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 it, you’re aware of how annoying it can be. It’s not just slowing down your morning routine but it can also be more difficult to clean up when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they can also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The positive side is the fact that you have a lot of methods that are natural to unblock the shower drain without using harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes as well as the environment.
- There are several natural methods to unblock a shower drain for example, vinegar and baking soda and a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To make use of the method of baking soda and vinegar, gather items, clean the drain cover and any obstructions, and pour baking soda and vinegar, wait for 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- Method for hanging wire: straighten out wire hanger and leave one end in its original form, create a hook at the end, insert it into the drain to fish hair and other debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method switch the vacuum to "wet" mode, cover overflow drains with cloth or tape, attach hose creating an air-tight seal. Turn off the vacuum after three minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower, and running hot water following each use and avoiding using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Gather Your Materials
To begin take the following steps:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover If you can, and then use a small brush or toothbrush to get rid of dirt or hair from the edges of the drain. Be sure to 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 of white vinegar. Cover with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately with a towel or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t explode over the top!
Step 4: Wait
It should take about 30 minutes as the mix performs its magic. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Rinse with Boiling Water
Remove the cover carefully and flush it out with hot water. This should help clear all debris remaining and help make sure that the water flows without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusty wire hanger
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger to the greatest extent as you can, but leave the other end with its original shape.
Step 2: Design an Hook
Make a hook that is small at the end of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Fish for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and search for hair as well as debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re in possession of an air-tight vacuum This method could be suitable for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set into "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Overflow Drain
Overflow drains should be covered with duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to Drain
Attach the hose onto your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and allow it to run for around three minutes. This should eliminate any blockages 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I tell if my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than usual time to empty or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet when you shower, it’s an indication that your drain may be partially or fully clogged. Also, a smell of rottenness coming from the shower area may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to clear a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also try the mixture of baking soda and salt, followed by boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger could also be helpful.
Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners to unblock my shower drain?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners because they contain harsh chemicals that can damage the pipes over time. These chemicals also can harm the environment and pose health hazards for those who handle them improperly.
When should I call an experienced plumber to fix my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY techniques don’t work in clearing your shower drain, it’s best to speak with a professional plumbing company such as Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney in Sydney to get help. Other signs that you need professional help are water leaking out of other toilets or drains, odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes or smells that are foul from the drains despite cleaning them.
What is the cost to have a blocked shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?
The cost to fix blocked shower drains can differ based on the severity of the problem and where you reside. On average, it costs between $100-$300 for a plumber who can unblock a shower drain. However, more serious cases that require pipe repairs or replacements can cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain could be stressful and time-consuming, but there are a variety of natural methods to try before turning to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum, make sure you prevent future blockages by installing a hair strainer inside your shower and running hot water after every use, and not spilling grease down your drains. If these methods don’t perform, it could be an appropriate time to seek professional assistance. If you’re dealing with stubborn or declining plumbing problems at Sydney , contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney now!
Additional Information
- The Dangers of Neglecting a Blocked Drain and What You Should Do
- Locate the most reliable plumber for your backed up drain issue
- Exploring the Factors that Result in Blocked Drains
- Natural Remedies for Unblock Clogged Drains
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- Clearing Pipes Made Easy: An In-Depth Handbook for Plumbers
- Unblock Your Drains with Ease: Discover the Power of Blocked Drain Jetting
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
