How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower and realized that the water isn’t draining, you know how frustrating it is. This not only slows the morning routine, it could also make it more difficult to clean up after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news is the fact that you have a lot of natural methods to clear a shower drain, without the need for harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes as well as the environment.
- There are many natural methods to unblock the drain of a shower, such as using vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum.
- Use baking soda and vinegar method: gather items, clean the cover for draining and any garbage, pour baking soda, followed by vinegar. Allow 30 minutes then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method use a straight wire hanger leaving one end in its original shape Make a hook at the end and insert it into the drain to catch hair and debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method Set the vacuum in "wet" mode then cover the drains of overflow using cloth or tape. attach hose creating an air-tight seal, then turn on the vacuum for 3 minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower, and running hot water after every use and avoiding running grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To begin to begin, collect 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 whenever possible. Use an e-brush or small brush to clean the hairs or any other obstruction the drain’s edges. Wear rubber gloves in the event of need.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
Place one teaspoon of baking soda into the drainage followed by one Cup of white vinegar. Then cover this 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 while the mixture does its work. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling, which means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean using Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush with boiling water. This will help remove all debris remaining and help get your water flowing freely.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusty wire hanger:
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger to the greatest extent as you can, but leave the other end with its original shape.
Step 2: Make a Hook
Make a small hook at the end of the wire you just straightened.
Step 3: Fish for hair and Debris
Insert the hook into the drain, and then fish for hairs and debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re in possession of dry or wet vacuums This method could be for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum to "liquids" or "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Overflow Drain
Make sure to cover any drains that have overflows using duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Connect the hose to your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Then, turn on the vacuum and let it run for approximately three minutes. This should eliminate any obstructions in 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 & Answers
How do I know when my shower drain has become clogged?
If your shower takes longer than usual time to empty, or water is pooling around your feet while you shower, it’s an indication that your drain could be partially or fully clogged. In addition, an unpleasant odor coming from the shower area could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are some natural ways to unblock the shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed with baking soda, vinegar and. You could also try an amalgamation of baking soda and salt followed by boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger could also be helpful.
Do I need to utilize chemical drain cleaners clear my shower?
It’s not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners since they contain toxic chemicals that can harm your pipes over time. Chemicals can also damage the environment and pose health risk to those who handle the products improperly.
What should I do if I need to call a professional plumber about my blocked shower drain?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed in clearing your shower drain, you should to get a professional plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing in Sydney for help. Other indicators that you may require assistance from a professional include the appearance of water in the toilet or other drains, odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes or the smell of rotten food coming out of the drains after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to have a blocked shower drain cleared by an experienced plumber?
The cost for fixing blocked shower drains can vary depending on the severity of the issue and where you live. It is typically between $100-$300 for a plumber to remove the drain of a shower. However, more severe situations that require pipe repair or replacement could cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be a hassle, but there are a variety of alternatives to try before turning to harsh chemicals. If you decide to use baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum remember to take steps to keep your drains from becoming blocked by installing a hair strainer inside your shower, running hot water after each use, and avoiding pouring grease down your drains. If none of these solutions work, it may be time to get professional assistance. If you’re dealing with stubborn or having trouble with plumbing problems at Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing today!
Additional Information
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- Identifying the Sources of Drain Obstructions
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- Stop Blockages Before They Happen: A Decade of Methods to Prevent Blocked Drains
- Preventing Leaks and Blockages: Understanding Pipe Relining Services
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Tips and Solutions
