Wrong drain snake size, flawed drain snake, too much force, loose thumbscrew, or the blockage is too big are some of the reasons a snake drain won’t go down the shower drain. Fix this by using the correct drain type, tighten the thumb screw, clean the drain snake, or use a wire brush. If you have a snake that’s too small, you may need to use a larger one.
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Do you run water while snaking a drain?
If you removed the p trap, you can put the snake in the drain line. If you haven’t removed the p trap, you may want to run a small stream of cold water while you snake the drain line to help flush out any remaining water.
If the water level is still too high, add a few drops of dish detergent to a spray bottle and run it over the top of the trap. You may need to repeat this process several times to get rid of any water that may still be trapped.
What works best to unclog a bathtub drain?
A pot of boiling water can be poured down the drain. The mixture of baking soda and vinegar should be poured into the drain. Wait 5–10 minutes if you want to insert the drain plug or close the filter. The drain needs to be flushed with another pot of water.
If you don’t have a shower drain, you can also use a garden hose to drain the water from the tub. Just make sure that the hose is long enough to reach all the way to the bottom of the sink.
How do you unclog a bathtub full of water?
You can also try a baking soda and vinegar mixture to clean out clogged bathtub drains. The water should be poured down the pipe. Next, pour in a cup of baking soda and a cup of white vinegar into the drain. The chemical reaction that cleans out the clogs happens when baking soda and vinegar are mixed.
How do you unclog a bathtub without a plunger?
If you don’t like using chemicals, this all-natural solution may be able to clear a bathtub drain. Put a cup of baking soda down the drain and let it sit for at least five to 10 minutes. Finally, add one tablespoon of lemon juice to the vinegar and stir until the mixture is dissolved.
Can snaking a drain make it worse?
A drain snake is a simple and cheap way to fix a blocked pipe. These are supposed to be used by anyone to clear a drain. But if used improperly, drain augers could make the clog worse. If you jam the obstruction tighter, you could cause more damage to the pipe.
What is the difference between a drain snake and an auger?
Drain snakes work for smaller drains like your kitchen or bathroom sink. Drain augers tackle larger pipes like your toilet or shower drain. You can use an auger for lines in the 1-1/2′′ to 2-inch range, and the snake will cover them.
Can I snake my own shower drain?
Sometimes the best way to unclog a shower drain is with a drain snake, sometimes called a manual auger or electric auger. You’ll need a power drill to run the snake if it’s electric. You will have to turn the handle by hand if it’s manual.
This is the easiest part of the whole process, but it can be a little tricky if you don’t have access to a drill. You can use a screwdriver to pry the head off, or you can drill a small hole in the bottom of your showerhead and insert the snake through the hole.
Be careful not to cut yourself on the drill bit, as this can cause a lot of damage. The snake should be long enough to reach all the way down to the water line, and it shouldn’t be too long or too short that it won’t reach the line.
