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, you know how frustrating it is. Not only can it slow the morning routine, but it can also be more difficult to clean after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be occasionally effective, they can also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The positive side is the fact that you have a lot of methods that are natural to unblock the shower drain, without the need for harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes and even the environment.
- There are several natural methods to unblock the drain of a shower by using vinegar and baking soda or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To make use of the baking soda method and vinegar: gather supplies, remove drain cover and obstructions, and pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Wait for 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- Method for hanging wire Straighten the wire hanger and leave one end in its original shape, create a hook at the end and insert it down the drain to catch hair and debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums: set vacuum to "wet" mode Cover drains that overflow with cloth or tape, attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal then turn it on for 3 minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use a hair strainer in your shower. Run hot water after every use and refraining from pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To start take the following steps:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Remove the shower drain cover If you can, and then use tiny brushes or a toothbrush to remove any hair or other debris the edges of the drain. Be sure to wear rubber gloves, if needed.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup white vinegar. Cover with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately with a clean cloth or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t fizz beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes while the mixture works its magic. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Rinse with Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush with boiling water. This will clear all debris remaining and help allow your water to flow without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a reliable wire hanger
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger to the greatest extent as you can while leaving one end with its original shape.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Make a hook that is small at the top of the wire you just straightened out.
Step 3: Search for Hair and Debris
Hook it into the drain, and then fish for hair and debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you own dry or wet vacuums it could be for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set into "liquids" and "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close Overflow Drain
Make sure to cover any drains that have overflows using the use of duct tape or a damp cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to Drain
Connect the hose to your drain, making an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start the vacuum, and allow it to run for approximately three minutes. This should eliminate 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 |
Frequently Asked Question
What can I tell when my shower drain has become clogged?
If your shower takes longer than usual time to empty or if water is accumulating around your feet as you shower, it’s a sign that your drain could be either completely or partially clogged. A sour smell emanating from the shower could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. You could also try a mixture of baking soda and salt, followed by boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger might also help.
Do I need to use chemical drain cleaners to clear my shower?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners since they contain harsh chemicals that can damage the pipes over time. They can also be harmful to the surroundings and pose health risks to those who use them incorrectly.
What should I do if I need to call an experienced plumber to fix my blocked shower drain?
If DIY methods don’t work in clearing your shower drain, you should to get a professional plumber such as Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney in Sydney for assistance. Other signs that you need professional help include water leaking out of other toilets or drains, strange noises of pipes gurgling or odors of foul smells emanating from the drains even after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to get a clogged shower drain cleared by a plumber?
The price of repairing blocked shower drains can vary depending on the severity of the issue as well as where you reside. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber to remove a shower drain. However, more severe cases that require pipe repair or replacements can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be a hassle it is, however, there are numerous natural methods to try before resorting to harsh chemicals. Whether you choose baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum ensure you take the necessary steps to avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower and running hot water after every use, and avoid pouring grease into your drains. If these methods don’t succeed, it’s an appropriate time to seek professional assistance. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble or persistent plumbing problems within Sydney , contact Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney now!
Additional Information
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Should Be Part of Your Regular Maintenance Routine
- Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
- Top Plumbing Services to Keep Your Pipes Running Smoothly
- Investigating and Verifying a Blocked Pipe: Measures to Take
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- Self-Help Approaches for Unclogging Clogged Drains in Your Home
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- Effortless Ways to Unclog a Blocked Drain: Tips and Tricks
- Blocked Drain Emergency? Here’s What You Need to Know About DIY vs. Professionals
