How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower only to discover that the water isn’t draining it, you’re aware of how annoying it is. This not only slows the morning routine, however, it can be more difficult to clean when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners are occasionally effective, they can also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The good news lies in the a lot of ways that you can unblock the shower drain without using harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and the environment.
- There are many natural methods to get rid of the blockage in a shower for example, baking soda and vinegar and a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- For the method of baking soda and vinegar: Gather ingredients, unblock the drain cover and other debris, pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Allow 30 minutes then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method Straighten the wire hanger, leaving the other end in its original form and then create a hook on the end, insert it into the drain to fish hair and other debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method Set the vacuum in "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing by a cloth or tape, attach hose creating an air-tight seal. Turn on the vacuum for 3 minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower. You can also run hot water after every use and avoiding using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To start take the following steps:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Take off the shower drain cover as much as you can and use an e-brush or small brush to clean all hair and other particles the drain’s edges. Make sure to wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cups of vinegar. Then cover the drain immediately using a cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t go over the top!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes as the mix performs its magic. There should be some sound and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Flush using Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush the water with boiling. This will help remove any debris that remains and allow your water to flow without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a sturdy wire hanger:
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as straight as you can while leaving one end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Make a Hook
Make a small hook at the end of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Look for hair and Debris
Hook it into the drain and search looking for hairs and debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you own an air-tight vacuum the following method may be the best option for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum on "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
2. Cover Overflow Drain
Cover drains that are overflowing with duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to Drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, creating an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Switch on the vacuum and allow it to run for approximately three minutes. This will help clear any blockages 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 |
Frequently Asked Question
What can I tell if my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than normal to empty or if water is accumulating around your feet when you shower, it’s an indication that your drain may be partially or fully clogged. Additionally, a foul odor emanating from the shower may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to clear a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also make a mixture of baking soda and salt, followed by boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger could also be helpful.
Do I need to use chemical drain cleaners to unblock my shower drain?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners as they contain harmful chemicals that could harm the pipes over time. They can also be harmful to the surroundings and pose health risks for those who handle them in a way that isn’t safe.
When should I get in touch with a professional plumber for my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY methods don’t work in clearing the shower drain, it’s recommended to contact a professional plumber like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing in Sydney for assistance. Other indications that you require professional help include the appearance of water in the toilet or other drains, strange noises of pipes gurgling or smells that are foul from drains, even after cleaning them.
What is the 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 as well as where you reside. It is typically between $100-$300 for a plumber to unblock the drain of a shower. However, more severe situations that require pipe repairs or replacement can cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be stressful, but there are a variety of ways to tackle the problem without resorting to harsh chemicals. Whatever you decide to do, whether baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum, remember to take steps to prevent future blockages by making use of a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water after each use, and refraining from using grease down your drains. If none of these options work, it may be an appropriate time to seek professional help. If you’re having trouble with persistent and persistent plumbing issues at Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing now!
Additional Information
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- DIY Plumbing Cleaning: Effective Tips for Avoiding Clogs in Your House
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
- An Easy DIY Guide to Unclogging Your Blocked Drains
- Don’t Get Caught Unprepared! What You Need to Do Before a CCTV Drain Inspection
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- Bid Farewell to Blocked Pipes: Straightforward Hacks to Follow
- Methods to Unblock a Shower Drain: The Step-by-Step Fix Necessary
- CCTV Drain Inspection Technology: Detecting Corrosion in Sewer Pipes
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
