How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower and realized that the water hasn’t been draining, you know how frustrating it is. It’s not just slowing down your morning routine, it could also make it difficult to clean after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The good news is the fact that you have plenty of ways that you can unblock the shower drain without resorting to harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and even the environment.
- There are many natural methods to get rid of the blockage in a shower for example, baking soda, vinegar, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum.
- For baking soda with vinegar: Gather items, clean the drain cover and any debris, pour baking soda, followed by vinegar. Allow 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method Straighten the wire hanger while leaving the other end as it was, create a hook at the end, insert it in the drain to catch hair and other debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method select the "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing using cloth or tape. attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal, then turn to the mode for three minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water after every usage and avoiding pouring grease down your drains.
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 rag or cloth
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Take off the shower drain cover if possible and use tiny brushes or a brush to clean the hairs or any other obstruction the drain’s edges. Make sure you wear rubber gloves in the event of need.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda along with Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain, followed by one Cup of white vinegar. Cover your drain immediately using a cloth or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t explode out of control!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes as the mix is at work. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Flush using Boiling Water
Remove the cover carefully and flush the water with boiling. This should help clear all debris remaining and help allow your water to flow smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a sturdy wire hanger
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as much as you can, but leave the other end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Design an Hook
Create a small hook at the top of the wire you straightened.
Step 3: Look for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and fish around looking for hair as well as debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you own an air-tight vacuum, this method might be for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set to "liquids" and "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Drainage
Make sure to cover any drains that have overflows using duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Attach the hose onto your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Then, turn on the vacuum and allow it to run for around 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 |
Common Questions & Answers
What can I tell when my shower drain has become blocked?
If your shower takes longer than normal to empty or if water is accumulating around your feet as you shower, it’s an indication that your drain could be full or partial blocked. Additionally, a foul odor emanating from the shower may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed by baking soda and vinegar. You could also make a mix of salt and baking soda and boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger may also help.
Do I need to utilize chemical drain cleaners free my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners because they contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the pipes over time. Chemicals can also damage the surroundings and pose health risks for those who use them improperly.
What should I do if I need to call a professional plumber about my blocked shower drain?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed in unblocking your shower drain, then it’s advisable to get a professional plumber like Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney in Sydney for help. Other signs that you need professional help include water backing up out of the toilet or other drains, odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes or smells that are foul from drains, even after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to get a clogged shower drain fixed by a plumber?
The cost to fix the problem of a blocked shower drain will differ based on the severity of the issue and where you reside. In the average, it will cost between $100-$300 for a plumber to remove the shower drain. However, more extreme cases which require pipe repair or replacement can cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be difficult, but there are plenty of alternatives to try before using harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use vinegar and baking soda or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum, be sure to keep your drains from becoming blocked by making use of a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water after every use, and not spilling grease into your drains. If none of these options work, it may be the time to seek professional assistance. If you’re struggling with a difficult or persistent plumbing issues in Sydney , contact Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney now!
Additional Information
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- Effortless Ways to Unclog a Blocked Drain: Tips and Tricks
- Say Goodbye to Blocked Drains: A Decade of Proactive Steps for Your Home
- The Ultimate Guide on How to Clear a Blocked Drain in Your Home
- Get Ready for Your Close-up: Tips on How to Prepare for a CCTV Inspection of Your Drains
- CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
- Keep Your Home Safe by Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Maintain Your Pipes Flowing: Effective Tricks to Try Right Now
- Discover the ideal plumber for your clogged drain situation
- Self-Help Approaches for Unclogging Clogged Drains in Your Home
