How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a shower only to discover that the water doesn’t drain it, you’re aware of how annoying it could be. Not only can it slow the morning routine, however, it can be difficult to clean after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The positive side is that there are plenty of ways that you can unblock a shower drain without resorting to harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and even the environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to clear a shower drain by using vinegar and baking soda and a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To use baking soda with vinegar: collect materials, take off the drain cover and other debris, pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Wait 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods use a straight wire hanger leaving the other end in its original form Create a hook at the end, then insert it into the drain, and then use it to pull hair and debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums switch the vacuum to "wet" mode, cover overflow drains using cloth or tape. attach hose creating an air-tight seal. Then turn to the mode for 3 minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use hair strainers in your shower. Run hot water following each usage and avoiding running grease down your drains.
Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To begin to begin, collect the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Remove the shower drain cover if possible and use a small brush or toothbrush to remove the hairs or any other obstruction the edges of the drain. Wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup white vinegar. Make sure to cover the drain immediately with a towel or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t explode out of control!
Step 4: Wait
It should take about 30 minutes as the mix does its work. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling, which means it’s working!
Step 5: Flush using Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush it with boiling water. This should help clear any debris that remains and ensure that your water is flowing freely.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a reliable wire hanger:
Step 1 1. Straighten It Out
Straighten out the wire hanger as far as possible, while keeping the other end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Make a Hook
Create a small hook at the end of the wire that you just straightened out.
Step 3: Look for Hair and Debris
Insert the hook into the drain and search looking for hair as well as debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you’re able to access dry or wet vacuums, this method might be the best option for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum in "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Overflow Drain
Overflow drains should be covered with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Connect the hose to the drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Then, turn on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This should eliminate any blockages in 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 Question
How can I tell if my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to fill 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. Additionally, a foul odor emanating from the shower could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are some natural ways to unblock the shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. You can also use a mix of baking soda and salt followed by boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger might also help.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners to free my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners because they contain toxic chemicals that can harm your pipes in the long run. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health risks for those who use them improperly.
When should I call a professional plumber for my shower drain that is blocked?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed in clearing your shower drain, it’s recommended to speak with a professional plumbing company such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing in Sydney for help. Other signs that you need professional help include the water coming 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 have a blocked shower drain cleared by an experienced plumber?
The cost of fixing a blocked shower drain can be different based on the severity of the problem and where you reside. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber who can unblock the drain of a shower. However, more severe cases which require pipe repair or replacement could be priced between $500 and $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be stressful it is, however, there are numerous ways to tackle the problem without turning to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum make sure you stop future blockages using a hair strainer in your shower and running hot water after each use, and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down your drains. If these strategies don’t perform, it could be the time to seek professional assistance. If you’re dealing with stubborn or having trouble with plumbing problems at Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing today!
Additional Information
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Tips and Solutions
- Experience these proven solutions for unclogging your drain
- 5 Factors That Are Clogging Your Drains and How to Avoid Them
- Expert Plumbers' Manual to Clogged Pipes
- CCTV Drain Inspection Technology: Detecting Corrosion in Sewer Pipes
- An Easy DIY Guide to Unclogging Your Blocked Drains
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
- Identifying the Sources of Drain Obstructions
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
