How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower and realized that the water doesn’t drain then you’ll be aware of how frustrating it could be. Not only does it slow down your morning routine but it can also be harder to clean up when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners can be occasionally effective, they can also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The positive side is that there are a lot of methods that are natural to unblock a shower drain, without the need for harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are natural ways to clear a shower drain by using baking soda, vinegar or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To use baking soda with vinegar, gather items, clean the drain cover and other debris, pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Wait 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method to straighten wire hanger, leaving one end as it was, create a hook at the end, then insert it inside the drain to catch hair and debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums: set vacuum to "wet" mode Cover drains that overflow by a cloth or tape, connect the hose to create an airtight seal then turn it on for 3 minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower, and running hot water after each use and avoiding using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1 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: Clean the Drain
Clean the shower drain if possible and use tiny brushes or a toothbrush to get rid of all hair and other particles from the drain’s edges. 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 one cup of white vinegar. Make sure to cover this drain immediately with a towel or a towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t fizz over the top!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes while the mixture does its work. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean using Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush it out with hot water. This should help clear any remaining debris and get your water flowing smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a reliable wire hanger
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as much as possible, while keeping one end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Make a Hook
Create a small hook at the top of the wire you just straightened out.
Step 3: Fish for Hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and fish around to look for hair or debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re able to access a wet/dry vacuum This method could be for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set on "liquids" and "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close Overflow Drain
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 to your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This should remove 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 Question
How do I know when my shower drain has become blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual time to empty or if you notice that water is collecting on your feet during your shower, it’s a sign that your drain might be full or partial blocked. Additionally, a foul odor emanating from the shower could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are some natural ways to clear a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. You could also try an amalgamation of salt and baking soda, followed by boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger may also help.
Do I need to use chemical drain cleaners to remove the blockage in my shower?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they contain toxic chemicals that can harm your pipes over time. Chemicals can also damage the environment and pose health hazards to those who handle them improperly.
When should I call a professional plumber for my blocked shower drain?
If the DIY method doesn’t work to clear your shower drain, you should to get a professional plumber like Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney in Sydney for assistance. Other indications that you require assistance from a professional include the appearance of water in the toilet or other drains, weird gurgling sounds from pipes or odors of foul smells emanating from the drains even after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to fix a clogged shower drain cleared by a plumber?
The cost to fix a blocked shower drain can differ depending on the extent of the problem and where you reside. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber who can unblock a shower drain. However, more severe cases which require pipe repair or replacement could cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be stressful, but there are plenty of alternatives to try before turning to harsh chemicals. Whether you choose baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum, be sure to prevent future blockages by installing a hair strainer inside your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after each use, and avoiding pouring grease down your drains. If these methods don’t perform, it could be time to get professional assistance. If you’re struggling with a difficult or having trouble with plumbing issues in Sydney , contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney immediately!
Additional Information
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
- Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Solutions and Tips
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
