How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath and realized that the water doesn’t drain, you know how frustrating it can be. This not only slows the morning routine, but it can also be more difficult to clean when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The good news is there’s plenty of natural ways to unblock a shower drain, without the need for harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and the environment.
- There are many natural methods to unblock the drain of a shower, such as using baking soda or vinegar, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum.
- For baking soda and vinegar method: collect items, clean the cover for draining and any garbage, pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Wait for 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method to straighten wire hanger, leaving one end in its original shape and then create a hook on the end, insert it inside the drain to fish hair and debris out.
- For wet/dry vacuums Set the vacuum in "wet" mode Cover drains that overflow with cloth or tape, connect the hose to create an airtight seal. Then turn to the mode for 3 minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower, and running hot water after every use and refraining from pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To begin 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 the small brush or toothbrush to scrub dirt or hair from around the drain’s edges. Wear rubber gloves in the event of need.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda along with Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain, followed by one Cup of white vinegar. Then cover this drain immediately using a cloth or rag so that the reaction doesn’t fizz into chaos!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes as the mix performs its magic. There should be a sound of 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 should clear any debris that remains and make sure that the water flows without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusted wire hanger
Step 1 1. Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as much as possible, leaving the other end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Make a hook that is small at the top of the wire that you have just straightened.
Step 3: Look for hair and Debris
Insert the hook into the drain and fish around for hair as well as debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re in possession of an upright vacuum that is dry and wet it could be for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum into "liquids" and "wet" mode.
2. Cover Drainage
Cover drains that are overflowing with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Connect the hose to your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Then, turn on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This should eliminate any blockages in the drain of your shower.
| 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 can I tell if my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than usual time to empty or the water is getting swollen on your feet during your shower, it’s an indication that your drain might be full or partial blocked. Also, a smell of rottenness coming from the shower area could indicate a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to unblock the shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed with baking soda, vinegar and. You can also use the mixture of baking soda and salt followed by boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger may also help.
Can I utilize chemical drain cleaners clear my shower?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners because they contain toxic chemicals that can harm the pipes in the long run. Chemicals can also damage the surroundings and pose health risks for those who handle them improperly.
When should I contact a professional plumber for my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY techniques don’t work in clearing the shower drain, it’s recommended to contact a professional plumber such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing in Perth for help. Other indications that you require professional help include the appearance of water in the toilet or other drains, odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes, or foul odors coming from drains, even after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to get a clogged shower drain cleared by an experienced plumber?
The cost of fixing an unblocking shower drain could differ depending on the extent of the issue and where you live. On average, it costs between $100 and $300 for a plumber who can unblock the drain of a shower. However, more severe cases that require pipe repairs or replacements could cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be frustrating it is, however, there are plenty of ways to tackle the problem without resorting to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger, or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, ensure you take the necessary steps to keep your drains from becoming blocked by using a hair strainer in your shower and running hot water after every use, and not pouring grease into your drains. If none of these solutions succeed, it’s time to get professional help. If you’re dealing with stubborn or having trouble with plumbing issues in Perth , contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing immediately!
Additional Information
- Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
- When to Call a Professional for Blocked Drains: A Guide
- Powerful Guidance for Clearing a Blocked Drain
- Benefits of Pipe Relining for Your Blocked Drains Problem
- Stop the Block: A Decade of Tips for Preventing Blocked Drains in Your Home
- When Should You Call A Professional To Clear Your Blocked Drain?
- Plumbing Tips to Maintain Your Pipes Flowing Smoothly
- Your Ultimate Guide to Clearing and Unblocking Clogged Drains with Ease
- Ensuring the Longevity of Your Business's Pipes with Regular Drain Inspections
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Expert Tips on Choosing the Best Pipe Relining Material
