How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath only to discover that the water isn’t draining it, you’re aware of how annoying it is. Not only does it slow the morning routine, however, it can be more difficult to clean after having finished. While chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The good news is there’s plenty of methods that are natural to unblock the shower drain without using harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes as well as the environment.
- There are natural ways to get rid of the blockage in a shower, such as using baking soda, vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To use baking soda and vinegar method: gather ingredients, unblock the cover for draining and any obstructions, and pour baking soda, followed by vinegar. Allow 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method Straighten the wire hanger, leaving the other end as it was Create a hook at the top, and then place it in the drain to fish hair and other debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method Set the vacuum in "wet" mode, cover overflow drains with tape or cloth, connect the hose to create an airtight seal. Then turn on the vacuum for 3 minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using a hair strainer in your shower. You can also run hot water after each use and refraining from pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Gather Your Materials
To start, gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Take off the shower drain cover If you can, and then use a small brush or toothbrush to remove dirt or hair around the edges of the drain. Be sure to wear rubber gloves, if needed.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
Put one cup baking soda in the sink, followed by a cup white vinegar. Cover the drain immediately with a clean cloth or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t get over the top!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes while the mixture does its work. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Drain with Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush it with boiling water. This will help remove any remaining debris and allow your water to flow smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a sturdy wire hanger
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as much as you can, but leave the other end in its original shape.
Step 2: Create a Hook
Make a hook that is small at the top of the wire you just straightened.
Step 3: Look for Hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and look to look for hairs and debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you have access to a wet/dry vacuum the following method may be for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set into "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Drainage
Overflow drains should be covered with duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start the vacuum, and allow it to run for approximately three minutes. This should help remove any blockages from the drain of your shower.
| 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
How can I tell when my shower drain has become blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual to empty or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet when 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 some natural ways to unblock a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and salt and boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger might also help.
Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners to free my shower?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners since they contain harmful chemicals that could harm the pipes over time. These chemicals also can harm the environment and pose health risks for those who handle them incorrectly.
When should I get in touch with a professional plumber for my blocked shower drain?
If DIY techniques don’t work in unblocking your shower drain, it’s recommended to call a professional plumber like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing in Sydney for help. Other signs that you should seek professional help are the appearance of water in other drains or toilets, strange noises of pipes gurgling or the smell of rotten food coming from drains, even after cleaning them.
What is the cost to get a blocked shower drain fixed by a plumber?
The price of repairing an unblocking shower drain could be different based on the severity of the problem and where you reside. On average, it costs between $100-$300 for a plumber to clear the shower drain. However, more extreme cases that require pipe repairs or replacement could cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be stressful, but there are a variety of ways to tackle the problem without turning to harsh chemicals. Whatever you decide to do, whether baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, make sure you avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after every use, and not using grease down your drains. If none of these solutions work, it may be an appropriate time to seek professional help. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble and persistent plumbing issues within Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing now!
Additional Information
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- Methods to Unblock a Shower Drain: The Step-by-Step Fix Necessary
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- Expert Plumbers' Manual to Clogged Pipes
- Stop Blockages Before They Happen: A Decade of Methods to Prevent Blocked Drains
- Effective Tips and Tricks for Fixing a Blocked Drain
- Preventing Leaks and Blockages: Understanding Pipe Relining Services
- CCTV Drain Inspection Technology: Detecting Corrosion in Sewer Pipes
- The Dangers of Neglecting a Blocked Drain and What You Should Do
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
