How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a shower and realized that the water doesn’t drain, you know how frustrating it can be. This not only slows the morning routine, however, it can be more difficult to clean up when you’re done. While chemical drain cleaners are occasionally effective, they can also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The positive side is there’s plenty of methods that are natural to unblock a shower drain, without the need for harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners could harm pipes and even the environment.
- There are several natural methods to clear a shower drain for example, baking soda, vinegar, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To make use of the method of baking soda and vinegar: collect supplies, remove the cover for draining and any debris, then pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Wait 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method Straighten the wire hanger and leave one end in its original form, create a hook at the end and insert it into the drain to catch hair and other debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method select the "wet" mode Cover drains that overflow with tape or cloth, join the hose and create an airtight seal. Turn off the vacuum after three minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower. Run hot water after every usage and avoiding using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Gather Your Materials
To begin to begin, collect the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover whenever possible. Use the small brush or toothbrush to remove dirt or hair the drain’s edges. Be sure to wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
Put one cup baking soda in the sink followed by one Cup of white vinegar. Then cover your drain immediately with a cloth or rag so that the reaction doesn’t fizz over the top!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes as the mix is at work. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean with Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush it out with hot water. This will clear any debris that remains and make sure that the water flows without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusted wire hanger
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger to the greatest extent as possible, leaving one end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Design an Hook
Create a small hook on the top of the wire that you have just straightened.
Step 3: Search for hair and Debris
Hook it into the drain and search for hairs and debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you own dry or wet vacuums This method could be for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum into "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Overflow Drain
Cover drains that are overflowing with either duct tape or wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Attach the hose to your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Then, turn on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This should help remove any obstructions from 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I tell whether my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to fill or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet while you shower, it’s a sign that your drain could be completely or partially blocked. Also, a smell of rottenness emanating from the shower could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock the shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by baking soda and vinegar. You could also make a mixture of salt and baking soda, followed by boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger can also aid.
Do I need to employ chemical drain cleaners in order to remove the blockage in my shower?
It’s not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners because they are laden with toxic chemicals that can harm your pipes over time. Chemicals can also damage the environment and pose health hazards for those who handle the products improperly.
When should I get in touch with an experienced plumber to fix my blocked shower drain?
If the DIY method doesn’t work in unblocking your shower drain, it’s best to get a professional plumber like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing in Sydney to get help. Other indicators that you may require professional help include the water coming out of other toilets or drains, weird gurgling sounds from pipes or odors of foul smells emanating out of the drains after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to fix a clogged shower drain cleared by an experienced plumber?
The cost for fixing an unblocking shower drain could differ based on the severity of the issue and the location you reside. In the average, it will cost between $100 and $300 for a plumber to remove the shower drain. However, more severe situations which require pipe repair or replacement could be priced between $500 and $1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be stressful, 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 ensure you take the necessary steps to prevent future blockages by using a hair strainer within your shower and running hot water after every use, and avoid using grease down your drains. If none of these solutions work, it may be time to get professional assistance. If you’re struggling with a difficult or declining plumbing problems at Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing today!
Additional Information
- Expert Plumbers' Manual to Clogged Pipes
- Methods to Unblock a Shower Drain: The Step-by-Step Fix Necessary
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Tips and Solutions
- The Ultimate Guide to Prevent Drain Blockages
- The Guide to Finding & Pinpointing a Obstructed Pipe
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- An Easy DIY Guide to Unclogging Your Blocked Drains
- D. I.Y Drain Cleaning: The Risks and Benefits Compared to Professional Solutions
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
