Ask Me Help Desk - Bathroom

Good morning, Sounds like each branch has developed a clog. This would make it a inside problem. Over the years hair and grease in a tub / shower drain build up into a clog. I don't have much faith in using harsh chemicals like Draino or Liquid Plumber. I have found that snaking them out is the only sure way of removing a clog. Having said that let me tell you how to go about it. To snake out a tub clog. If you don't have a power snake you can rent one from a rent all company. Use a auger tip on the cable.Remove the two screws on the plate with the lever. Pull out and up to get the plug and linkage out. Then run your snake down the open hole. You will hit the bottom of the trap about 18" in and come up against some resistance, work it on past. The tub drain pipe shouldn't be too long,6 to 8 feet so you shoudn't have to run out too much snake. After you snake the drain , flush it down with a pan of boiling water, and If there's a odor from the drain pour 1/2 gallon of bleach downb the drain and let it set overnight. Same thing for the shower, except you will remove the two screws holding the strainer, (TIP: Put the two screws in the soap dish. If they go down the drain they will be hard to replace.) Now run the snake down the drain and work it around the bend of the trap. 8 to 10 feet of cable out should be enough to do the job. Flush ou with boiling water to flush out any trash that may be remaining and that should put both tub and shower back in business. Hope this helps and thank you for rating my reply. Tom