How to Snake Shower Drain Easily and Safely
How to Snake Shower Drain?
To snake a shower drain, you will need a drain snake specifically designed for this purpose.
Shower drains are typically 2 inches in diameter, so a 1/4- or 5/16-inch cable snake is recommended for general home use.
You can insert the drain snake directly into the drain opening and push it through the clog.
A drum auger with a 25-foot cable is a popular choice for this task.
However, it’s important to note that a drum auger should not be used for toilet clogs.
Before starting the snaking process, make sure that only the shower drain is clogged.
If other drains are also affected, it may indicate a larger clog that requires a larger drain snake.
Remember that you can clear shower drains without disassembling the drain trap.
Choose the appropriate auger for each fixture, and for more serious clogs, consider using a larger drain snake from a main clean-out fitting.
Key Points:
- Use a drain snake specifically designed for shower drains.
- A 1/4- or 5/16-inch cable snake is recommended for general home use.
- Insert the snake directly into the drain opening and push it through the clog.
- A drum auger with a 25-foot cable is a popular choice for shower drain snaking.
- Do not use a drum auger for toilet clogs.
- Ensure that only the shower drain is clogged before starting the snaking process.
Did You Know?
1. Before the invention of metal plumbing, ancient civilizations used materials like bamboo, stone, and even lead to create drains for their showers and other water systems.
2. The concept of drain snakes, used to unclog shower drains and other pipes, dates back to ancient Egypt. They used long, flexible reeds or metal wires to remove obstructions.
3. The earliest recorded evidence of indoor showers can be traced back to the ancient city of Ephesus in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), where public bathhouses featuring running water were popular as early as the 2nd century BC.
4. The “S-shaped” design commonly found in shower drain pipes is called a P-trap. This ingenious invention prevents sewer gases from entering the bathroom by creating a water barrier that acts as a seal.
5. It is estimated that the average American household produces about 100 gallons of wastewater each day. Without a functional drain system, all that water would be difficult to manage and remove effectively.
How To Snake A Shower Drain
Shower drains can easily become clogged with hair and debris, but you can avoid calling a plumber by unclogging it yourself. Follow these steps to safely and effectively remove the clog using a drain snake:
- Locate the drain opening in your shower, typically around 2 inches in diameter.
- Insert a drain snake (or auger) into the opening. This flexible metal cable is designed to break up and remove clogs in pipes.
- Choose a 1/4 or 5/16-inch cable snake, which is recommended for general home use.
Tip: Make sure to wear protective gloves and safety goggles while performing this task to avoid any injuries.
Now you’re ready to tackle that stubborn clog and restore your shower drain to its fully functional state!
- Locate the drain opening
- Insert a drain snake
- Choose a 1/4 or 5/16-inch cable snake.
Choosing The Right Drain Snake For The Job
When choosing a drain snake for your shower, it’s important to consider the size and severity of the clog. For minor clogs that are common in households, a 1/4 or 5/16-inch cable snake is usually sufficient. These sizes are suitable for home use and can effectively clear most blockages.
If the clog is stubborn and difficult to dislodge, you may need to opt for a drum auger with a 25-foot cable. This popular choice allows for more power and reach, making it easier to tackle more serious clogs. However, it’s important to note that drum augers are not suitable for toilet clogs, as they can cause damage to the porcelain.
- When choosing a drain snake, consider the size and severity of the clog.
- For minor clogs, a 1/4 or 5/16-inch cable snake is usually sufficient.
- Drum augers with a 25-foot cable offer more power and reach for stubborn clogs.
- Avoid using drum augers for toilet clogs to prevent damage to the porcelain.
Remember to always exercise caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using drain snakes.
Troubleshooting: Is The Shower Drain The Only Issue?
Before you start snaking your shower drain, it’s essential to determine whether the shower drain is the only clogged drain in your home. Sometimes, when multiple drains are affected, it may indicate a larger clog further down the line, requiring the use of a larger drain snake. In such cases, you may need to access the main clean-out fitting to clear the blockage effectively.
However, if you find that only the shower drain is clogged, then you can proceed with snaking it individually. This will save you time and effort in dealing with unnecessary drains and focus solely on resolving the issue at hand.
