How to Clear a Clogged Shower Drain With a Drain Snake

Before You Begin

Drain snakes are inexpensive tools that come in various sizes and designs.

A popular design uses a round rotating drum with a handle.

Never use a drain snake to clear toilet clogs.

Drain snake inserted into clogged shower drain

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A toilet needs a differently designed auger, namely a closet ortoilet auger.

Always remove the shower grate from the drain before sending the snake cable down the drain.

Occasionally, it may be in the branch drain line running horizontally to the main drain stack.

Materials and tools to clear a shower drain with a drain snake

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Instead of renting or buying this unit, consider hiring a better-equipped plumber to clear thehome’s drainage system.

These severe clogs require alarger drain snakeinserted from amain clean-out fitting; only an expert should attempt this clean-out.

A family shower used daily or multiple times a week by several people should be snaked more frequently.

Metal shower grate removed from shower drain

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Plumbers can snake a drain in a few minutes due to familiarity with the process.

Afterward, include time to test the drain to ensure it’s cleared.

Drain snake inserted into shower drain with blue gloves

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Drain snake cable running inside shower drain

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Drain snake extracted from shower drain and cleaned with white rag

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Shower drain flushed with water to loosen debris

The Spruce / Kevin Norris