Unclogging a Drain with a Snake

The shower often picks up dirt particles and other elements that lead to a clogged drain. To remove the blockage you want to use something safe for the drain however effective to break the blockage that prevents the drain from draining properly.

Instructions

  1. Plunge into the drain to loosen the blockage. Since it may seem a little unhygienic to use your plunger in the shower, which is probably the best way, either buy an additional toilet plunger, or use a miniature plunger that is designed for use in small drains instead of cups. These small pistons can be found at any hardware or home improvement store, as well as in some supermarkets. Place the plunger in the middle of the drain and submerge for about 10 seconds. Rinse hot water down the drain, and repeat the sinking if any blockage remains.
  2. Push a snake tube down the drain to break the difficult blockage. The snake has a shape somewhat like a hose, and as you push the snake into the drain you will feel the snake hit the blockage. Slowly push the snake back and forth until it feels like the blockage has been broken to pieces. Rinse hot water down the drain, and repeat if the blockage has not been completely removed.
  3. Clean every week to reduce drainage accumulation. To break clogged debris, disinfect and deodorize the drain, all at the same time, pour approximately 1 cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of white vinegar into the drain mouth. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) deodorizes and cleans, while vinegar disinfects. When the two ingredients are combined, they react and foam which is safe for your plumbing system, but effective in cleaning the walls of the pipes, as well as any residue that is causing a blockage. Allow the mixture to work through the drain for about 30 minutes, then pour 1 liter of boiling water down the shower drain.