- Determine if multiple drains are affected
- Access main clean-out fitting if necessary
- Save time and effort by focusing on the shower drain.
Clearing The Shower Drain Without Disassembling The Trap
One of the advantages of using a drain snake is that you can clear your shower drain without the need to disassemble the drain trap. This saves you from the hassle of removing and reassembling parts, making the process much more convenient.
To clear the shower drain, simply insert the appropriate size drain snake into the drain opening and push it gently but firmly into the pipe. As you push the snake further, you may encounter resistance, which indicates the presence of the clog. Continue to rotate the snake and push it deeper until you feel the blockage breaking up.
Once you feel that the clog is dislodged, slowly retract the snake while continuing to rotate it. This action will help to gather and remove any remaining debris from the pipe. Repeat this process a few times to ensure that the drain is completely clear.
- Insert the drain snake into the drain opening
- Push it gently but firmly into the pipe
- Rotate the snake and push it deeper to break up the clog
- Slowly retract the snake while rotating it to remove debris
- Repeat the process multiple times to ensure a clear drain.
When To Use A Drum Auger And When Not To
When it comes to tackling clogs, a drum auger with a 25-foot coiled steel wire cable is a popular choice. However, it’s important to know when it’s appropriate to use this tool and when it’s not.
First and foremost, a drum auger should never be used for toilet clogs. This is because it can damage the porcelain and lead to costly repairs. Toilet clogs require a different approach to ensure the integrity of the plumbing system.
On the other hand, when it comes to clearing shower drains, a drum auger can be highly effective, especially for more stubborn clogs. The longer cable and increased power make it easier to break up and remove blockages. So, if you encounter a particularly obstinate clog in your shower drain, don’t hesitate to employ the use of a drum auger.
Tackling Serious Clogs: The Main Clean-Out Fitting
For more serious clogs that affect multiple drains in your home, the main clean-out fitting becomes the point of focus. This fitting allows access to the main sewer line, giving you the ability to address clogs that cannot be resolved with a smaller drain snake.
To tackle these serious clogs, insert a larger drain snake into the clean-out fitting and maneuver it through the pipes. This will effectively break up and remove the clogs, allowing for the proper flow of wastewater. However, if you are unsure or uncomfortable performing this task, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a professional plumber.
In conclusion, snaking a shower drain is a relatively simple and cost-effective way to clear clogs and restore the proper flow of water. By choosing the right drain snake for the job, troubleshooting other possible issues, and using the appropriate techniques, you can easily and safely clear your shower drain without the need for professional help.
- Remember, for more complex clogs, it’s always best to seek the assistance of a professional to ensure a successful resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you snake your own shower drain?
Yes, you can definitely snake your own shower drain. A drain snake, whether manual or electric, can be an effective tool for clearing out clogs. By inserting the snake into the drain and either turning the handle or using a power drill, you can break up and remove any blockages that are causing the water to drain slowly or not at all. It’s a cost-effective and convenient solution that allows you to take matters into your own hands and restore the proper flow of water in your shower.
Why can’t I snake my shower drain?
If you are unable to snake your shower drain, it could be due to various reasons. One possibility is that the clog is too severe for the snaking tool to effectively clear. Another reason could be that the auger itself is dirty or damaged, hindering its ability to properly unclog the drain. It is important to ensure that the thumbscrew on the snake is secure, as a loose thumbscrew can prevent proper operation. Nonetheless, a drain snake is typically considered an essential tool for homeowners and is relatively affordable.
Should I snake the shower drain?
Yes, it would be advisable to snake the shower drain to address any potential hair clogs. Hair is a common culprit for clogging shower drains, and using a drain snake or a suitable cleaning tool can effectively clear out the blockage. To maintain proper drainage and prevent any future issues, regular cleaning of the shower drain using a snake or cleaning tool is a practical solution.
How do you snake hair out of a shower drain?
To remove hair from a shower drain, using the auger method, begin by inserting the plumbing snake into the drain until you reach the clog of hair. Once there, rotate the handle carefully to pull the snake out and dislodge the hair. After the process, it is essential to test the drain by running water to ensure that the blockage has been cleared. If needed, repeat the steps until the drain is completely unclogged.
