How to Clear a Clogged Shower Drain With a Drain Snake

A clogged shower drain can be one of the most frustrating household plumbing issues. Standing in ankle-deep water while you’re trying to shower is an unpleasant experience. Fortunately, you can often unclog a shower drain yourself without chemicals or disassembling the pipes. A drain snake, also called a plumber’s snake, is a simple, inexpensive tool that you can use to clear debris, hair, and gunk out of a clogged shower drain. With a few easy steps, you can learn how to use a drain snake to clear a clogged shower drain quickly and efficiently.

What Causes Clogged Shower Drains?

Before learning how to unclog a shower drain, it helps to understand what causes clogs in the first place. Here are some of the most common culprits of clogged shower drains:

Hair: Strands of hair can get tangled and collect in shower drains, creating a dense blockage. As more hair gets captured, it binds together into a giant hairball that water cannot easily pass through.
Soap scum: Soap and shampoo residue can slowly build up on the inside walls of shower drain pipes. Over time, thick scum accumulates and narrows the drain openings.
Dead skin cells: Just like hair, dead skin cells constantly wash off our bodies. These cells can stick to soapy buildup in drains and contribute to clogs.
Dirt and debris: Any bits of dirt, sand, or debris that go down the shower drain can accumulate over time and create blockages. Larger items like rocks or toys can also get lodged in the drain.
Grease and oil: Although not as common in shower drains, grease and oil from products like conditioners can coat pipe walls and cause nasty clogs.

Knowing what generally causes shower clogs can help you prevent them through simple measures like using a drain catcher and regularly rinsing hair down the drain. But even with good drain maintenance, clogs still happen! The next sections cover how a drain snake can quickly clear out all those annoying clog-causers.

Choosing the Right Drain Snake for Shower Drains

Drain snakes come in a variety of sizes and types. Choosing the right one ensures the best results when unclogging a shower drain. Consider the following features when selecting a drain snake:

Type of Drain Snake

There are two main types of drain snakes:

Hand snakes: Compact hand-held snakes that are ideal for clearing clogs close to the drain. They have a short 1.5 – 3 foot metal auger.
Electric powered snakes: Electric drain augers have longer cables (up to 25 feet) that can clear deeper clogs. They run on battery or electric power and do the turning motion for you.

For a shower drain, a hand snake is often the easiest to maneuver in the tight space. The clog is typically close to the drain opening. However, a powered auger can work well too if you need more power or cable length.

Length of the Auger

The length of the metal auger or cable determines how deep into pipes the snake can reach. For shower drains:

3 – 6 feet is sufficient to reach clogs behind the drain strainer.
25 feet allows you to clear deeper clogs or those further down the main drain line.

Again, shower clogs usually occur right near the drain opening, so a hand snake around 3 feet long is typically all you need.

Diameter of the Auger

Drain snake augers come in different thicknesses, normally 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in diameter. Choose a snake with an auger diameter that matches the size of your drain opening to allow the snake to pass through smoothly.

The opening of shower drain strainers is generally 1.5 inches, so a 1/4 or 5/16 inch auger can fit and turn easily. Don’t get a large 1/2 inch snake – it could get stuck.

Auger Types

The auger style affects how easily it can ensnare debris and pull it out:

Straight auger: Good at piercing simple clogs.
Spiral/curly auger: The spiral provides more surface area to grab and extract debris. Best for clearing hairy shower clogs.
3-prong auger: Like a spiral auger, the prongs help bring up larger objects or thick debris.

For showers, a small spiral hand snake is often the most effective and easy to control.

How to Use a Drain Snake to Unclog a Shower Drain

Once you’ve selected the right drain snake for your shower, it’s time to tackle that clog! Follow these steps:

Gather Your Materials

You will need:

Drain snake
Bucket
Gloves
Rags or paper towels

Optional additions:

Drain stopper to seal drain openings
Goggles for eye protection

Prepare the Drain

Start by getting the drain ready for the snake:

Remove the drain strainer or drain cover plate. You may need a wrench to loosen it.
If your drain has standing water, cup it out into a bucket using a small cup. The drain needs to be mostly dry so you can see what you are doing.
Consider plugging the overflow holes with a drain stopper. This focuses pressure directly on the clog. Caution – don’t leave it sealed for long or water could back up and overflow.
Pull out any hair or large debris you can see in the drain opening by hand.

Insert the Drain Snake

Now you’re ready to put the snake into the drain:

Start by feeding about 6-12 inches of snake down the drain. Don’t force it if it won’t go – there may be a blockage.
Once the snake is partially inserted, twist the handle clockwise while applying light downward pressure. This advances the snake further while the auger turns to catch debris.
Keep slowly cranking the handle to work the snake down into the pipes about 1-2 feet. Go slowly to avoid scratching your pipes.
When you encounter resistance or reach the estimated depth of the clog, it’s time to retract the snake.

