How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower only to realize that the water doesn’t drain and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it is. This not only slows down your morning routine however, it can be more difficult to clean after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they can also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news is there’s a lot of natural methods to clear a shower drain without using harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and the environment.
- There are several natural methods to unblock the drain of a shower for example, baking soda or vinegar or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To make use of the baking soda method and vinegar: collect items, clean drain cover and debris, then pour baking soda, followed by vinegar. Wait 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method Straighten the wire hanger leaving the other end as it was and then create a hook on the end, then insert it into the drain, and then use it to pull hair and other debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method switch the vacuum to "wet" mode, cover overflow drains with tape or cloth, attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal then turn on the vacuum for three minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use hair strainers in your shower, and running hot water after each use and avoiding using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To start take the following steps:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover if possible and use the small brush or toothbrush to remove the hairs or any other obstruction from around the drain’s edges. Wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
Put one cup baking soda in the sink, followed by a Cup of white vinegar. It is best to protect with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately with a clean cloth or a towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t go out of control!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes as the mix works its magic. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Flush using Boiling Water
Remove the cover carefully and flush it out with hot water. This should clear any debris left behind and make sure that the water flows without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusty wire hanger:
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as much as possible, while keeping the other end with its original shape.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Create a small hook at the end of the wire that you have just straightened out.
Step 3: Fish 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 Vacuum Wet
If you’re able to access an air-tight vacuum This method could be for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set into "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Drainage
Make sure to cover any drains that have overflows using 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
Then, 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 |
FAQs
How do I know whether my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to empty or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet when you shower, it’s a sign that your drain could be completely or partially blocked. Also, a smell of rottenness coming from the shower area could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are the best natural methods to clear a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also try a mix of salt and baking soda followed by boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger may also help.
Can I employ chemical drain cleaners in order to unblock my shower drain?
It’s not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners because they contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the pipes in the long run. Chemicals can also damage the environment and pose health risk for those who handle the products improperly.
What should I do if I need to call a professional plumber about my shower drain that is blocked?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed to clear 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 should seek professional help are the water coming out of other toilets or drains, strange gurgling noises from pipes or odors of foul smells emanating from the drains even after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to get a blocked shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?
The cost of fixing an unblocking shower drain could differ based on the severity of the issue as well as where you reside. On average, it costs between $100 and $300 for a plumber to remove a shower drain. However, more serious cases that require pipe repair or replacements can cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be a hassle, but there are plenty of natural methods to try before resorting to harsh chemicals. Whether you choose baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, make sure you prevent future blockages by installing a hair strainer inside your shower and running hot water after every use, and avoid using grease down your drains. If these methods don’t perform, it could be time to get professional assistance. If you’re struggling with a difficult or declining plumbing problems at Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing now!
Additional Information
- Don't Let Blocked Pipes Ruin Your Routine: Efficient Drainage Remedies
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- The Dangers of Neglecting a Blocked Drain and What You Should Do
- Don't Panic: Tips for Handling a Blocked Toilet
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- Harnessing the Force of High Pressure Drain Cleaning
- Experience these proven solutions for unclogging your drain
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
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- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
