7 Best Shower Drain Strainers For RV Bathrooms That Nomads Swear By
Preventing RV plumbing clogs is crucial. We review 7 top-rated shower drain strainers, recommended by nomads for their durability and easy cleaning.
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of dread when you’re standing in an inch of murky water, realizing your RV shower isn’t draining. A simple clog on the road isn’t just an inconvenience; it can quickly escalate into a major plumbing headache involving gray tanks and hard-to-reach pipes. The single best thing you can do to protect your rig’s plumbing is to stop the problem before it starts, right at the drain.
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Why RV Shower Drains Need Special Attention
An RV plumbing system isn’t like the one in a stationary house. The pipes are smaller, the angles can be less forgiving, and everything ultimately leads to a holding tank you have to manage. A clog that might be a minor annoyance at home can become a trip-ending disaster in a rig.
You can’t just pour a bottle of harsh chemical drain cleaner down there. Those chemicals can damage the plastic pipes and seals common in RVs, and they can wreak havoc on the delicate balance of your holding tank’s ecosystem. The goal isn’t to react to clogs, but to prevent them entirely.
This is where a good drain strainer becomes non-negotiable. It’s your first and best line of defense against hair, soap scum, and trail grit that conspire to block your gray tank system. A few dollars spent on the right strainer can save you hundreds in repairs and countless hours of frustration at a campsite.
The TubShroom: A Revolutionary Hair Catcher
The TubShroom Ultra drain protector prevents clogged drains by catching hair inside the drain, not over it. Its stainless steel design fits standard tub drains and includes adapters for various sizes.
The TubShroom changed the game by rethinking how a drain protector should work. Instead of sitting on top of the drain, it fits inside, catching hair around its cylindrical body before it ever enters the pipe. This is a game-changer for anyone with long hair.
Its design is incredibly effective. As water flows through, hair wraps neatly around the middle, making cleanup surprisingly easy—just pull it out, wipe the hair off with a paper towel, and pop it back in. Because it sits inside the drain, it’s less likely to be kicked out of place in a tight RV shower.
The main consideration is fit. RV drains aren’t always standard, so you’ll need to measure your drain opening carefully to ensure a snug seal. If it’s too loose, it won’t work effectively. Also, because it’s so good at its job, you have to clean it regularly, or it will slow down the water flow significantly.
OXO Good Grips: Best Flat Silicone Protector
For a simple, effective, and versatile option, the OXO Good Grips Easy Clean Shower Stall Drain Protector is a top contender. This is a flat, silicone disc with a weighted stainless steel edge that sits directly over your drain. It doesn’t need to fit inside, making it a nearly universal solution.
Catch hair and prevent clogs with the OXO Good Grips Shower Stall Drain Protector. Its rust-proof stainless steel design effectively traps debris while allowing water to drain freely, and the non-slip silicone rim keeps it securely in place.
Its strength is its simplicity. You just lay it over the drain, and the silicone rim creates a seal that keeps it from sliding around while the perforations catch hair and debris. When you’re done, you just pick it up and wipe it clean. It’s perfect for RVers who might have an oddly sized or shaped drain that internal stoppers won’t fit.
The tradeoff is that it’s not permanently fixed. A stray foot or a strong blast of water can sometimes dislodge it. You also need to be diligent about cleaning it after every few showers, as mildew can build up on the underside of the silicone if left wet. But for a reliable, no-fuss option, it’s hard to beat.
Danco Basket Strainer for Mobile Home Drains
Many RVs use drains that are technically classified as "mobile home" hardware. The Danco Basket Strainer is designed specifically for these, often providing a perfect, drop-in fit where other strainers fail. It’s a small metal basket that replaces your existing drain cover.
This is a robust, no-nonsense solution. The basket is deep enough to catch a significant amount of hair and debris before it needs emptying, and its metal construction means it won’t degrade over time. It’s particularly good at catching not just hair, but also larger debris like sand or small pebbles you might track in after a hike.
The key is to confirm your drain size and type. This isn’t a universal product; it’s made for a specific style of drain (usually 2-7/8" with prongs). If it fits, it’s one of the most secure and effective options available. If it doesn’t, it’s useless. Check your existing drain cover before you buy.
LEKEYE Stainless Steel & Silicone Strainer
The LEKEYE strainer combines the best features of flat and basket-style protectors. It features a perforated stainless steel bowl surrounded by a soft, non-slip silicone rim. This hybrid design offers excellent performance and stability.
The silicone edge is the critical feature here. It provides just enough grip to keep the strainer from sliding around your shower floor, even with high water pressure, while the metal bowl does the heavy lifting of catching hair. The perforations are well-spaced to allow water through while blocking even fine hairs.
This design offers a great balance of durability and practicality. The stainless steel won’t rust and is easy to scrub clean, while the silicone rim prevents it from scratching your shower basin. As with any "over-the-drain" model, just be sure to pick it up to dry between uses to keep grime from building up underneath.
ShowerShroom Ultra for Stand-Up Showers
ShowerShroom prevents clogged drains by catching hair inside your shower drain, not over it. Its easy-to-clean design saves you money on costly plumber visits and harsh chemicals.
If you have a larger, modern RV with a residential-style stand-up shower, the ShowerShroom Ultra is the heavy-duty version you need. It’s built on the same principle as the original TubShroom but is made from stainless steel and designed for the larger 2-inch drains common in these showers.
The all-metal construction makes it incredibly durable and, frankly, it looks much sleeker than its plastic counterparts. It catches an impressive amount of hair without slowing drainage, and the stainless steel is resistant to the soap scum buildup that can plague plastic models. It’s an upgrade in both form and function.
This is not the right choice for a small wet bath or a traditional RV tub. It’s specifically for larger, flat-floor showers and is priced as a premium product. But if you have the right setup and want a buy-it-for-life solution, the Ultra is a worthy investment to protect your plumbing.
The DrainWig: A Set-and-Forget Solution
The DrainWig takes a completely different approach. It’s a disposable chain with small rubber "whiskers" that you feed down into the drain, leaving a decorative cap visible on top. Hair flowing down the drain gets caught on the whiskers along the chain.
The appeal is convenience. You don’t have to clean it daily or even weekly. You just leave it in place for two to four months, and when the water starts to slow, you pull the whole thing out and throw it away. For those who can’t stand the thought of cleaning a hairy drain catcher, this is a compelling option.
However, there are significant tradeoffs. First, it’s disposable, which creates ongoing waste and cost—not always ideal for the minimalist or eco-conscious RVer. Second, the removal process is… unpleasant. You’re pulling out months of accumulated, slimy hair in one go. It also doesn’t stop soap scum or grit, only hair.
RSVP Endurance: Classic Stainless Steel Mesh
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. The RSVP Endurance is a classic, no-frills mesh dome strainer. It’s a fine-wire mesh shaped into a shallow cup that sits over the drain opening.
Its effectiveness is undeniable. The fine mesh catches everything—hair, sand, soap chips, you name it. It’s also incredibly easy to clean; just tap it over a trash can and rinse. Being all stainless steel, it’s durable and won’t rust.
The main downside is its lack of weight or grip. It’s very lightweight and can easily be knocked out of place, rendering it useless until you notice and move it back. Some nomads solve this by putting a small dab of clear silicone on the rim to help it stay put. For its low price and high effectiveness, it remains a go-to for many seasoned travelers.
Ultimately, the best drain strainer is the one you’ll actually use and clean consistently. Whether you prefer a drop-in model like the TubShroom or a simple overlay like the OXO, being proactive is the core of smart RV maintenance. This small, inexpensive part plays a massive role in keeping your life on the road flowing smoothly.
