How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower only to realize that the water isn’t draining, you know how frustrating it is. It’s not just slowing down your 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 there’s a lot of ways that you can unblock a shower drain without using harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and even the environment.
- There are many natural methods to unblock the drain of a shower by using baking soda or vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum.
- Use the baking soda method and vinegar: collect materials, take off drain cover and debris, pour in baking soda followed by vinegar. Wait 30 minutes then flush with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method: straighten out wire hanger while leaving the other end in its original form Make a hook at the end and insert it down the drain to catch hair and debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums select the "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing by a cloth or tape, connect the hose to create an airtight seal. Then turn it on for three minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using hair strainers in your shower, running hot water following each use, and not pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To begin, 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 an e-brush or small toothbrush to scrub dirt or hair the drain’s edges. Make sure you wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda along with Vinegar
Put one cup baking soda in the sink followed by one cups of vinegar. It is best to protect your drain immediately with a clean cloth or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t go beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
It should take about 30 minutes while the mixture does its work. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Drain with Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush the water with boiling. This should clear all debris remaining and help ensure that your water is flowing smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a sturdy wire hanger
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger to the greatest extent as possible, leaving one end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Make a Hook
Make a hook that is small at the end of the wire you straightened out.
Step 3: Go fishing for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and fish around looking for hair and debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you’re in possession of dry or wet vacuums the following method may be for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum on "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close Overflow Drain
Overflow drains should be covered with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Attach the hose to your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Then, turn on the vacuum and let it run for approximately three minutes. This should help remove any obstructions 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 |
FAQ
What can I tell if my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than usual time to empty or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet as you shower, it’s an indication that your drain could be completely or partially blocked. Also, a smell of rottenness emanating from the shower could indicate a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to free a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also make a mix of baking soda and salt, followed by boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger might also help.
Do I need to make use of chemical drain cleaners to free my shower?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners as they contain toxic chemicals that can harm the pipes over time. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health risk to those who use the products improperly.
What should I do if I need to call an experienced plumber to fix my shower drain that is blocked?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed in unblocking your shower drain, then it’s advisable to speak with a professional plumbing company like Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney in Sydney for assistance. Other indicators that you may require professional assistance include water backing up out of other drains or toilets strange noises of pipes gurgling or the smell of rotten food coming from drains, even after cleaning them.
What is the cost to fix a clogged shower drain cleared by plumbing experts?
The cost for fixing an unblocking shower drain could differ based on the severity of the issue and where you live. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber who can unblock the shower drain. However, more serious cases that require pipe repair or replacement can cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be stressful it is, however, there are plenty of alternatives to try before resorting to harsh chemicals. If you decide to use baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum, ensure you take the necessary steps to stop future blockages installing a hair strainer inside your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after every use, and avoid the practice of pouring grease down your drains. If these strategies don’t perform, it could be an appropriate time to seek professional assistance. If you’re having trouble with persistent or persistent plumbing issues at Sydney , contact Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney now!
Additional Information
- Blocked Drain Emergency? Here’s What You Need to Know About DIY vs. Professionals
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- Top Tips for Keeping Your Drains Clog-Free
- Say farewell to blocked drains with the best solutions
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
- The Ultimate Guide to Prevent Drain Blockages
- CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
- The Ultimate Guide on How to Clear a Blocked Drain in Your Home
- Plumbers' Secrets for Clearing Clogged Drains: An In-Depth Guide
