How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower only to discover that the water doesn’t drain, you know how frustrating it could be. This not only slows the morning routine, but it can also be difficult to clean when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners can be occasionally effective, they can also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The good news is there’s a lot of methods that are natural to unblock a shower drain, without the need for harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are natural ways to unblock the drain of a shower for example, baking soda or vinegar or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- For baking soda and vinegar method, gather ingredients, unblock the drain cover and other obstructions, and pour baking soda in, then vinegar, wait for 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method use a straight wire hanger while leaving one 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.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method select the "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing with cloth or tape, attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal then turn it on for 3 minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water after every usage and avoiding using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To start, gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Clean the shower drain If you can, and then use tiny brushes or a brush to clean any hair or other debris from the drain’s edges. Make 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 one cups of vinegar. Cover this drain immediately using a cloth or a towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t explode over the top!
Step 4: Wait
It should take about 30 minutes as the mix does its work. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling, which means it’s working!
Step 5: Flush with Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush it out with hot water. This will help remove any remaining debris and ensure that your water is flowing freely.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusty wire hanger:
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as straight as possible, leaving the other end with its original shape.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Create a small hook on the top of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Look for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and search for hair or debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you have access to an air-tight vacuum This method could be the best option for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set on "liquids" or "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Drainage
Overflow drains should be covered with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start the vacuum, and let it run for about three minutes. This will help clear any blockages in 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 |
Common Questions & Answers
What can I tell if my shower drains are blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual to empty or the water is getting swollen around your feet while you shower, it’s an indication that your drain might be completely or partially blocked. Also, a smell of rottenness coming from the shower area could indicate a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to free a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also make 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 advised to use chemical drain cleaners as they contain harsh chemicals that can damage the pipes over time. Chemicals can also damage the environment and pose health risk for those who handle them improperly.
When should I get in touch with a professional plumber for my blocked shower drain?
If DIY techniques don’t work to clear your shower drain, it’s recommended to call a professional plumber like Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney in Sydney to get help. Other indications that you require professional help are water leaking out of the toilet or other drains, strange noises of pipes gurgling or the smell of rotten food coming out of the drains after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to get a clogged shower drain fixed by plumbing experts?
The cost for fixing a blocked shower drain can differ depending on the extent of the problem and where you live. It is typically between $100-$300 for a plumber to clear the shower drain. However, more severe cases that require pipe repair or replacement can cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be difficult however there are many alternative methods you can try before resorting to harsh chemicals. Whether you choose baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum, be sure to keep your drains from becoming blocked by making use of a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water after each use, and avoiding pouring grease down your drains. If none of these solutions work, it’s time to call in professional assistance. If you’re having trouble with persistent or having trouble with plumbing issues within Sydney , contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney today!
Additional Information
- Natural Remedies for Unblock Clogged Drains
- Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
- Clearing Your Pipe: High-quality Drainage Solutions
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Solutions and Tips
- The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
- Easy Methods to Fix a Blocked Pipe: Tips and Tricks
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- From Jammed to Clear: A Step-by-Step Manual to Unblock Your Bathroom Drain
- Keep Your Drains Clear: A Decade of Tips to Prevent Clogs at Home
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
