How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a shower only to realize that the water isn’t draining it, you’re aware of how annoying it can be. It’s not just slowing the morning routine, however, it can be difficult to clean when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The good news is that there are plenty of natural ways to unblock the shower drain without resorting to harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and the environment.
- There are natural ways to get rid of the blockage in a shower like baking soda or vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To use the method of baking soda and vinegar: collect items, clean the drain cover and other obstructions, and pour in baking soda followed by vinegar. Allow 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- Method for hanging wire to straighten wire hanger, leaving the other end as it was and then create a hook on the top, and then place it inside the drain to fish hair and debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method Set the vacuum in "wet" mode, cover overflow drains with tape or cloth, attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal then turn it on for three minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use a hair strainer in your shower, and running hot water after every use, and not using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Gather Your Materials
To start to begin, collect the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Clean the shower drain if possible and use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub any hair or other debris from the drain’s edges. Wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
Put one cup baking soda in the sink followed by a cup white vinegar. Make sure to cover your drain immediately with a clean cloth or rag so that the reaction doesn’t go into chaos!
Step 4: Wait
It should take about 30 minutes while the mixture does its work. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Rinse with Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush it with boiling water. This should help clear all debris remaining and help make sure that the water flows smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a sturdy wire hanger:
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger to the greatest extent as possible, leaving one end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Create a small hook on the top of the wire you straightened out.
Step 3: Fish for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and search for hair or debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you’re able to access a wet/dry vacuum it could be the best option for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum to "liquids" and "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Overflow Drain
Make sure to cover any drains that have overflows using the use of duct tape or a damp cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, creating an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Then, turn on the vacuum and let it run for approximately three minutes. This will help clear any blockages in the 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 |
FAQs
How can I tell whether my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower takes longer than usual time to empty or the water is getting swollen around your feet as you shower, it’s an indication that your drain might be completely or partially blocked. Additionally, a foul odor coming from the shower area may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock the shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. You can also use the mixture of baking soda and salt followed by boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger could also be helpful.
Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners to remove the blockage in my shower?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to your pipes over time. These chemicals also can harm the environment and pose health risk for those who use them in a way that isn’t safe.
What should I do if I need to call an experienced plumber to fix my blocked shower drain?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed in unblocking your shower drain, it’s recommended to speak with a professional plumbing company such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber in Sydney for assistance. Other signs that you need assistance from a professional include water backing up out of other toilets or drains, odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes, or foul odors coming from the drains despite cleaning them.
What is the cost to get a blocked shower drain fixed by a plumber?
The price of repairing the problem of a blocked shower drain will be different based on the severity of the issue and where you live. It is typically between $100-$300 for a plumber to remove a shower drain. However, more extreme cases which require pipe repair or replacements can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be a hassle, but there are a variety of natural methods to try before turning to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum, ensure you take the necessary steps to prevent future blockages by making use of a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water after each use, and refraining from using grease into your drains. If these methods don’t perform, it could be time to get professional help. If you’re having trouble with persistent or persistent plumbing problems at Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber today!
Additional Information
- The DIY Guide: Clear Your Clogged Drains in No Time Flat
- Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
- How to Detect a Blocked Drain in Your Home or Business
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- Methods for Fix a Pipe Effortlessly: Guidance
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Expert Tips on Choosing the Best Pipe Relining Material
- Problems with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Solutions & Tips
- Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
- Get rid of a Clogged Shower Drain with The subsequent Step-by-Step Tutorial
- Speed Up Drain Cleaning with High Pressure Processes
