How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower only to realize that the water hasn’t been draining it, you’re aware of how annoying it can be. Not only does it slow down your morning routine it also makes it harder to clean up when you’re done. While chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The positive side is there’s plenty of natural ways to unblock a shower drain without resorting to harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and the environment.
- There are several natural methods to clear a shower drain like baking soda, vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To make use of baking soda and vinegar method: Gather ingredients, unblock the cover for draining and any debris, then pour baking soda and vinegar. Wait for 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method Straighten the wire hanger leaving one end as it was, create a hook at the end, then insert it in the drain to fish hair and other debris out.
- For wet/dry vacuums switch the vacuum to "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing using cloth or tape. join the hose and create an airtight seal. Then turn it on for three minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water following each use and refraining from using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To start take the following steps:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover whenever possible. Use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub all hair and other particles around the edges of the drain. Be sure to wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda and Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain followed by a cups of vinegar. Cover your drain immediately using a cloth or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t explode beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes as the mix is at work. There should be some sound and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean with Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush the water with boiling. This should clear any remaining debris and make sure that the water flows without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusted wire hanger
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as much as you can while leaving the other end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Create a small hook on the top of the wire that you just straightened out.
Step 3: Search for Hair and Debris
Insert the hook into the drain and fish around looking for hairs and debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re able to access dry or wet vacuums the following method may be the best option for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set to "liquids" or "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close Overflow Drain
Cover any overflow drains with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Attach the hose to your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and let it run for approximately three minutes. This should remove any obstructions from 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 can I tell whether my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than usual time to empty or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet when you shower, it’s a sign that your drain is partially or fully clogged. In addition, an unpleasant odor emanating from the shower could be an indication of a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to free a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also try a mixture of salt and baking soda, followed by boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger could also be helpful.
Can I employ chemical drain cleaners in order to clear my shower?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners since they contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to your pipes over time. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health risks for those who handle them in a way that isn’t safe.
When should I call an experienced plumber to fix my blocked shower drain?
If the DIY method doesn’t work to clear your shower drain, it’s recommended to call a professional plumber like Local Sydney Blocked Drains in Sydney for assistance. Other indications that you require professional help are the water coming out of other drains or toilets strange gurgling noises from pipes, or foul odors coming from drains, even after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to fix a clogged shower drain cleared by an experienced plumber?
The cost to fix an unblocking shower drain could differ depending on the extent of the issue and the location you live. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber to clear a shower drain. However, more serious cases which require pipe repair or replacements could be priced between $500 and $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be frustrating and time-consuming, but there are a variety of natural methods to try before resorting to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum, remember to take steps to keep your drains from becoming blocked by using a hair strainer within your shower and running hot water after every use, and not using grease into your drains. If these strategies don’t perform, it could be time to call in professional assistance. If you’re having trouble with persistent or declining plumbing issues in Sydney , contact Local Sydney Blocked Drains today!
Additional Information
- Speed Up Drain Cleaning with High Pressure Processes
- Simple Ways to Clear a Clogged Pipe: Advice
- The Ultimate Guide on How to Clear a Blocked Drain in Your Home
- Understanding Issues with Blocked Drainage
- Effortlessly and Without Effort Clear Your Drains with this Do-It-Yourself Guide
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- Try these solutions to unclog your drain now
