How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower only to find that the water isn’t draining then you’ll be aware of how frustrating it is. It’s not just slowing down your morning routine however, it can be harder to clean up after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be occasionally effective, they could also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The positive side is that there are plenty of natural ways to unblock a shower drain without resorting to harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and even the environment.
- There are many natural methods to unblock the drain of a shower for example, baking soda or vinegar, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To use baking soda with vinegar: collect supplies, remove drain cover and obstructions, and pour baking soda in, then vinegar, wait for 30 minutes then flush with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods to straighten wire hanger while leaving the other end in its original shape, create a hook at the top, and then place it inside the drain, and then use it to pull hair and other debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums switch the vacuum to "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing with cloth or tape, join the hose and create an airtight seal then turn on the vacuum for 3 minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower, running hot water after every use and refraining from the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To begin you can gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Remove the shower drain cover If you can, and then use a small brush or toothbrush to get rid of the hairs or any other obstruction the edges of the drain. Make sure you wear rubber gloves, if needed.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a Cup of white vinegar. It is best to protect with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately with a clean cloth or a towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t go out of control!
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: Drain with Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush it out with hot water. This will clear any debris that remains and get your water flowing freely.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a sturdy 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
Make a small hook at the end of the wire you just straightened out.
Step 3: Look for hair and Debris
Insert the hook into the drain, and then fish for hairs and debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you own a wet/dry vacuum This method could be the best option for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum into "liquids" and "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Drainage
Cover any overflow drains with duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach 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 allow it to run for around three minutes. This will help clear any blockages from 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
What can I tell when my shower drain has become clogged?
If your shower takes longer than usual to fill or if water is accumulating on your feet during your shower, it’s a sign that your drain may be full or partial blocked. A sour smell coming from the shower area could be an indication of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock the shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed by baking soda and vinegar. You could also make an amalgamation of baking soda and salt followed by boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger could also be helpful.
Do I need to employ chemical drain cleaners in order to remove the blockage in my shower?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners since they are laden with harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes in the long run. They can also be harmful to the environment and pose health risks for those who use the products improperly.
When should I contact an experienced plumber to fix my blocked shower drain?
If DIY techniques don’t work to clear your shower drain, then it’s advisable to contact a professional plumber such as Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney in Sydney to get help. Other signs that you should seek professional assistance include water leaking out of the toilet or other drains, strange gurgling noises from pipes or the smell of rotten food coming from the drains even after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to get a clogged shower drain cleared by plumbing experts?
The price of repairing a blocked shower drain can differ based on the severity of the problem and where you live. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber to clear the drain of a shower. However, more severe situations that require pipe repairs or replacement could be priced between $500 and $1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be stressful it is, however, there are plenty of alternative methods you can try before resorting to harsh chemicals. Whether you choose baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, be sure to stop future blockages using a hair strainer within your shower or shower, and then running hot water following each use, and refraining from spilling grease down your drains. If these methods don’t work, it may be time to get professional assistance. If you’re having trouble with persistent or persistent plumbing issues within Sydney , contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney today!
Additional Information
- Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Key to Resolving Blocked Drains Quickly
- Clearing Your Pipe: High-quality Drainage Solutions
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- From A to Z Tips for Cleaning Your Drains and Maintaining a Clog-Free Home
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
- From Jammed to Clear: A Step-by-Step Manual to Unblock Your Bathroom Drain
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- Unblock Your Drains with Ease: Discover the Power of Blocked Drain Jetting
- Clearing Pipes Made Easy: An In-Depth Handbook for Plumbers
