How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a shower and realized that the water hasn’t been draining, you know how frustrating it could be. This not only slows the morning routine, it also makes it more difficult to clean after you’re finished. While chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they may also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news is that there are a lot of methods that are natural to unblock a shower drain, without the need for harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners could harm pipes and even the environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to get rid of the blockage in a shower like baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum.
- For the method of baking soda and vinegar: gather materials, take off drain cover and garbage, pour baking soda and vinegar, wait for 30 minutes then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method: straighten out wire hanger, leaving one end in its original shape and then create a hook on the top, and then place it inside the drain to catch hair and debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method: set vacuum to "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing with cloth or tape, attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal. Turn to the mode for three minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower. Run hot water after each use and refraining from pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To begin, gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Remove the shower drain cover If you can, and then use a small brush or toothbrush to get rid of all hair and other particles from the drain’s edges. Make sure you wear rubber gloves in the event of need.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain followed by one cup white vinegar. Then cover the drain immediately using a cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t explode beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes while the mixture works its magic. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling, which means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean using Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush with boiling water. This will help remove any debris that remains and get your water flowing smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a sturdy wire hanger:
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger to the greatest extent as possible, while keeping one end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Make a hook that is small at the end of the wire you straightened out.
Step 3: Look for hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain and fish around looking for hair and debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re in possession of an upright vacuum that is dry and wet, this method might be the best option for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum in "liquids" or "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Drainage
Overflow drains should be covered with the use of duct tape or a damp cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to Drain
Connect the hose to your drain, making an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start the vacuum, and let it run for approximately three minutes. This should help remove any blockages in the shower drain.
| Method | Supplies Needed | Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Baking Soda and Vinegar | Baking soda, white vinegar, boiling water, rubber gloves (optional), cloth or rag | 1. Gather supplies\n2. Prepare the drain\n3. Pour in baking soda and vinegar\n4. Wait for 30 minutes\n5. Flush with boiling water |
| Wire Hanger | Wire hanger | 1. Straighten it out\n2. Create a hook\n3. Fish for hair and debris |
| Wet/Dry Vacuum | Wet/dry vacuum, duct tape or wet cloth | 1. Set the vacuum to "liquids" or "wet" mode\n2. Cover overflow drain \n3. Attach hose to drain \n4. Turn on vacuum |
Common Questions & Answers
How do I know if my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than normal to empty, or water is pooling around your feet while you shower, it’s a sign that your drain could be full or partial blocked. In addition, an unpleasant odor coming from the shower area could be an indication of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed with baking soda, vinegar and. It is also possible to use an amalgamation of baking soda and salt and boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger could also be helpful.
Do I need to utilize chemical drain cleaners unblock my shower drain?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners because they are laden with harsh chemicals that can damage the pipes over time. They can also be harmful to the surroundings and pose health risks for those who handle the products improperly.
When should I call an experienced plumber to fix my blocked shower drain?
If DIY methods don’t work in unblocking your shower drain, it’s recommended to get a professional plumber like Local Sydney Blocked Drains in Sydney to get help. Other indications that you require professional help are the water coming out of other drains or toilets, strange noises of pipes gurgling or smells that are foul out of the drains after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to fix a clogged shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?
The cost to fix a blocked shower drain can differ based on the severity of the issue and the location you reside. On average, it costs between $100-$300 for a plumber who can unblock a shower drain. However, more serious cases that require pipe repairs or replacement can be priced between $500 and $1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be stressful, but there are numerous alternatives to try before making the switch to harsh chemicals. Whatever you decide to do, whether vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum, make sure you keep your drains from becoming blocked by installing a hair strainer inside your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after each use, and refraining from using grease down your drains. If these methods don’t work, it’s time to get professional help. If you’re dealing with stubborn or having trouble with plumbing problems with your plumbing in Sydney , contact Local Sydney Blocked Drains today!
Additional Information
- Stop Blocked Drains: Verified Tips You Can Try Immediately
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- Top Plumbing Services to Keep Your Pipes Running Smoothly
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Blockage of Drains: Plumber Tips and Solutions
- Examining and Confirming a Blocked Drain: Measures to Take
- Keep Your Drains Clear: 10 Tips to Avoid Blockages at Home
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business� Plumbing Issues?
- Unclogging Your Pipe: Top-notch Drainage Solutions
