Over time, the drain in your shower can become clogged with hair, soap, and oils. If you are showering, and look down and notice that there is a couple inches of water pooling at your feet, then your drain is not properly draining and you probably have a clog.

How to Snake a Shower Drain

Fortunately, clogged shower drains are relatively easy to clear, even for rookie repair men. All you need is the right tools and a few minutes to fix this problem. Keep reading to learn how to snake your shower drain and get your bathtub back in working order.

Snaking a Shower Drain 101

Before you begin to snake your shower drain, you will need a plumbing snake, or a wire hanger that has been unwinded to mimic one. For shower drains, a 1/4 cable snake is preferred. After you have this tool ready, follow the steps below to properly snake your shower drain:

1. Remove the metal cover or grate on your shower drain. While you’re at it, remove any hair or residue that is attached to the cover.
2. Insert the plumbing snake into the drain, about 10 feet, then pull the snake back out.
3. Discard of any hair or debris that comes out of the drain.
4. Before replacing the metal cover, test the drain by running water down it. If the water doesn’t drain properly, run the snake back down the drain again, but a little bit further this time. Pull the snake back out and try testing it again.
5. After water begins to drain, and you are happy with the results, put the cover back on the drain and run a little bit of water to help finish the job.

Stubborn Clogs

If your shower drain has a stubborn clog that just won’t go away, then you may have to call in for backup. Fortunately, you can count on professionals for all your plumbing needs. Experienced plumbers are trained to tackle any problem you may have, including a clogged drain in your shower.

What to Look for In a Pro

If you have given up on snaking your shower drain yourself and have no option but to call a professional plumber, here are some tips for choosing the right one:

1. Ask a neighbor, friend, or family member for a referral.
2. Check reviews of the recommended companies.
3. Check your selected company’s credentials – (i) do they have insurance; (ii) are they licensed; (iii) do they have any qualifications; (iv) do they provide warranty info; how many years have they been in business?
4. Ask for references and check them out for yourself.
5. If it’s a big job (meaning expensive), get at least three quotes from plumbers that meet the aforementioned criteria.
6. Make your choise of plumbing company using each step listed and remember that prices can be subjective, so go with your gut when you have similar offers.

Conclusion

While cleaning out a shower drain that’s blocked is certainly a job most homeowners can take on themselves, it can often be more cost-effective to hire professional plumbers than buying specialized equipment. If hiring a pro, be sure to do your homework.

This article is provided by ACE Home Services, a plumbing company offering drain cleaning in Phoenix, Arizona. Please visit us online to learn more about our plumbing services and to schedule a service call.