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, you know how frustrating it could be. Not only can it slow down your morning routine however, it can be more difficult to clean up when you’re done. While chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The good news is there’s plenty of methods that are natural to unblock a shower drain without using harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and the environment.
- There are natural ways to clear a shower drain for example, baking soda, vinegar or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To use the method of baking soda and vinegar: Gather ingredients, unblock the cover for draining and any garbage, pour baking soda, followed by vinegar. Wait 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- Method for hanging wire use a straight wire hanger, leaving the other end in its original form and then create a hook on the end, insert it into the drain to fish hair and other debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums: set vacuum to "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing with tape or cloth, attach hose creating an air-tight seal then turn off the vacuum after three minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use a hair strainer in your shower. You can also run hot water following each use and refraining from using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To start you can gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Remove the shower drain cover as much as you can and use the small brush or toothbrush to remove the hairs or any other obstruction the edges of the drain. Make sure to wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain followed by a cup of white vinegar. Cover this drain immediately with a cloth or rag so that the reaction doesn’t fizz over the top!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes as the mix works its magic. There should be some sound and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Flush with Boiling Water
Remove the cover carefully and flush the water with boiling. This should help clear any debris that remains and ensure that your water is flowing smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a sturdy wire hanger:
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten the wire hanger as far as possible, leaving one end in its original shape.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Create a small hook on the end of the wire that you just straightened out.
Step 3: Search for Hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and fish around for hair and debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you own a wet/dry vacuum This method could be for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set to "liquids" or "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close Drainage
Overflow drains should be covered with either duct tape or wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Connect the hose to the drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Switch on the vacuum and let it run for approximately three minutes. This will help clear any obstructions 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 |
Common Questions and Answers
How can I tell if my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual to empty or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet as you shower, it’s a sign that your drain could be partially or fully clogged. Also, a smell of rottenness emanating from the shower may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to free a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed by baking soda and vinegar. It is also possible to use a mixture of baking soda and salt, followed by boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger could also be helpful.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners to unblock my shower drain?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they are laden with harsh chemicals that can damage the pipes in the long run. These chemicals also can harm the environment and pose health risk for those who handle them improperly.
When should I call a professional plumber about my shower drain that is blocked?
If the DIY method doesn’t work in clearing the shower drain, then it’s advisable to call a professional plumber such as Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney in Sydney to get help. Other indications that you require professional help include water backing up out of other drains or toilets, strange gurgling noises from pipes or smells that are foul from drains, even after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to fix a clogged shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?
The cost for fixing a blocked shower drain can differ depending on the extent of the issue and where you live. On average, it costs between $100 and $300 for a plumber to clear the drain of a shower. However, more extreme cases that require pipe repairs or replacement could cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be stressful, but there are a variety of alternatives to try before using harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum, make sure you keep your drains from becoming blocked by installing a hair strainer inside your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after each use, and refraining from using grease down your drains. If these strategies don’t work, it’s an appropriate time to seek professional assistance. If you’re struggling with a difficult or declining plumbing problems with your plumbing in Sydney , contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney today!
Additional Information
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Solutions and Tips
- Discover the Best Pipe Relining Materials for Your Plumbing Needs
- The Dangers of Neglecting a Blocked Drain and What You Should Do
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Key to Resolving Blocked Drains Quickly
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
- The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
- Learn How to Effortlessly Unclog Your Clogged Drains with the Do-It-Yourself Guide
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
