One of the most valuable skills in everyday life is knowing how to snake a shower drain. Often, you see your plumber’s tricks and skills, which may seem tricky; surprisingly, most of them are not as hard as they look. Almost all DIYers can learn and use these skills in their daily lives.
How to snake a drain is a similar skill; in this blog post, we discuss it in detail.
Before you start unclogging the drain
Since drain snakes come in different designs and sizes, knowing which will work best in your shower drain’s case is better. The typical drain diameter in houses is 3 inches, so the best choice to unclog such drains is a snake drain with 1/4 inch thick wire.
A widely favored design incorporates a circular rotating drum and a convenient handle. The product features a 25-foot cable made of durable steel wire, specifically designed with a broad tip to catch and remove clogs from drains effectively. This type of drain snake is a drum auger and a valuable tool every home should have.
Materials you will need
Before you start the job, ensure that you have the following items at your disposal.
- Drain snake.
- A rag.
- Rubber gloves.
- Screwdriver.
How to snake a shower drain – step-by-step instructions
Please follow these steps for a job well done.
Open the drain cover
The first step to the job is to remove the drain cover so you can insert the drain snake.
Most of the drains have screws, so open the screws using the screwdriver. Also, keep the screws away from the drain along with the drain cover so, you don’t lose or drop them.
Insert the drain snake
The next step is to wear rubber gloves. Now, gently insert the head of the cable into the drain and keep pushing it forward. When you feel a resistance, stop.
Secure the cable clamp nicely and snugly, and then gently twist the handle to get that cable spinning in the drain opening. The cable should be able to move forward as you gently twist and push.
Be careful not to exert too much force; otherwise, the cable might end up doubling back on itself.
Work the drain snake
In most cases, the blockage or clog is near the drain opening. However, sometimes, it may be further away from the opening or in the shape of a horizontal heap. Do the following:
- Loosen the handle to let more cable go into the drain.
- Tighten the cable again and push it into the drain a bit more.
- Watch other drains nearby. If there’s another shower or tub on the other side of the wall, the cable might come up through that drain.
- You might feel the cable when it hits the blockage. Twist the cable to break it up.
- After breaking the clog, run a little water to see if it goes past the cable.
- If the water drainage is still slow, push the cable further down the drain.
Pull the drain snake
Our process on how to snake a shower drain is in its final stages. It is now time to extract the cable out of the drain.
- When you feel the cable, go past the clog, turn the cable in the opposite direction, and pull it out of the drain slowly. You’ll probably find hair and gunk stuck to the end of the cable.
- Remove this stuff from the end of the drain snake.
- Use a cloth to wipe the drain snake clean and dry to prevent rust.
Flushing the drain
Now that the snake drain is out and the clog is removed, you must flush the drain to remove additional debris from the plumbing.
- Test the drain by running water (1-2 minutes) before putting the shower grate back on.
- Remove any debris that the drain snake didn’t take out.
- Flush out the remaining hair and debris by running water for a few minutes.
When to call in professionals?
Before putting on the gloves, analyze your situation. Many homeowners can safely unclog a shower drain.
Experts advise visual inspection before starting the project. If your pipes are old enough to be galvanized, the obstruction is likely pipe flaking, not hair or muck.
Another clue to call a pro is rust debris. If an auger fails to remove a clog after several attempts, tree roots or other small items may be clogging your drain, requiring professional intervention.
Conclusion
Unclogging the shower drain is not a seemingly difficult task. However, using excessive force and rugged wires/cables can damage plumbing lines extensively, leading to losses of thousands of dollars in repairs. So, follow the guidelines we have discussed along with the proper tools.
Before you go, remember that having the best quality drains in your shower is important. Yzdrain is a brand that not only offers top-notch linear shower drains but also offers excellent rates. You can browse and purchase the items we offer at our online store.
Finally, what do you think of our guide on how to snake a shower drain? Let us know in the comments below. Thank you for reading!
FAQs
A drain snake, rag, rubber gloves, and screwdriver are required.
A 1/4-inch drain snake with a spinning drum and 25-foot steel cable is excellent.
Loosen the lever to extend the cable, or use a longer drain snake.
Yes, safeguard your hands from debris and risks with rubber gloves.
To avoid obstructions, flush your drain using hot water and drain cleaners.
