How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a shower only to find that the water hasn’t been draining and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it can be. Not only can it slow down your morning routine however, it can be harder to clean up after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be occasionally effective, they can also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The positive side is that there are a lot of ways that you can unblock the shower drain without using harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners could harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are natural ways to get rid of the blockage in a shower for example, baking soda, vinegar and a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To use the method of baking soda and vinegar: Gather supplies, remove the drain cover and any debris, then pour baking soda and vinegar. Wait 30 minutes then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method to straighten wire hanger while leaving one end as it was and then create a hook on the top, and then place it inside the drain to catch hair and debris out.
- For wet/dry vacuums Set the vacuum in "wet" mode, cover overflow drains with tape or cloth, attach hose creating an air-tight seal. Then turn off the vacuum after 3 minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower, and running hot water following each use and avoiding running grease down your drains.
Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To begin take the following steps:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Take off the shower drain cover if possible and use the small brush or toothbrush to remove any hair or other debris the edges of the drain. Be sure to wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda and Vinegar
Place one teaspoon of baking soda into the drainage, followed by a cup white vinegar. Cover your drain immediately with a cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t get beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes while the mixture does its work. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean using Boiling Water
Remove the cover carefully and flush it out with hot water. This will help remove all debris remaining and help get your water flowing smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a reliable wire hanger:
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out the wire hanger as far as you can, but leave one end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Make a small hook at the end of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Search for Hair and Debris
Insert the hook into the drain and search looking for hair and debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you’re able to access an upright vacuum that is dry and wet This method could be the best option for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set in "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Overflow Drain
Cover any overflow drains with duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Attach the hose onto your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Switch on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This should help remove any blockages in 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 |
FAQs
What can I tell when my shower drain has become clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to empty or the water is getting swollen on your feet during your shower, it’s a sign that your drain may be completely or partially blocked. Also, a smell of rottenness emanating from the shower could be an indication of a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to free a shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. It is also possible to use a mixture of baking soda and salt and boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger may also help.
Do I need to employ chemical drain cleaners in order to unblock my shower drain?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners because they contain harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes over time. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health risks for those who handle them in a way that isn’t safe.
What should I do if I need to call a professional plumber for my blocked shower drain?
If DIY techniques don’t work in unblocking your shower drain, it’s best to call a professional plumber like Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing in Perth for help. Other signs that you should seek professional help include water leaking out of other drains or toilets strange gurgling noises from pipes or the smell of rotten food coming from the drains despite cleaning them.
What is the cost to have a blocked shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?
The price of repairing an unblocking shower drain could differ depending on the extent of the issue and where you reside. On average, it costs between $100-$300 for a plumber to unblock the drain of a shower. However, more severe situations that require pipe repairs or replacements could cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be stressful however there are numerous alternatives to try before using harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum remember to take steps to avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer within your shower and running hot water after each use, and refraining from spilling grease down your drains. If none of these options work, it’s an appropriate time to seek professional assistance. If you’re struggling with a difficult or persistent plumbing issues within Perth , contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing now!
Additional Information
- Methods to Unblock a Bathroom Drain: The Step-by-Step Solution Necessary
- Discover Why Blocked Drain Jetting is the Only Solution You Need
- Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
- Your Ultimate Guide to Clearing and Unblocking Clogged Drains with Ease
- 10 Tricks for Keeping Your Drains Blockage-Free
- When Should You Call A Professional To Clear Your Blocked Drain?
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- Stop the Block: A Decade of Tips for Preventing Blocked Drains in Your Home
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
- Cut Costs and Hassle with Trenchless Pipe Replacement for Condos
