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 hasn’t been draining and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it can be. Not only can it slow down your morning routine it could also make it more difficult to clean up after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be occasionally effective, they can also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The positive side is there’s plenty of natural ways to unblock a shower drain without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes as well as the environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to clear a shower drain like baking soda, vinegar or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To make use of baking soda with vinegar: Gather materials, take off the cover for draining and any obstructions, and pour in baking soda followed by vinegar. Allow 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method use a straight wire hanger, leaving the other end in its original form and then create a hook on the end, then insert it inside the drain, and then use it to pull 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 off the vacuum after three minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using hair strainers in your shower, and running hot water after each use and refraining from running grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Gather Your Materials
To start take the following steps:
- 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 you can, and then use tiny brushes or a brush to clean the hairs or any other obstruction around the edges of the drain. Wear rubber gloves, if needed.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
Put one cup baking soda in the sink, followed by one cup white vinegar. It is best to protect your drain immediately using a cloth or a towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t get into chaos!
Step 4: Wait
It should take about 30 minutes as the mix is at work. There should be some sound and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Rinse using Boiling Water
Remove the cover carefully and flush it out with hot water. This will clear any debris left behind and ensure that your water is flowing without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a reliable wire hanger
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as straight as you can while leaving one end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Create a small hook on the top of the wire that you have just straightened out.
Step 3: Go fishing for Hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain and look looking for hair as well as debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you have access to dry or wet vacuums, this method might be for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum in "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Drainage
Make sure to cover any drains that have overflows using duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Then, turn on the vacuum and allow it to run for around three minutes. This will help clear any obstructions in 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower takes longer than normal to empty or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet when you shower, it’s a sign that your drain is completely or partially blocked. In addition, an unpleasant odor coming from the shower area could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock the shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. You can also use the mixture of salt and baking soda followed by boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger could also be helpful.
Do I need to employ chemical drain cleaners in order to unblock my shower drain?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they are laden with toxic chemicals that can harm your pipes in the long run. They can also be harmful to the environment and pose health risks for those who handle the products improperly.
When should I get in touch with a professional plumber about my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY techniques don’t work to clear your shower drain, then it’s advisable to speak with a professional plumbing company like Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney in Sydney to get help. Other signs that you need professional help include the water coming out of other toilets or drains, strange gurgling noises from pipes or the smell of rotten food coming from the drains despite cleaning them.
How much will it cost to get a clogged shower drain cleared by plumbing experts?
The price of repairing an unblocking shower drain could differ depending on the extent of the problem and where you reside. In the average, it will cost between $100 and $300 for a plumber to clear a shower drain. However, more extreme cases that require pipe repair or replacement can cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be frustrating however there are many alternative methods you can try before making the switch to harsh chemicals. If you decide to use vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, make sure you avoid future blockages by installing a hair strainer inside your shower and running hot water after every use, and not spilling grease down your drains. If these methods don’t work, it’s the time to seek professional help. If you’re struggling with a difficult or having trouble with plumbing problems in Sydney , contact Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney immediately!
Additional Information
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- From Clogged to Clear: A Detailed Tutorial to Unblock Your Shower Drain
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- The Ultimate Guide to Pipe Relining: How to Select the Perfect Material
- Say Goodbye to Clogged Pipes: Efficient Plumbing Remedies
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Save You Money in the Long Run
- Why Your Business Needs Periodic Drain Inspection and Cleaning
- Effortless Ways to Unclog a Blocked Drain: Tips and Tricks
- Investigating the Main Sources of Drain Clogs
