How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower only to find that the water doesn’t drain and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it could be. This not only slows down your morning routine, however, it can be more difficult to clean up when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The positive side lies in the plenty of natural methods to clear a shower drain without resorting to harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes as well as the environment.
- There are natural ways to unblock a shower drain, such as using baking soda or vinegar as well as a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- Use baking soda with vinegar: Gather ingredients, unblock the drain cover and other obstructions, and pour baking soda, followed by vinegar, wait for 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method: straighten out wire hanger and leave the other end in its original shape and then create a hook on the end and insert it down the drain, and then use it to pull hair and other debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method select the "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing by a cloth or tape, join the hose and create an airtight seal. Turn to the mode for three minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using hair strainers in your shower. Run hot water following each usage and avoiding running grease down your drains.
Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Gather Your Materials
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
Clean the shower drain if possible and use an e-brush or small brush to clean the hairs or any other obstruction around the drain’s edges. Wear rubber gloves, if needed.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda as well as 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 towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t get over the top!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes as the mix performs its magic. There should be some sound and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Drain using Boiling Water
Remove the cover carefully and flush it out with hot water. This should clear any remaining debris and get your water flowing without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a sturdy wire hanger:
Step 1 1. Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as much as you can while leaving the other end with its original shape.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Make a small hook at the top of the wire you straightened.
Step 3: Look for hair and Debris
Insert the hook into the drain, and then fish to look for hairs and debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you have access to an upright vacuum that is dry and wet, this method might be for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set on "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Overflow Drain
Cover any overflow drains with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to Drain
Connect the hose to the drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Switch on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This will help clear 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I tell if my shower drains are blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than normal to empty or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet as you shower, it’s an indication that your drain could be partially or fully clogged. Also, a smell of rottenness coming from the shower area could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are some natural ways to clear a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed by baking soda and vinegar. You could also make a mix of baking soda and salt followed by boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger may also help.
Can I utilize chemical drain cleaners free my shower?
It’s not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners since they contain harmful chemicals that could harm your pipes over time. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health hazards to those who handle them incorrectly.
When should I call a professional plumber about my blocked shower drain?
If DIY methods don’t work in clearing your shower drain, it’s best to call a professional plumber like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing in Sydney to get help. Other indicators that you may require assistance from a professional include water backing up out of the toilet or other drains, weird gurgling sounds from pipes, or foul odors coming out of the drains after cleaning them.
What is the cost to get a clogged shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?
The cost to fix an unblocking shower drain could be different based on the severity of the issue and where you live. On average, it costs between $100 and $300 for a plumber to clear the drain of a shower. However, more severe cases which require pipe repair or replacements can be priced between $500 and $1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be frustrating however there are numerous alternatives to try before resorting to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum, make sure you stop future blockages making use of a hair strainer in your shower and running hot water after every use, and not the practice of pouring grease into your drains. If none of these solutions succeed, it’s time to get professional assistance. If you’re dealing with stubborn or declining plumbing problems with your plumbing in Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing now!
Additional Information
- The Ultimate Guide to Prevent Drain Blockages
- Effective Tips and Tricks for Fixing a Blocked Drain
- Don't Let Blocked Pipes Ruin Your Routine: Efficient Drainage Remedies
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- The Dangers of Neglecting a Blocked Drain and What You Should Do
- Why Your Business Needs Periodic Drain Inspection and Cleaning
- Inspecting Drains Using CCTV to Detect Root Infiltration: Benefits for Property Owners
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
