How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower and realized that the water hasn’t been draining, you know how frustrating it is. This not only slows down your morning routine, but it can also be difficult to clean when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners are occasionally effective, they could also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The positive side lies in the plenty of methods that are natural to unblock a shower drain without resorting to harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners could harm pipes as well as the environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to get rid of the blockage in a shower, such as using baking soda, vinegar and a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- For baking soda and vinegar method: collect ingredients, unblock the cover for draining and any debris, pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Allow 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods Straighten the wire hanger while leaving the other end in its original shape and then create a hook on the end and insert it down the drain and let it catch hair and other debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method: set vacuum to "wet" mode, cover overflow drains by a cloth or tape, attach hose creating an air-tight seal. Then turn to the mode for three minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use a hair strainer in your shower. Run hot water after each use and refraining from using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To begin, gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Remove the shower drain cover whenever possible. Use the small brush or brush to clean the hairs or any other obstruction from around the edges of the drain. Make sure to wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda along with Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain followed by one cup of white vinegar. It is best to protect the drain immediately with a clean cloth or rag so that the reaction doesn’t go out of control!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes as the mix does its work. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean with Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush it out with hot water. This will clear any remaining debris and ensure that your water is flowing freely.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a sturdy wire hanger
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as much as possible, while keeping one end in its original shape.
Step 2: Design a Hook
Create a small hook at the top of the wire that you just straightened out.
Step 3: Fish for Hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain and search for hairs and debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you’re in possession of an air-tight vacuum the following method may be the best option for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum in "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
2. Cover Drainage
Cover drains that are overflowing with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Attach the hose to your drain, making an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start the vacuum, and allow it to run for around three minutes. This will help clear any blockages from the drain of your shower.
| 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 |
FAQ
What can I tell if my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower takes longer than normal to empty or if water is accumulating on your feet during your shower, it’s an indication that your drain may be partially or fully clogged. A sour smell coming from the shower area could be an indication of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to free a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed with baking soda, vinegar and. You can also use a mix of baking soda and salt and boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger could also be helpful.
Do I need to employ chemical drain cleaners in order to free my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners as they contain harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes over time. They can also be harmful to the environment and pose health risks to those who handle them improperly.
When should I contact an experienced plumber to fix my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY techniques don’t work in unblocking your shower drain, it’s recommended to contact a professional plumber such as Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney in Sydney for help. Other indications that you require assistance from a professional include the water coming out of other toilets or drains, weird gurgling sounds from pipes, or foul odors coming out of the drains after cleaning them.
What is the cost to get a blocked shower drain cleared by an experienced plumber?
The cost to fix blocked shower drains can differ based on the severity of the issue and where you live. It is typically between $100-$300 for a plumber to unblock the shower drain. However, more serious cases that require pipe repair or replacement can be priced between $500 and $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be difficult, but there are many ways to tackle the problem without using harsh chemicals. Whether you choose vinegar and baking soda or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum, remember to take steps to stop future blockages installing a hair strainer inside your shower or shower, and then running hot water following each use, and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down your drains. If these strategies don’t perform, it could be time to get professional help. If you’re having trouble with persistent or persistent plumbing issues in Sydney , contact Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney today!
Additional Information
- Top Plumbing Services to Keep Your Pipes Running Smoothly
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- Discover the ideal plumber for your clogged drain situation
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- Unblock Your Drains with Ease: Discover the Power of Blocked Drain Jetting
- Why Your Business Needs Periodic Drain Inspection and Cleaning
- The Complete Handbook to Effortlessly Unclogging Your Clogged Drains DIY Style
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Tips & Solutions
- Say Goodbye to Clogged Pipes: Efficient Plumbing Remedies
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