How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower only to discover that the water doesn’t drain it, you’re aware of how annoying it could be. Not only can it slow the morning routine, it could also make it harder to clean up after having finished. While chemical drain cleaners are occasionally effective, they can also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news is that there are plenty of methods that are natural to unblock a shower drain, without the need for harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and even the environment.
- There are several natural methods to clear a shower drain like baking soda, vinegar or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To use baking soda and vinegar method: Gather items, clean the cover for draining and any debris, then pour baking soda and vinegar. Allow 30 minutes then flush with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods Straighten the wire hanger leaving the other end in its original shape Make a hook at the end and insert it into the drain to fish hair and other debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method switch the vacuum to "wet" mode, cover overflow drains with tape or cloth, join the hose and create an airtight seal, then turn to the mode for 3 minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use hair strainers in your shower. You can also run hot water following each use, and not running grease down your drains.
Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Gather Your Materials
To begin you can gather the following items:
- 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 possible and use the small brush or toothbrush to remove all hair and other particles around the drain’s edges. Make sure you wear rubber gloves, if needed.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain, followed by one Cup of white vinegar. It is best to protect the drain immediately with a cloth or rag so that the reaction doesn’t get out of control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes while the mixture works its magic. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Clean using Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush it out with hot water. This should clear any remaining debris and allow your water to flow smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a reliable wire hanger:
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger to the greatest extent as you can while leaving the other end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Make a Hook
Make a small hook at the top of the wire that you just straightened out.
Step 3: Fish for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and search looking for hair as well as debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you’re able to access an upright vacuum that is dry and wet This method could be the best option for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum to "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close Overflow Drain
Make sure to cover any drains that have overflows using either duct tape or wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Connect the hose to the drain, creating an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and allow it to run for approximately three minutes. This will help clear any blockages from 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
What can I tell if my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual time to empty or the water is getting swollen around your feet while you shower, it’s a sign that your drain is partially or fully clogged. Additionally, a foul odor coming from the shower area could be an indication of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to free a shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed with baking soda, vinegar and. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and salt, followed by boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger may also help.
Do I need to employ chemical drain cleaners in order to unblock my shower drain?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners as they are laden with harsh chemicals that can damage the pipes in the long run. They can also be harmful to the surroundings and pose health risks for those who use the products improperly.
When should I get in touch with a professional plumber for my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY techniques don’t work in clearing your shower drain, it’s recommended to contact a professional plumber such as Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney in Sydney for assistance. Other signs that you should seek professional help include the appearance of water in other drains or toilets, weird gurgling sounds from pipes or odors of foul smells emanating from the drains even after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to get a blocked shower drain fixed by plumbing experts?
The cost to fix an unblocking shower drain could vary depending on the severity of the issue and the location you reside. In the average, it will cost between $100-$300 for a plumber who can unblock the shower drain. However, more severe cases that require pipe repairs or replacements can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain could be frustrating, but there are many alternative methods you can try before using harsh chemicals. Whether you choose vinegar and baking soda or a wire hanger or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, make sure you avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer within your shower, running hot water after each use, and refraining from the practice of pouring grease into your drains. If none of these options work, it may be the time to seek professional help. If you’re having trouble with persistent and persistent plumbing problems within Sydney , contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney today!
Additional Information
- From A to Z Tips for Cleaning Your Drains and Maintaining a Clog-Free Home
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- Unblock Your Drains with Ease: Discover the Power of Blocked Drain Jetting
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Solutions and Tips
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
