How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a shower and realized that the water doesn’t drain, you know how frustrating it can be. This not only slows down your morning routine, however, it can be more difficult to clean up after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be occasionally effective, they could also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The positive side is that there are plenty of natural ways to unblock the shower drain, without the need for harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes as well as the environment.
- There are natural ways to clear a shower drain for example, baking soda or vinegar, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum.
- Use baking soda with vinegar: Gather supplies, remove the drain cover and other obstructions, and pour baking soda and vinegar. Wait for 30 minutes then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method: straighten out wire hanger and leave the other end in its original shape Create a hook at the end, then insert it into the drain and let it catch hair and other debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method switch the vacuum to "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing by a cloth or tape, connect the hose to create an airtight seal then turn it on for three minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using hair strainers in your shower, running hot water following each use and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Gather Your Materials
To begin take the following steps:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover as much as you can and use a small brush or toothbrush to get rid of dirt or hair around the drain’s edges. Make sure to wear rubber gloves, if needed.
Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda along with Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup white vinegar. Then cover this drain immediately using a cloth or a towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t go into chaos!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes as the mix performs its magic. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling, which means it’s working!
Step 5: Rinse using Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush the water with boiling. This will clear all debris remaining and help get your water flowing smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusted wire hanger:
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as straight as possible, while keeping the other end with its original shape.
Step 2: Design an Hook
Make a hook that is small at the top of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Go fishing for hair and Debris
Hook it into the drain, and then fish looking for hair as well as debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you’re in possession of a wet/dry vacuum the following method may be for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum into "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close Drainage
Cover drains that are overflowing with the use of duct tape or a damp cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Attach the hose onto your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and allow it to run for approximately three minutes. This should eliminate any obstructions 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 |
FAQ
How do I know when my shower drain has become blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than normal to empty, or water is pooling on your feet during your shower, it’s a sign that your drain might be either completely or partially clogged. In addition, an unpleasant odor coming from the shower area could be an indication of a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to free a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. You could also make the mixture of salt and baking soda followed by boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger can also aid.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners to clear my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners as they are laden with harsh chemicals that can damage the pipes in the long run. Chemicals can also damage the surroundings and pose health risks for those who handle them improperly.
When should I call an experienced plumber to fix my blocked shower drain?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed to clear your shower drain, it’s best to call a professional plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber in Sydney to get help. Other indications that you require professional help include water backing up out of other drains or toilets, strange gurgling noises from pipes, or foul odors coming from the drains despite cleaning them.
How much does it cost to have a blocked shower drain cleared by an experienced 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. On average, it costs between $100-$300 for a plumber to clear a shower drain. However, more extreme cases that require pipe repair or replacements could cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be a hassle however there are a variety of alternative methods you can try before making the switch to harsh chemicals. Whatever you decide to do, whether vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger, or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, remember to take steps to avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower or shower, and then running hot water following every use, and not using grease into your drains. If these methods don’t perform, it could be time to get professional help. If you’re struggling with a difficult or having trouble with plumbing problems at Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber immediately!
Additional Information
- Avoid Drain Blockages: Tips to Steer Clear of These 5 Common Triggers
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- Methods for Fix a Pipe Effortlessly: Guidance
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Problems with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Solutions & Tips
- Uncovering the Main Causes of Blocked Drains
- Speed Up Drain Cleaning with High Pressure Processes
- Warning Signs You May Need a CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Commercial Property
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
