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 doesn’t drain, you know how frustrating it is. Not only can it slow the morning routine, however, it can be harder to clean up when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The good news is that there are plenty of methods that are natural to unblock a shower drain without resorting to harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners could harm pipes and even the environment.
- There are natural ways to unblock a shower drain for example, vinegar and baking soda and a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To make use of baking soda with vinegar, gather supplies, remove the drain cover and any garbage, pour in baking soda followed by vinegar. Wait 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method: straighten out wire hanger, leaving the other end in its original form, create a hook at the end, insert it inside the drain to catch hair and debris out.
- For wet/dry vacuums select the "wet" mode then cover the drains of overflow with cloth or tape, attach hose creating an air-tight seal, then turn on the vacuum for three minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water after each use and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To start, gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover if possible and use the small brush or brush to clean the hairs or any other obstruction from around the edges of the drain. Make sure you wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
Place one teaspoon of baking soda into the drainage followed by one cup white vinegar. Then cover your drain immediately with a cloth or rag so that the reaction doesn’t go beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes as the mix is at work. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean using Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush it with boiling water. This should help clear any remaining debris and make sure that the water flows smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusted wire hanger:
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as straight as you can, but leave the other end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Design an Hook
Create a small hook on the end of the wire that you have just straightened out.
Step 3: Go fishing for hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain and fish around to look for hairs and debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you own a wet/dry vacuum, this method might be the best option for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum into "liquids" or "wet" mode.
2. Cover Overflow Drain
Overflow drains should be covered with the use of duct tape or a damp cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Connect the hose to your drain, making an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Switch on the vacuum and allow it to run for around three minutes. This should eliminate 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 |
FAQs
How can I tell whether my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower takes longer than usual to empty or if water is accumulating around your feet while you shower, it’s an indication that your drain might be either completely or partially clogged. Also, a smell of rottenness coming from the shower area could indicate a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to clear a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed with baking soda, vinegar and. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and salt, followed by boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger can also aid.
Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners to remove the blockage in my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to your pipes in the long run. They can also be harmful to the surroundings and pose health risks to those who handle them in a way that isn’t safe.
What should I do if I need to call a professional plumber about my blocked shower drain?
If DIY methods don’t work in clearing your shower drain, it’s best to speak with a professional plumbing company like Local Sydney Blocked Drains in Sydney to get help. Other signs that you should seek professional help are the water coming out of other drains or toilets odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes, or foul odors coming from the drains despite cleaning them.
How much will it cost to get a clogged shower drain cleared by an experienced plumber?
The cost of fixing a blocked shower drain can differ depending on the extent of the problem and where you reside. In the average, it will cost between $100-$300 for a plumber to remove the shower drain. However, more extreme cases that require pipe repairs or replacements can cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be stressful it is, however, there are a variety of alternative methods you can try before resorting to harsh chemicals. If you decide to use baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum make sure you avoid future blockages by installing a hair strainer inside your shower, running hot water after every use, and not pouring grease down your drains. If none of these solutions work, it may be time to call in professional help. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble or persistent plumbing problems within Sydney , contact Local Sydney Blocked Drains today!
Additional Information
- Start with Clean Plumbing for a Spotless Home: Top Tips for Maintaining Your Plumbing
- Maximizing the Benefits of a CCTV Drain Inspection: Preparations You Should Make
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- D. I.Y Drain Cleaning: The Risks and Benefits Compared to Professional Solutions
- The Ultimate Guide on How to Clear a Blocked Drain in Your Home
- Understanding Issues with Blocked Drainage
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
- Unclogging Your Pipe: Top-notch Drainage Solutions
- Avoid Drain Blockages: Tips to Steer Clear of These 5 Common Triggers
