How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a shower only to realize that the water hasn’t been draining then you’ll be aware of how frustrating it can be. This not only slows down your morning routine it also makes it harder to clean up after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The good news is the fact that you have plenty of methods that are natural to unblock the shower drain without using harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes as well as the environment.
- There are several natural methods to clear a shower drain like baking soda, vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum.
- For baking soda and vinegar method: gather ingredients, unblock the cover for draining and any debris, then pour in baking soda followed by vinegar, wait for 30 minutes then flush with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods Straighten the wire hanger and leave one end in its original shape, create a hook at the end and insert it inside the drain to catch hair and other debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method: set vacuum to "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing by a cloth or tape, attach hose creating an air-tight seal, then turn it on for 3 minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using a hair strainer in your shower. You can also run hot water after every use and refraining from pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Gather Your Materials
To begin to begin, collect the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Take off the shower drain cover if possible and use tiny brushes or a toothbrush to get rid of dirt or hair the drain’s edges. Make sure you wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cups of vinegar. Then cover with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately with a cloth or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t get over the top!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 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 clear all debris remaining and help get your water flowing smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusted wire hanger:
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as much as possible, while keeping one end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Design a Hook
Make a hook that is small at the top of the wire you just straightened out.
Step 3: Search for hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain and search for hair or debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you’re able to access a wet/dry vacuum, this method might be the best option for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum to "liquids" and "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Drainage
Make sure to cover any drains that have overflows using duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Attach the hose onto 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 eliminate any blockages in 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 |
Frequently Asked Question
What can I tell if my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual to fill, or water is pooling around your feet as you shower, it’s a sign that your drain may be full or partial blocked. Also, a smell of rottenness emanating from the shower could be an indication of a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to clear a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also try the mixture of salt and baking soda followed by boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger can also aid.
Can I utilize chemical drain cleaners free my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they are laden with harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the pipes in the long run. These chemicals can also harm the surroundings and pose health risks to those who handle them in a way that isn’t safe.
When should I get in touch with a professional plumber about my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY methods don’t work in clearing your shower drain, it’s best to call a professional plumber like Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney in Sydney for assistance. Other signs that you need professional assistance include the water coming out of the toilet or other drains, weird gurgling sounds from pipes or the smell of rotten food coming from the drains despite cleaning them.
What is the cost to fix a clogged shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?
The price of repairing blocked shower drains can differ depending on the extent of the issue as well as where you live. On average, it costs between $100-$300 for a plumber to unblock the shower drain. However, more severe situations which require pipe repair or replacement can cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be frustrating and time-consuming, but there are plenty of natural methods to try before turning to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, make sure you prevent future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower and running hot water after every use, and avoid pouring grease into your drains. If none of these options perform, it could be the time to seek professional assistance. If you’re struggling with a difficult and persistent plumbing issues in Sydney , contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney today!
Additional Information
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- Catching Drain Issues Early: The Benefits of Scheduling Regular Inspections for Your Business
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Key to Resolving Blocked Drains Quickly
- Say Goodbye to Clogged Drains: Straightforward Tricks to Follow
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
- D. I.Y Drain Cleaning: The Risks and Benefits Compared to Professional Solutions
