How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath only to discover that the water doesn’t drain then you’ll be aware of how frustrating it could be. It’s not just slowing down your morning routine, it also makes it more difficult to clean up when you’re done. While chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The good news is the fact that you have a lot of ways that you can unblock a shower drain, without the need for harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and even the environment.
- There are several natural methods to unblock a shower drain like baking soda or vinegar or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To make use of baking soda with vinegar, gather supplies, remove the drain cover and any debris, pour baking soda, followed by vinegar. Wait 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods to straighten wire hanger while leaving the other end as it was, create a hook at the end and insert it in the drain to fish hair and debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method switch the vacuum to "wet" mode then cover the drains of overflow with cloth or tape, attach hose creating an air-tight seal, then turn it on for 3 minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using hair strainers in your shower, and running hot water following each use, and not using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Gather Your Materials
To start you can gather 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 an e-brush or small brush to clean the hairs or any other obstruction around the drain’s edges. Wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda along with Vinegar
Put one cup baking soda in the sink, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Then cover this drain immediately using a cloth or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t fizz over the top!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes while the mixture works its magic. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Rinse using Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush the water with boiling. This should help clear any remaining debris 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 as straight as possible, while keeping one end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Make a small hook at the top of the wire that you have just straightened.
Step 3: Fish for Hair and Debris
Insert the hook into the drain and search for hair and debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you own dry or wet vacuums This method could be the best option for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum in "liquids" and "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Overflow Drain
Cover drains that are overflowing with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Connect the hose to your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and let it run for approximately three minutes. This will help clear any obstructions 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual to empty or if water is accumulating around your feet when you shower, it’s an indication that your drain could 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 unblock a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by baking soda and vinegar. You could also try a mix of salt and baking soda followed by boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger may also help.
Do I need to utilize chemical drain cleaners clear my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners as they are laden with harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the pipes over time. They can also be harmful to the environment and pose health hazards for those who handle them improperly.
When should I call a professional plumber about my blocked shower drain?
If DIY techniques don’t work in unblocking your shower drain, it’s best to contact a professional plumber such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing in Perth for assistance. Other signs that you need professional help are the appearance of water in the toilet or other drains, odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes, or foul odors coming out of the drains after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to get a clogged shower drain fixed by plumbing experts?
The price of repairing the problem of a blocked shower drain will vary depending 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 a shower drain. However, more serious cases which require pipe repair or replacements could be priced between $500 and $1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be difficult, but there are numerous natural methods to try before making the switch to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum be sure to avoid future blockages by making use of a hair strainer in your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after every use, and avoid using grease down your drains. If these strategies don’t perform, it could be the time to seek professional assistance. If you’re having trouble with persistent and persistent plumbing problems in Perth , contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing immediately!
Additional Information
- Benefits of Pipe Relining for Your Blocked Drains Problem
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
- Powerful Guidance for Clearing a Blocked Drain
- Troubleshooting Blocked Drains Plumbing Solutions and Tips
- Fix your blocked drain crisis with the top plumber available
- Letting You See What's Hiding Beneath Your Prospective Property: The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection
- Discover Why Blocked Drain Jetting is the Only Solution You Need
- Clear Your Drains with This Amazing DIY Guide Which is Effortless to Implement
- When Should You Call A Professional To Clear Your Blocked Drain?
