How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath only to find that the water hasn’t been draining and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it is. Not only does it slow down your morning routine, but it can also be harder to clean up after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The positive side lies in the plenty of methods that are natural to unblock a shower drain, without the need for harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners could harm pipes and the environment.
- There are many natural methods to clear a shower drain like baking soda, vinegar as well as a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- Use the baking soda method and vinegar: Gather ingredients, unblock the cover for draining and any garbage, pour in baking soda followed by vinegar, wait for 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method to straighten wire hanger, leaving the other end as it was Create a hook at the top, and then place it in the drain and let it catch hair and other debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums Set the vacuum in "wet" mode, cover overflow drains with tape or cloth, attach hose creating an air-tight seal then turn to the mode for three minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower, and running hot water after every use and avoiding running grease down your drains.
Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To start, gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Remove the shower drain cover as much as you can and use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub dirt or hair from the edges of the drain. Make sure you wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Then cover this drain immediately with a towel or rag so that the reaction doesn’t go beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes while the mixture is at work. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling, which means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean using Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush the water with boiling. This should help clear all debris remaining and help make sure that the water flows smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a sturdy wire hanger
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out the wire hanger as far as you can while leaving one end with its original shape.
Step 2: Make a Hook
Make a hook that is small at the end of the wire you straightened out.
Step 3: Search for Hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain and look looking for hair and debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you’re able to access an air-tight vacuum the following method may be suitable for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set into "liquids" or "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Overflow Drain
Cover drains that are overflowing with duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Attach the hose to your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start the vacuum, and allow it to run for around three minutes. This should help remove any obstructions in your 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 and Answers
What can I tell if my shower drains are blocked?
If your shower takes longer than normal to empty or the water is getting swollen around your feet while you shower, it’s a sign that your drain may be either completely or partially clogged. Additionally, a foul odor coming from the shower area could indicate a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to clear a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also try the mixture of baking soda and salt followed by boiling water. Plunging 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 use chemical drain cleaners because they contain harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes over time. They can also be harmful to the surroundings and pose health risks to those who handle them incorrectly.
What should I do if I need to call a professional plumber about my shower drain that is blocked?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed in clearing your shower drain, you should to call a professional plumber such as Local Sydney Blocked Drains in Sydney to get help. Other indicators that you may require assistance from a professional include water backing up out of the toilet or other drains, weird gurgling sounds from pipes, or foul odors coming from the drains despite cleaning them.
What is the cost to fix a clogged shower drain fixed by a plumber?
The cost of fixing an unblocking shower drain could differ depending on the extent of the issue as well as where you reside. In the average, it will cost between $100-$300 for a plumber to clear the drain of a shower. However, more severe cases that require pipe repair or replacements can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be frustrating however there are plenty of ways to tackle the problem without resorting to harsh chemicals. If you decide to use vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger, or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, ensure you take the necessary steps to prevent future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after each use, and avoiding spilling grease into your drains. If none of these options work, it may be the time to seek professional assistance. If you’re struggling with a difficult or persistent plumbing problems at Sydney , contact Local Sydney Blocked Drains today!
Additional Information
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Why Regular Drain Cleaning Should Be Part of Your Home Maintenance Routine
- Top Plumbing Services to Keep Your Pipes Running Smoothly
- Simple Ways to Clear a Clogged Pipe: Advice
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Methods to Fix a Bathroom Drain: A Simple Fix Necessary
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Are Vital for Efficient Drainage Systems
- What You Need to Know About Blocked Drains and How to Resolve Them
- Say Goodbye to Clogged Drains with These Effective Solutions
- Try these solutions to unclog your drain now
