How do I remove this drain cover?

[Eddy222]

I'm having trouble removing this shower drain top. Any ideas? Am I supposed to twist anticlockwise or pull up with pliers?

I don't want to pull too hard and break it. The place was built in the late 80's.

I looked on YouTube, and they seem to be the ones you just unscrew with a screwdriver....

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Eddy222,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you join us.

I would expect it can be removed by rotating the inner grate anticlockwise. I can't say I've ever seen a grate like this that opens in a different way.

Try sticking two screwdrivers between the grates on opposite sides and rotating them both anticlockwise. If it hasn't been removed since the late 80s, it could be seized, so soaking the outside of the grate with WD40 could help.

Give this a try and let me know how you go.

Jacob

[DIYGnome]

Hello @Eddy222 welcome aboard 👋

Initially that reminded me of a storm water grate but then I remembered our shower has one exactly the same, you can clearly see the locking tab in the photo below, long nosed (pointy) pliers will provide excellent leverage to twist the fitting and release it 👍

[Eddy222]

Thank you DIYGnome, the cover came out exactly like the picture.

Now to the reason I had to remove the cover -> very slow drainage (blocked drains/toilet). 

The problem first happened on the flush toilet upstairs, but it appears the two upstairs showers are also backed up, so I'm thinking there's a clog down the line? There's an extra flush toilet upstairs, and that's not blocked thankfully.

I tried the plunger, and that didn't clear it up.  (In fact, it cleared the toilet on a certain attempt, but the contents resurfaced/came up on some overflow drains in the toilet next door beside the flush toilet).

So I tried a drain auger (wire). I've managed to get it down the shower drain and then it appears to hit something hard. (Approx. 3m-3.5m in)

I cannot tell if this a pipe T junction or some sort of blockage? Is there any way to tell?

I've yet to attach a drill to see if the auger will pick something up (hair, buildup) Its what I'll try next. I've been only able to spin the auger by hand so far in both directions.

Any other ideas say? Just in case it's not a blockage and a T-junction? I can't seem to push the auger/wire any further.......

[EricL]

Hello @Eddy222 

It appears that you've pretty much covered all the basic things you need to do to unclog your drain. My only other suggestion is to try using Drain Clean 2L Hair Unclogger or Drain Clean 1L Liquid. If you need to go deeper into your pipework, I suggest engaging the services of a plumber. They will have the proper equipment to unclog your drain without damaging your plumbing underneath. 

Please make sure to wear personal protection such as rubber gloves, goggles and a mask when using the chemical drain cleaners.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric