How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath and realized that the water isn’t draining it, you’re aware of how annoying it is. It’s not just slowing the morning routine, however, it can be harder to clean up when you’re done. While chemical drain cleaners are occasionally effective, they can also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The positive side lies in the plenty of ways that you can unblock a shower drain, without the need for harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are many natural methods to clear a shower drain, such as using baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum.
- Use the baking soda method and vinegar, gather materials, take off the drain cover and other debris, then pour baking soda, followed by vinegar. Wait for 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods to straighten wire hanger and leave the other end as it was and then create a hook on the end, insert it inside the drain to catch hair and other debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method: set vacuum to "wet" mode, cover overflow drains with tape or cloth, attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal, then turn it on for three minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower, and running hot water after every use and refraining from pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Bake 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 whenever possible. Use a small brush or brush to clean any hair or other debris around the drain’s edges. Make sure you wear rubber gloves, if needed.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda and Vinegar
Put one cup baking soda in the sink, followed by one cup white vinegar. Then cover this drain immediately using a cloth or rag so that the reaction doesn’t explode over the top!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes while the mixture performs its magic. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Flush with Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush the water with boiling. This will clear any debris left behind and allow your water to flow freely.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a sturdy wire hanger:
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger to the greatest extent as you can while leaving the other end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Create a small hook on the top of the wire that you just straightened out.
Step 3: Fish for Hair and Debris
Hook it into the drain and search looking for hairs and debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re able to access an air-tight vacuum it could be for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum into "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Overflow Drain
Cover any overflow drains with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Attach the hose to your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Switch on the vacuum and allow it to run for approximately three minutes. This should eliminate any obstructions 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 if my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower takes longer than usual to empty, or water is pooling on your feet during your shower, it’s a sign that your drain could be full or partial blocked. Additionally, a foul odor emanating from the shower could be an indication of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to free a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. You can also use a mix 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 free my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners as they are laden with toxic chemicals that can harm the pipes in the long run. Chemicals can also damage the environment and pose health risks to those who use them incorrectly.
When should I get in touch with a professional plumber for my blocked shower drain?
If DIY methods don’t work in clearing the shower drain, then it’s advisable to speak with a professional plumbing company like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber in Sydney to get help. Other indicators that you may require professional help include water backing up out of other drains or toilets, strange noises of pipes gurgling or odors of foul smells emanating from the drains even after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to have a blocked shower drain fixed by plumbing experts?
The price of repairing an unblocking shower drain could differ depending on the extent of the issue and where you reside. It is typically between $100-$300 for a plumber to remove a shower drain. However, more severe situations that require pipe repairs or replacement can cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be difficult, but there are plenty of alternatives to try before making the switch to harsh chemicals. Whether you choose vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum, remember to take steps to stop future blockages using a hair strainer within your shower and running hot water after each use, and refraining from spilling grease down your drains. If none of these options succeed, it’s the time to seek professional assistance. If you’re having trouble with persistent or declining plumbing problems in Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber now!
Additional Information
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Should Be Part of Your Regular Maintenance Routine
- Effective Tips for Unclogging Your Drains and Keeping a Blockage-Free Home
- Preventing Leaks and Blockages: Understanding Pipe Relining Services
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- Why Regular Drain Cleaning Should Be Part of Your Home Maintenance Routine
- How to Detect a Blocked Drain in Your Home or Business
- Speed Up Drain Cleaning with High Pressure Processes
- Discover Why Jetting is the Perfect Solution for Your Blocked Drain Woes
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
