How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower only to realize that the water isn’t draining and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it could be. Not only does it slow down your morning routine, it also makes it harder to clean up when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The good news is that there are plenty of methods that are natural to unblock a shower drain without using harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners could harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are many natural methods to unblock the drain of a shower for example, baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To use the baking soda method and vinegar, gather ingredients, unblock drain cover and garbage, pour baking soda and vinegar. Wait for 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods: straighten out wire hanger and leave the other end in its original form Create a hook at the end and insert it inside the drain and let it catch hair and debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums: set vacuum to "wet" mode, cover overflow drains with cloth or tape, attach hose creating an air-tight seal then turn on the vacuum for 3 minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using hair strainers in your shower. Run hot water after every use, and not pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To start, gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Remove the shower drain cover If you can, and then use an e-brush or small brush to clean all hair and other particles from around the drain’s edges. Be sure to wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cups of vinegar. It is best to protect your drain immediately with a cloth or a towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t fizz into chaos!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes while the mixture performs its magic. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling, which means it’s working!
Step 5: Drain with Boiling Water
Remove the cover carefully and flush it with boiling water. This will clear any debris left behind and ensure that your water is flowing freely.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusty wire hanger
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as much as you can while leaving the other end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Make a small hook at the top of the wire that you just straightened out.
Step 3: Fish for Hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and search looking for hair as well as debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re able to access an upright vacuum that is dry and wet it could be the best option for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum on "liquids" or "wet" mode.
2. Cover Overflow Drain
Make sure to cover any drains that have overflows using duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, making an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start the vacuum, and let it run for approximately 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I tell whether my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to fill or if water is accumulating on your feet during your shower, it’s a sign that your drain might be partially or fully clogged. Also, a smell of rottenness emanating from the shower could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also make an amalgamation of baking soda and salt followed by boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger may also help.
Can I employ chemical drain cleaners in order to unblock my shower drain?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners because they contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to your pipes in the long run. They can also be harmful to the environment and pose health hazards for those who handle them in a way that isn’t safe.
When should I contact a professional plumber for my blocked shower drain?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed to clear your shower drain, you should to get a professional plumber such as Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney in Sydney to get help. Other signs that you need assistance from a professional include water leaking out of other drains or toilets weird gurgling sounds from pipes or smells that are foul from drains, even after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to have a blocked shower drain fixed by a plumber?
The cost to fix blocked shower drains can differ depending on the extent of the issue and the location you reside. In the average, it will cost between $100 and $300 for a plumber to remove the drain of a shower. However, more severe cases that require pipe repair or replacement could cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be frustrating it is, however, there are many alternative methods you can try before using harsh chemicals. Whatever you decide to do, whether vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum be sure to prevent future blockages by installing a hair strainer inside your shower or shower, and then running hot water following every use, and not spilling grease down your drains. If these strategies don’t work, it may be time to call in professional assistance. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble or having trouble with plumbing issues within Sydney , contact Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney today!
Additional Information
- Say Goodbye to Clogged Pipes: Efficient Plumbing Remedies
- The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Should Be Part of Your Regular Maintenance Routine
- Self-Help Approaches for Unclogging Clogged Drains in Your Home
- Keep Your Home Safe by Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- From Clogged to Clear: A Detailed Tutorial to Unblock Your Shower Drain
- Say Goodbye to Blocked Drains: A Decade of Proactive Steps for Your Home
- The Complete Handbook to Effortlessly Unclogging Your Clogged Drains DIY Style
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
- Top Tips for Keeping Your Drains Clog-Free
