How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower only to discover that the water doesn’t drain and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it can be. Not only does it slow down your morning routine, it could also make it more difficult to clean up after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The positive side is that there are a lot of natural ways to unblock the shower drain without using harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners could harm pipes and even the environment.
- There are natural ways to unblock a shower drain for example, baking soda or vinegar or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- For the method of baking soda and vinegar: collect supplies, remove the drain cover and any garbage, pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Wait 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method Straighten the wire hanger while leaving the other end in its original form and then create a hook on the end, insert it inside the drain and let it catch hair and debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method: set vacuum to "wet" mode, cover overflow drains by a cloth or tape, connect the hose to create an airtight seal then turn it on for 3 minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower, and running hot water following each use and refraining from using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To start, gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover If you can, and then use an e-brush or small toothbrush to scrub dirt or hair around the drain’s edges. Make sure to wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
Place one teaspoon of baking soda into the drainage followed by one Cup of white vinegar. It is best to protect this drain immediately using a cloth or a towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t get into chaos!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes while the mixture is at work. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling, which means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean using Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush the water with boiling. This should help clear any remaining debris and allow your water to flow without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a reliable wire hanger:
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as straight as you can, but leave one end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Make a Hook
Make a hook that is small 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 as well as debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you’re in possession of an upright vacuum that is dry and wet the following method may be for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set to "liquids" and "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close Drainage
Cover any overflow drains with duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Attach the hose to your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start 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 Question
How do I know if my shower drains are clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than normal to empty or the water is getting swollen around your feet when you shower, it’s an indication that your drain is full or partial blocked. A sour smell emanating from the shower could indicate a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to clear a shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. You can also use a mix of salt and baking soda followed by boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger may also help.
Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners to unblock my shower drain?
It’s not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners because they are laden with toxic chemicals that can harm your pipes over time. These chemicals also can harm the environment and pose health risks for those who handle the products improperly.
When should I call an experienced plumber to fix my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY techniques don’t work to clear your shower drain, it’s best to call a professional plumber such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing in Perth to get help. Other indications that you require professional help are the water coming out of other toilets or drains, strange noises of pipes gurgling or the smell of rotten food coming from the drains despite cleaning them.
How much will it cost to get a clogged shower drain fixed by a plumber?
The cost for fixing the problem of a blocked shower drain will be different based on the severity of the issue as well as where you reside. On average, it costs between $100-$300 for a plumber to unblock the drain of a shower. However, more serious cases which require pipe repair or replacement can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be difficult, but there are numerous alternatives to try before resorting to 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 avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after each use, and refraining from spilling grease into your drains. If these strategies don’t succeed, it’s an appropriate time to seek professional assistance. If you’re struggling with a difficult or declining plumbing issues in Perth , contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing today!
Additional Information
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
- Discovering the Reasons Causes Blocked Drainage Systems
- Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business’ Plumbing Issues?
- Stop blockages easily with these incredible remedies
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Expert Tips on Choosing the Best Pipe Relining Material
- Stop the Block: A Decade of Tips for Preventing Blocked Drains in Your Home
- The Pros and Cons of DIY Drain Cleaning vs. Hiring a Professional
- Methods to Unblock a Bathroom Drain: The Step-by-Step Solution Necessary
- Plumbing Tips to Maintain Your Pipes Flowing Smoothly
