What I do
- Hair and soap scum removed from the drain
- Trap snaked to clear deeper buildup
- Corroded or painted-over strainers replaced
- Drain flange recaulked or resealed
- Odor sources found and cleaned
- Hair catchers fitted
Older showers in San Gabriel
More than half of San Gabriel homes are over 60 years old, according to the city’s Housing Element. Older tile showers often have brass strainers set in mortar that corrode, and older drain lines have a rougher inside that holds onto hair.
I check the strainer and the seal at the flange as well as the clog, since a loose flange can let water and odor come up around the drain.
How I clear it
Open
Strainer removed.
Clear
Clog pulled and trap snaked.
Flush
Hot water run to check flow.
Seal
Strainer and flange sealed.
Main line problems
Several drains backing up or a sewer smell through the house go to a plumber.
On the same San Gabriel visit, people also tend to ask about sink drain and P-trap repair, tub and tile caulking or shower door repair.
Send me
A photo of the drain and whether it’s slow, smelly or both.
Shower drain questions
My shower drains fine but smells musty. Why?
Soap film inside the drain body holds moisture. Scrubbing it out and resealing the strainer usually ends the smell.
What causes a smelly shower drain?
Buildup in the drain or a dry trap. Cleaning and running water usually fix it.
Why does my shower drain gurgle?
A partial clog or a venting issue. Clearing the drain is the first step.
Can you replace an old shower strainer?
Yes, including brass strainers in tile showers.
How much does shower drain cleaning cost?
It depends on the clog. Text a photo for a free estimate.
Will drain cleaner fix it?
It can damage old pipes. Pulling the clog is safer.
How do I prevent clogs?
A hair catcher and hot water after showers.
Drain guides
- Slow, gurgling sink and tub drains in an older houseWhy sinks and tubs in San Gabriel's older homes drain slowly or gurgle, what you can safely clear yourself, and what our minor plumbing visit involves.
- Resealing the tub and tile in an older bathroomHow we remove old caulk and reseal tubs, vintage tile and pedestal sinks in older San Gabriel bathrooms to keep water out of the walls.
We’re a handyman in San Gabriel for small repairs like this one, with an upfront price by text.
This job sits in our plumbing fixes group. For other repairs, see the services overview, or start with the repair guide for San Gabriel’s older homes.