How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath only to discover that the water hasn’t been draining it, you’re aware of how annoying it is. Not only does it slow down your morning routine but it can also be more difficult to clean up after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be occasionally effective, they can also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news lies in the plenty of methods that are natural to unblock the shower drain, without the need for harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes as well as the environment.
- There are natural ways to unblock a shower drain by using baking soda and vinegar as well as a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- For baking soda with vinegar, gather ingredients, unblock drain cover and debris, then pour baking soda and vinegar. Wait 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method: straighten out wire hanger and leave the other end in its original form, create a hook at the top, and then place it in the drain to fish hair and other debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method: set vacuum to "wet" mode, cover overflow drains using cloth or tape. connect the hose to create an airtight seal. Turn on the vacuum for 3 minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using hair strainers in your shower. You can also run hot water after every use and avoiding using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To start to begin, collect the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Take off the shower drain cover if possible and use the small brush or toothbrush to scrub dirt or hair the drain’s edges. Make sure you wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain followed by a Cup of white vinegar. Make sure to cover the drain immediately with a cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t explode over the top!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes while the mixture works its magic. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Drain using Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush it out with hot water. This should help clear all debris remaining and help make sure that the water flows smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusted wire hanger
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out the wire hanger as far as possible, leaving the other end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Make a small hook at the end of the wire you straightened out.
Step 3: Go fishing for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and search for hair and debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you have access to a wet/dry vacuum, this method might be for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set to "liquids" and "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Drainage
Cover any overflow drains with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to Drain
Connect the hose to the drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This should eliminate any obstructions from the drain of your shower.
| 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 |
FAQs
How can I tell whether my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual to empty or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet as you shower, it’s an indication that your drain might be completely or partially blocked. Also, a smell of rottenness emanating from the shower could indicate a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to clear a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed with baking soda, vinegar and. You could also try an amalgamation of baking soda and salt followed by boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger may also help.
Do I need to use chemical drain cleaners to clear my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners because they are laden with harmful chemicals that could harm the pipes in the long run. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health risk for those who handle them improperly.
When should I contact an experienced plumber to fix my blocked shower drain?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed in unblocking your shower drain, it’s best to speak with a professional plumbing company like Local Sydney Blocked Drains in Sydney for assistance. Other signs that you should seek assistance from a professional include water leaking out of other drains or toilets, strange gurgling noises from pipes or smells that are foul from the drains despite cleaning them.
What is the cost to have a blocked shower drain fixed by a plumber?
The cost for fixing an unblocking shower drain could differ based on the severity of the problem and where you reside. In the average, it will cost between $100 and $300 for a plumber to clear a shower drain. However, more severe cases that require pipe repair or replacement could cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be stressful, but there are a variety of natural methods to try before using harsh chemicals. Whether you choose vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum make sure you stop future blockages using a hair strainer within your shower and running hot water after each use, and refraining from spilling grease down your drains. If these strategies don’t perform, it could be time to get professional help. If you’re dealing with stubborn or declining plumbing problems within Sydney , contact Local Sydney Blocked Drains immediately!
Additional Information
- Unclogging Your Pipe: Top-notch Drainage Solutions
- Understanding Issues with Blocked Drainage
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- Letting You See What's Hiding Beneath Your Prospective Property: The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection
- Stop Blocked Drains: Verified Tips You Can Try Immediately
- What You Need to Know About Blocked Drains and How to Resolve Them
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues
- 5 Ways to Keep Your Drains Clear and Running Smoothly
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
