How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower and realized that the water doesn’t drain then you’ll be aware of how frustrating it can be. Not only does it slow the morning routine, but it can also be harder to clean up after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are occasionally effective, they can also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The good news lies in the a lot of natural ways to unblock the shower drain without using harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and the environment.
- There are several natural methods to unblock a shower drain like baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum.
- Use baking soda and vinegar method: Gather materials, take off the drain cover and other garbage, pour baking soda, followed by vinegar, wait for 30 minutes then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method Straighten the wire hanger and leave the other end in its original shape, create a hook at the end and insert it into the drain to fish hair and other debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method select the "wet" mode Cover drains that overflow by a cloth or tape, join the hose and create an airtight seal. Turn it on for three minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using a hair strainer in your shower, and running hot water after every use and refraining from using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To begin you can gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Remove the shower drain cover whenever possible. Use a small brush or brush to clean dirt or hair the edges of the drain. Be sure to wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
Place one teaspoon of baking soda into the drainage followed by a cup of white vinegar. Cover with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately with a towel or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t explode over the top!
Step 4: Wait
It should take about 30 minutes while the mixture works its magic. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Clean using Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush it with boiling water. This should help clear all debris remaining and help ensure that your water is flowing smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusty wire hanger:
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger to the greatest extent as possible, while keeping the other end in its original shape.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Make a hook that is small at the top of the wire you just straightened out.
Step 3: Look for hair and Debris
Put 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 have access to dry or wet vacuums the following method may be for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum on "liquids" or "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Overflow Drain
Overflow drains should be covered with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, making an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Then, turn on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This should remove any blockages 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 |
Common Questions and Answers
What can I tell whether my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual to fill or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet as you shower, it’s a sign that your drain may be completely or partially blocked. In addition, an unpleasant odor emanating from the shower 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 baking soda and vinegar. It is also possible to use a mix of baking soda and salt, followed by boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger can also aid.
Do I need to employ chemical drain cleaners in order to clear my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners since they are laden with harsh chemicals that can damage the pipes in the long run. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health hazards to those who handle them improperly.
When should I get in touch with a professional plumber about my blocked shower drain?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed in clearing the shower drain, you should to get a professional plumber like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber in Sydney for help. Other indicators that you may require professional assistance include water leaking out of other drains or toilets, weird gurgling sounds from pipes or odors of foul smells emanating out of the drains after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to fix a clogged shower drain cleared by a plumber?
The cost to fix the problem of a blocked shower drain will vary depending on the severity of the issue as well as 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 upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be stressful however there are many natural methods to try before resorting to harsh chemicals. Whatever you decide to do, whether baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum, remember to take steps to avoid future blockages by making use of a hair strainer in your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after each use, and refraining from spilling grease into your drains. If these strategies don’t perform, it could be an appropriate time to seek professional help. If you’re dealing with stubborn or persistent plumbing issues in Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber now!
Additional Information
- Save Future Expenses with CCTV Drain Inspection for Home Buyers
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- Expert Best Picks for Clearing Pipes: A Comprehensive Manual
- Wave Goodbye to Blocked Pipes: Simple Tricks to Apply
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Future-Proofing Your Plumbing System with CCTV Drain Inspection
- Uncovering the Main Causes of Blocked Drains
- Self-Help Methods for Unclogging Clogged Drains in Your Home
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- Ensuring the Longevity of Your Business's Pipes with Regular Drain Inspections
