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. This not only slows down your morning routine, it also makes it more difficult to clean up when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The positive side lies in the plenty of methods that are natural to unblock the shower drain, without the need for harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes as well as the environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to unblock a shower drain for example, baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum.
- Use the baking soda method and vinegar: gather ingredients, unblock the drain cover and any debris, then pour in baking soda followed by vinegar, wait for 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods to straighten wire hanger and leave the other end in its original form, create a hook at the end and insert it inside the drain and let it catch hair and debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method: set vacuum to "wet" mode, cover overflow drains by a cloth or tape, join the hose and create an airtight seal. Turn off the vacuum after 3 minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using hair strainers in your shower. Run hot water after each use and refraining from the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To begin take the following steps:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Clean the shower drain If you can, and then use the small brush or brush to clean any hair or other debris from around the edges of the drain. Be sure to wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
Place one teaspoon of baking soda into the drainage, followed by a cups of vinegar. It is best to protect your drain immediately with a cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t go beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes as the mix does its work. There should be some sound and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Flush using Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush it with boiling water. This should help clear any debris that remains and get your water flowing smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusty wire hanger
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten the wire hanger as far as possible, while keeping one end in its original shape.
Step 2: Make a Hook
Create a small hook on the top of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Search for hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain and look looking for hair and debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you have access to dry or wet vacuums, this method might be for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum to "liquids" or "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Overflow Drain
Cover any overflow drains with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to Drain
Connect the hose to your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Switch on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This should eliminate any blockages 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 do I know when my shower drain has become clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to fill or if you notice that water is collecting on your feet during your shower, it’s an indication that your drain could be completely or partially blocked. In addition, an unpleasant odor coming from the shower area may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to unblock the shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. You can also use an amalgamation of salt and baking soda followed by boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger could also be helpful.
Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners to clear my shower?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners since they are laden with harmful chemicals that could harm the pipes in the long run. These chemicals also can harm the environment and pose health hazards for those who use them improperly.
What should I do if I need to call a professional plumber about my blocked shower drain?
If DIY techniques don’t work in clearing your shower drain, then it’s advisable to get a professional plumber like Local Sydney Blocked Drains in Sydney for help. Other indications that you require professional assistance include the water coming out of other drains or toilets odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes or odors of foul smells emanating out of the drains after cleaning them.
What is the cost to have a blocked shower drain cleared by a plumber?
The price of repairing the problem of a blocked shower drain will differ based on the severity of the issue and the location you reside. On average, it costs between $100-$300 for a plumber to unblock a shower drain. However, more severe cases that require pipe repairs or replacements can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be frustrating however 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 dry/wet vacuum, make sure you stop future blockages using a hair strainer within your shower and running hot water after every use, and not pouring grease down your drains. If none of these options perform, it could be the time to seek professional help. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble or having trouble with plumbing problems at Sydney , contact Local Sydney Blocked Drains today!
Additional Information
- The Ultimate Guide on How to Clear a Blocked Drain in Your Home
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Resolve your clogged drain situation with the finest plumber available
- The Ultimate Guide to Prevent Drain Blockages
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues
- Letting You See What's Hiding Beneath Your Prospective Property: The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection
- Keep Your Drains Clear: 10 Tips to Avoid Blockages at Home
- Don't Let a Clogged Drain Put a Damper on Your Business: Get Regular Inspections
- Effortlessly and Without Effort Clear Your Drains with this Do-It-Yourself Guide
- 5 Ways to Keep Your Drains Clear and Running Smoothly
