a picture of the blockage, she continued: “This is what the drain of my shower looks like when I take the cover off. It’s blocked somewhere as when we shower the cubicle fills up with water. 

“I’ve tried store-bought drain unblockers, bleach, white vinegar, and baking soda. It works for a few days then it’s back to slow draining. 

“I have a mane of curly hair so I know I’m the culprit. Nothing is working. What else can I use on it?”

Dawn received over 100 responses, and the majority recommended she use a professional product that goes by the name of a drain snake.

A drain snake is a system of cables or coils that slither like a snake into your drain to vanquish the gunk that has given you your plumbing headache.

Gemma Leighfield urged: “Get a drain snake. It’s a very long spring wire thing with a twisted end with a point on it. 

“It wraps around the hair and drags it back out the drain. It goes around corners etc as it’s flexible. Couple of quid and is so handy for any drain or plug etc. Had mine years .”

Patricia Walsh wrote: “When I bought a drain snake from Wickes it came with a flexible barbed ‘rod’ and it’s amazing what it pulls out of the pipes. 

“The first time I used it I thought it was bringing out a dead mouse! Never had a problem since.”

Colleen Anderson commented: “Get a drain snake. Works every time for me and you can clean it and reuse it. No chemicals needed and gets out the clogs  in under one minute.”

Tanya Hill wrote: “Rather than using any chemicals to clear it I found drain snakes much better at unblocking sinks. Absolute magic. Works every time.”

Drain snakes can be picked up in any DIY store. It retails for £13.50 at Wickes, £14.98 at Toolstation and for just £5.99 on Amazon.