Use a Drain Snake or Auger

A drain snake (also called a plumber's auger) is a flexible metal cable that you feed into the drain to physically break up and extract clogs that are too deep to reach by hand. This is the most reliable method for clearing stubborn shower drain blockages that resist simpler approaches, and it is the same tool professional plumbers reach for first.

How to Do It

• Remove the drain cover and pull out any hair visible at the surface
• Feed the snake cable into the drain slowly, turning the handle clockwise as you push
• When you feel resistance, continue turning; the snake tip will either break through the clog or hook onto it
• Pull the snake back out slowly, bringing the clog material with it
• Repeat until the snake passes through without resistance
• Flush the drain with hot water for one minute to clear remaining debris

Tips

• A 15-25 foot hand-crank drain snake is sufficient for nearly all shower drain clogs; you do not need a powered auger
• Plastic drain snakes (barbed strips) work for clogs within the first 18 inches; metal cable snakes reach much deeper
• Turn the handle steadily and avoid forcing the cable, as aggressive pushing can scratch the inside of the pipe or push the clog further
• Available at hardware stores for around 10-25 dollars and reusable indefinitely