How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower only to find that the water hasn’t been draining it, you’re aware of how annoying it is. It’s not just slowing the morning routine, it also makes it harder to clean up after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The positive side lies in the plenty of natural ways to unblock the shower drain, without the need for harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and the environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to clear a shower drain, such as using baking soda, vinegar and a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- Use baking soda and vinegar method, gather supplies, remove drain cover and garbage, pour baking soda and vinegar. Wait for 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method: straighten out wire hanger and leave the other end as it was, create a hook at the end and insert it down the drain, and then use it to pull hair and other debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums Set the vacuum in "wet" mode, cover overflow drains with cloth or tape, connect the hose to create an airtight seal. Turn to the mode for three minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower, running hot water following each use and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down 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 cloth or rag
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover whenever possible. Use an e-brush or small brush to clean any hair or other debris the drain’s edges. Make sure you wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one Cup of white vinegar. Cover with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately with a clean cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t get beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes while the mixture works its magic. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Drain with Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush with boiling water. This should clear any debris that remains and get your water flowing without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusted wire hanger
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger to the greatest extent as you can while leaving one end in its original shape.
Step 2: Design an Hook
Make a small hook at the end of the wire that you have just straightened.
Step 3: Search for hair and Debris
Hook it into the drain and look for hair and debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you own an upright vacuum that is dry and wet, this method might be for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set to "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Overflow Drain
Cover any overflow drains with the use of duct tape or a damp cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This should help remove any blockages 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 |
FAQs
How do I know if my shower drains are blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to empty, or water is pooling around your feet while you shower, it’s an indication that your drain could be either completely or partially clogged. Also, a smell of rottenness emanating from the shower could be an indication of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to free a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. You can also use the mixture of salt and baking soda followed by boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger may also help.
Can I utilize chemical drain cleaners free my shower?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners as they are laden with harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes over time. These chemicals also can harm the environment and pose health risks to those who use them improperly.
What should I do if I need to call a professional plumber about my blocked shower drain?
If the DIY method doesn’t work in clearing your shower drain, it’s best to get a professional plumber like Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing in Perth for assistance. Other signs that you should seek professional help include water leaking out of the toilet or other drains, strange gurgling noises from pipes or odors of foul smells emanating from the drains despite cleaning them.
How much will it cost to get a blocked shower drain cleared by a plumber?
The cost of fixing an unblocking shower drain could be different based on the severity of the issue and the location you live. In the average, it will cost between $100-$300 for a plumber to unblock a shower drain. However, more severe cases which require pipe repair or replacements could be priced between $500 and $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be stressful and time-consuming, but there are plenty of ways to tackle the problem without using harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, be sure to avoid future blockages by installing a hair strainer inside your shower or shower, and then running hot water following every use, and not the practice of pouring grease down your drains. If none of these solutions perform, it could be an appropriate time to seek professional assistance. If you’re having trouble with persistent or persistent plumbing issues at Perth , contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing now!
Additional Information
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Ensuring the Longevity of Your Business's Pipes with Regular Drain Inspections
- Letting You See What's Hiding Beneath Your Prospective Property: The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection
- Benefits of Pipe Relining for Your Blocked Drains Problem
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business� Plumbing Issues?
- Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
- Fix your blocked drain crisis with the top plumber available
