The Problem
Warning signs
- Slow draining in the shower, gurgling sounds, or a foul odor indicating stagnant water or root growth inside the trap.
Our Diagnosis
Visual inspection and cabling attempts confirmed a mechanical obstruction (broken snake) lodged in the trap, compounded by root mass entering the slab-level piping.
Root cause
Intrusion of tree roots into the drainage system and subsequent tool failure by a previous plumbing attempt, resulting in a lodged snake.
How We Fixed It
- 1
Performed exterior excavation on the wall side to a depth of 18-24 inches to access the shower P-trap under the slab. 2. Cut and removed the obstructed P-trap section to extract the stuck snake. 3. Utilized a cutter bit snake to clear remaining root growth from the lateral line. 4. Rerouted the drain to a nearby cleanout at the rear of the home to ensure a clear path. 5. Tested for leaks and flow capacity. 6. Backfilled and restored the grade.
How to Prevent This
- Ensure exterior cleanouts are accessible for routine maintenance and avoid aggressive cabling in older cast iron or compromised PVC without camera verification.
Materials Used
- PVC Pipe
- PVC P-Trap
- Shielded Couplings
- PVC Primer and Solvent
- Cleanout Reroute Hardware
- #shower drain
- #stuck snake
- #root intrusion
- #exterior excavation
- #P-trap replacement