Retract the Drain Snake

Withdrawing the snake dislodges the clog:

Rotate the handle counter-clockwise to release any debris attached to the auger.
Slowly pull the snake up and out of the drain opening. Have rags ready to catch any gunk brought up out of the drain.
Wipe off anything caught on the auger and repeat inserting the snake to clear residual blockages until the drain is open.
When finished, run hot water down the drain to rinse away any remaining debris.

And that’s it – your shower drain should now be free of clogs! Remember to replace the drain strainer to prevent future clogs from forming.

Tips for Using a Drain Snake Effectively

Here are some additional pointers to help you succeed when using a drain snake on shower clogs:

Go slow and steady with the cranking and retracting motions. Don’t force the snake or you could scratch pipes or break the cable.
If you encounter a stubborn clog that won’t clear, rotate the snake in both directions and try different angles. Changing position can dislodge the blockage.
Repeat steps of inserting, twisting, and withdrawing the snake multiple times to ensure the drain is completely clear.
Pour hot water down the drain after finishing to wash away any leftover gunk.
Check the auger after each use – discard and replace the snake if the cable is bent or worn.
Don’t use a drain snake on a completely dry drain or you could scratch the pipe. Add a little water first if drain is dry.
Wear gloves and goggles – drain gunk is nasty!
Only use hand snakes on shallow clogs. For deeper blockages, call a professional plumber.

Troubleshooting When the Drain Snake Doesn’t Work

Sometimes a drain snake just can’t seem to clear out a pesky clog. Here are some troubleshooting tips if your first attempts fail:

Try a longer snake. If your snake isn’t long enough to reach the clog, it won’t help. Use a 6 foot or 25 foot snake.
Switch to a powered auger. A battery or electric powered snake provides more torque to dislodge tough clogs.
Use boiling water. Pouring boiling hot water down the drain can help loosen the clog when used along with the snake.
Check overflow holes. If they are open during snaking, pressure can escape rather than push through the clog. Plug them temporarily.
Remove the P-trap. Taking off the curved pipe under the drain gives direct access to clear clogs.
Rent a professional snake. Plumbing supply stores rent heavy-duty powered augers that can drill through robust clogs.
Call a plumber. For severe blockages, it’s best to call in the experts to safely clear the backup.

Trying again with the tips above often does the trick. But if you’ve thoroughly snaked the drain to no avail, it likely requires a professional plumber.

Preventing Future Shower Drain Clogs

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of drain-snaking cure. Here are some tips to help avoid clogs in shower drains:

Install a drain strainer or drain cover to catch hair and debris before it goes down the drain. Clean it frequently.
Pour boiling water down the drain weekly to melt grease and keep everything flowing freely.
Use a drain maintainer product monthly to dissolve buildups and keep drains clear.
Remove hair from the drain after each shower or bath by using one of these methods:
Stick masking tape over the drain opening and rip it off to pull up hair.
Use a zip-it tool to grab strands of hair in the drain.
Attach a little suction cup to the drain to collect hairs.
Avoid letting soaps, shampoos, and oils go directly down the drain – wipe excess off before rinsing.
Ensure hair care products like conditioners and styling products are silicone-free to prevent coating pipes.
Check on your home’s main sewer cleanout annually to ensure the line is clear.

With diligence, you can prevent many shower drain clogs from occurring and avoid having to unclog the drain. But when clogs do strike, now you’re armed with the knowledge of how to clear them quickly and easily with a drain snake!

Frequently Asked Questions About Drain Snakes for Shower Drains

Q: Can I use a drain snake on a fiberglass or acrylic shower base?

Yes, you can safely use a drain snake in a fiberglass or acrylic shower base. Just be careful not to scratch the finish. Use light pressure and keep the snake centered in the drain when cranking.

Q: Will a drain snake scratch my pipes?

It’s unlikely when used properly, but possible. Go slowly, avoid excessive force, and retract gently to prevent scratching. Avoid metal snakes on chrome or delicate finishes.

Q: How can I get my drain snake around a P-trap?

It can be tricky. Often it is easier to remove the P-trap entirely so you have a straight path to feed the snake into. Replace when done.

Q: Can I electric eel a shower drain?

You could use an electric eel machine, but it’s overkill. Hand and powered augers are safer for DIY shower drain cleaning in a typical residential plumbing system.

Q: What do I do if my shower drain is still clogged after using a snake?

Try a longer snake, boiling water, or mechanical cleaning with a hook tool. If those don’t work, the clog may require removing and cleaning the P-trap or professional help.

Q: Can I use a drain snake without taking out the drain grate?

It’s not recommended since debris can get trapped between the grate and pipe. Always remove the grate for full access to clear clogs completely.

Q: How often should I clean my shower drain with a snake?

Most don’t require it more than once a year. Do it whenever you notice slow drainage. Preventive snaking every 6-12 months helps avoid major clogs.

Unclogging a shower drain with a simple drain snake is one of the handiest DIY skills you can learn. With the right technique, you can quickly and effectively remove built-up gunk, hair, and debris to get your shower drain flowing freely again. Follow these steps on how to clear a clogged shower drain with a drain snake, and you’ll keep that annoying standing water from ruining your shower time.