When that RV shower drain starts backing up, my first instinct is to reach for the simple, proven stuff. A good pour of very hot water, followed by the classic baking soda and vinegar combo, can often knock out a minor soap scum clog without any fuss. If that doesn’t do the trick, a cheap plastic hair snake is my next go-to for physically pulling out whatever’s causing the jam—usually a nasty clump of hair and gunk.
Why RV Shower Drains Clog and Your First Moves
There’s nothing quite like standing in a puddle of your own shower water to put a damper on your trip. It’s one of the most common headaches for RVers, and it’s easy to see why when you understand the plumbing.
Your home plumbing has wide, rigid pipes and deep P-traps that can handle a lot. An RV, on the other hand, relies on a delicate network of flexible hoses, shallow traps (or trapless water gates), and smaller pipes. This setup is just asking for a blockage from a simple mix of hair, soap residue, and road dust.
Believe it or not, this problem pops up even in brand-new rigs. RV industry surveys have shown that over 68% of owners run into drainage issues in their first year. Shower drains alone account for a staggering 42% of all plumbing complaints.
I’ve heard stories from countless RVers about this. One owner on a popular forum mentioned their shower was “super clogged” after just the 6th or 7th use. That’s how fast it can happen, especially if you have long hair or use certain types of soap.
Assess the Situation Before You Act
Before you start poking around, take a minute to figure out what you’re dealing with. A slow drain is a different beast than a completely blocked one, and jumping in with the wrong tool can make things worse by pushing a clog deeper into your plumbing or damaging a delicate component.
Here’s a quick mental checklist to run through:
- Is water draining at all, just slowly? This usually points to a partial clog right below the drain—the classic hair and soap scum combo.
- Is the drain totally stopped up? You could be looking at a more compacted mess or an issue further down the line, maybe even involving your gray tank.
- Are your other drains acting up? If the bathroom or kitchen sink is also slow, the problem likely isn’t just the shower. It could be a blockage in the main line or, more simply, a full gray water tank.
Speaking of tanks, having a good handle on your entire plumbing system, including your holding tanks, can save you a lot of guesswork. For a deeper dive, our guide on how to clean RV holding tanks offers great insights that apply to the gray tank, too.
A moment of assessment can save you an hour of frustration. A slow drain often just needs a hot water flush. A full-on clog probably requires you to get a tool in there and physically remove it.
It’s also smart to think about what goes down the drain. Certain soaps, especially those high in fats and oils, can definitely contribute to buildup over time.
Quick Clog Diagnosis Checklist
| Symptom | Potential Cause | What to Try First |
|---|---|---|
| Water drains, but very slowly | Partial clog from hair, soap scum | Pour hot water, then use a plastic hair snake |
| Water is completely stopped | Compacted clog, deeper blockage, or full gray tank | Check your gray tank level, then try a plunger |
| All drains in the RV are slow | Main drain line blockage or full gray tank | Check gray tank level immediately |
| Gurgling sounds from the drain | Venting issue or a blockage forming | Flush with hot water and check RV roof vent |
| Bad odor coming from the drain | Decomposing gunk in P-trap | Hot water flush followed by baking soda & vinegar |
The Right Tools for the Job Without Risking Damage
Before you even think about tackling a clog, it’s critical to get the right toolkit together. RV plumbing isn’t like the stuff in your house. It’s made of thinner, often flexible plastics that you can damage in a heartbeat.
Building Your RV Drain-Clearing Kit
- Protective Gloves
- Plastic Drain Snake – safe for RV plumbing
- Screwdriver or Pliers for removing the drain cover
Never use a metal auger on RV plumbing. It will shred ABS pipe or destroy a Hepvo valve.
RV-Safe Cleaners You Can Trust
- Baking Soda + Vinegar for minor buildup
- RV-Safe Enzyme Drain Cleaners – safe for pipes, seals, and gray tank sensors
(Example RV-safe enzyme treatment: see enzyme options)
More water-saving upgrades are covered in our guide to RV shower heads.
Hands-On Techniques to Physically Remove Blockages
Gloves on, drain cover off, snake inserted gently—this is the safest, most direct way to clear a clog.
Most RVs use a Hepvo valve (no traditional P-trap). Be gentle feeding the snake through the membrane.
Applying Gentle Pressure with a Plunger
Use a simple cup plunger with a little standing water. Plug the bathroom sink if it shares a drain line.
A 2023 analysis found that using a metal auger accounts for 35% of RV shower drain failures with repair bills ranging from $250–$500.
The Hot Water & Dish Soap Flush
Hot—but not boiling—water + grease-cutting soap can melt buildup.
Never pour boiling water into ABS drain lines. It can warp or soften fittings.
(External plumbing link removed to avoid competitor SEO benefit.)
Choosing RV-Safe Liquid Solutions That Actually Work
Baking soda + vinegar works for maintenance.
For tougher clogs, use enzyme-based drain cleaners.
Why Enzyme Cleaners Are the Gold Standard
They digest organic waste and are 100% safe for:
- ABS drain lines
- Rubber seals
- Gray tank sensors
You can find RV-safe enzyme cleaners here:
RV enzyme treatments
A Critical Warning: Avoid Caustic Chemical Cleaners
Drano, Liquid-Plumr, and bleach can melt ABS, ruin seals, and destroy Hepvo valves.
Simple Habits to Prevent Future RV Drain Clogs
Your #1 defense is a good drain screen.
Example: RV drain strainers & screens
Build a Simple Maintenance Routine
- Weekly: Hot water flush
- Monthly: Enzyme treatment
- After every shower: Clean hair catcher
More on gray tank health:
RV holding tank cleaning guide
Your Monthly RV Drain Maintenance Plan
| Frequency | Preventative Task | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| After Every Shower | Clear the hair catcher | Stops clogs at the source |
| Weekly | Hot water flush | Melts soap scum & oils |
| Monthly | Enzyme cleaner | Prevents buildup & odors |
| Seasonally | Inspect drain cover | Ensures no leaks or cracks |
Your Top RV Shower Drain Questions Answered
Can I Pour Drano or Bleach Down My RV Shower Drain?
No—use enzyme cleaners only. Harsh chemicals warp ABS and destroy seals.
What if My Gray Tank Is Full?
If multiple drains are slow, dump the gray tank first.
Why Does My Shower Drain Smell Bad?
Usually biofilm in P-trap or poor venting. Use enzyme cleaner to digest odor-causing buildup.
Is It Okay to Pee in the Shower?
No. Urine + gray tank bacteria = horrible odors. Keep systems separate.
For all the parts, tools, enzyme cleaners, and RV-safe plumbing products you need, visit RVupgrades.com. Explore our full plumbing category here:
RV plumbing & drain care products
