How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower only to find that the water hasn’t been draining then you’ll be aware of how frustrating it is. This not only slows down your morning routine but it can also be more difficult to clean up when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The good news is that there are a lot of natural methods to clear a shower drain without using harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes as well as the environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to unblock a shower drain like vinegar and baking soda and a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To use baking soda with vinegar: Gather supplies, remove the cover for draining and any obstructions, and pour baking soda, followed by vinegar. Wait 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- Method for hanging wire: straighten out wire hanger and leave the other end as it was Create a hook at the end, then insert it in the drain to fish hair and debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method select the "wet" mode, cover overflow drains using cloth or tape. connect the hose to create an airtight seal then turn off the vacuum after 3 minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using a hair strainer in your shower. You can also run hot water after every use and refraining from using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Gather Your Materials
To start 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 whenever possible. Use an e-brush or small toothbrush to scrub any hair or other debris from around the edges of the drain. Wear rubber gloves, if needed.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda along with Vinegar
Place one teaspoon of baking soda into the drainage followed by one cup white vinegar. Then cover the drain immediately with a cloth or rag so that the reaction doesn’t explode into chaos!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes as the mix 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 with boiling water. This will clear any remaining debris and allow your water to flow smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusted wire hanger
Step 1 1. Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as much as you can, but leave one end with its original shape.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Make a small hook at the top of the wire you straightened.
Step 3: Search for hair and Debris
Insert the hook into the drain, and then fish to look for hair or debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you own an air-tight vacuum the following method may be suitable for you:
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set on "liquids" or "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Overflow Drain
Make sure to cover any drains that have overflows using the use of duct tape or a damp cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Connect the hose to your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Switch on the vacuum and let it run for approximately three minutes. This should help remove any obstructions from 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 is taking longer than usual time to empty or the water is getting swollen around your feet when you shower, it’s a sign that your drain may be partially or fully clogged. In addition, an unpleasant odor emanating from the shower may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to free a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. It is also possible to use an amalgamation of salt and baking soda and boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger can also aid.
Can I employ chemical drain cleaners in order to unblock my shower drain?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners since they contain toxic chemicals that can harm your pipes over time. They can also be harmful to the environment and pose health risks for those who handle the products 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, you should to contact a professional plumber such as Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney in Sydney to get help. Other signs that you should seek professional help include the water coming out of other drains or toilets weird gurgling sounds from pipes or odors of foul smells emanating from the drains despite cleaning them.
What is the cost to fix a clogged shower drain cleared by plumbing experts?
The cost to fix a blocked shower drain can be different based on the severity of the issue and where you reside. On average, it costs between $100 and $300 for a plumber who can unblock the drain of a shower. However, more serious cases that require pipe repairs or replacement can be priced between $500 and $1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be stressful, but there are many alternative methods you can try before making the switch to harsh chemicals. If you decide to use baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum, be sure to avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer within your shower or shower, and then running hot water following each use, and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down your drains. If these methods don’t work, it may be the time to seek professional help. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble or having trouble with plumbing problems with your plumbing in Sydney , contact Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney now!
Additional Information
- Protect Your Condo's Property Value with Long-Lasting Trenchless Pipe Relining
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Save You Money in the Long Run
- Say Goodbye to Blocked Drains: A Decade of Proactive Steps for Your Home
- Keep Your Home Safe by Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
- The Complete Handbook to Effortlessly Unclogging Your Clogged Drains DIY Style
- Why Your Business Needs Periodic Drain Inspection and Cleaning
- Maintain Your Pipes Flowing: Effective Tricks to Try Right Now
- The Ultimate Guide to Prevent Drain Blockages
- Top Tips for Keeping Your Drains Clog-Free
