How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath only to find that the water doesn’t drain and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it can be. This not only slows the morning routine, however, it can be difficult to clean after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are occasionally effective, they could also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The good news is that there are a lot of natural methods to clear the shower drain, without the need for harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are several natural methods to unblock the drain of a shower by using baking soda or vinegar, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To use baking soda and vinegar method: Gather materials, take off the drain cover and any garbage, pour baking soda, followed by vinegar, wait for 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods Straighten the wire hanger and leave the other end in its original form Make a hook at the top, and then place it inside the drain to fish hair and other debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method Set the vacuum in "wet" mode, cover overflow drains with cloth or tape, attach hose creating an air-tight seal. Turn it on for 3 minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower, running hot water after each use, and not pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To start you can gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Take off the shower drain cover whenever possible. Use tiny brushes or a brush to clean the hairs or any other obstruction around the drain’s edges. Make sure to wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
Put one cup baking soda in the sink, followed by one cup white vinegar. Cover the drain immediately with a towel or a towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t explode out of control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes while the mixture works its magic. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Clean with Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush the water with boiling. This will help remove any remaining debris and get your water flowing freely.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusty wire hanger:
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as straight as you can while leaving the other end with its original shape.
Step 2: Design an Hook
Create a small hook on the end of the wire that you just straightened out.
Step 3: Look for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and look for hair and debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you have access to a wet/dry vacuum This method could be suitable for you:
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set in "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Drainage
Cover any overflow drains with duct tape or a moist 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
Turn on the vacuum and allow it to run for approximately three minutes. This should remove any obstructions from 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 |
Frequently Asked Question
How can I tell whether my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to empty or the water is getting swollen around your feet when you shower, it’s an indication that your drain could be completely or partially blocked. In addition, an unpleasant odor coming from the shower area could be an indication of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock the shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed with baking soda, vinegar and. You can also use an amalgamation of baking soda and salt, followed by boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger might also help.
Do I need to employ chemical drain cleaners in order to remove the blockage in my shower?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners as they are laden with harsh chemicals that can cause damage to your pipes over time. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health risks for those who use them in a way that isn’t safe.
When should I contact an experienced plumber to fix my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY techniques don’t work in clearing your shower drain, then it’s advisable to call a professional plumber like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing in Sydney to get help. 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 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 of fixing blocked shower drains can differ based on the severity of the issue and the location you reside. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber to remove the shower drain. However, more severe situations which require pipe repair or replacements could cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be frustrating, but there are a variety of ways to tackle the problem without using harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum, remember to take steps to avoid future blockages by installing a hair strainer inside your shower and running hot water after each use, and refraining from the practice of pouring grease into your drains. If none of these solutions 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 Plumbing now!
Additional Information
- Experience these proven solutions for unclogging your drain
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Save You Money in the Long Run
- Effective Tips and Tricks for Fixing a Blocked Drain
- Protect Your Condo's Property Value with Long-Lasting Trenchless Pipe Relining
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- CCTV Drain Inspection Technology: Detecting Corrosion in Sewer Pipes
- Harnessing the Force of High Pressure Drain Cleaning
- The Guide to Finding & Pinpointing a Obstructed Pipe
- An Easy DIY Guide to Unclogging Your Blocked Drains
- Don't Panic: Tips for Handling a Blocked Toilet
