How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower only to realize that the water isn’t draining and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it could be. Not only does it slow the morning routine, it could also make it difficult to clean after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are occasionally effective, they could also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news is the fact that you have a lot of natural methods to clear a shower drain without using harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes and the environment.
- There are natural ways to unblock a shower drain like vinegar and baking soda as well as a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To use the baking soda method and vinegar: Gather materials, take off the drain cover and any garbage, pour baking soda, followed by vinegar. Allow 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method Straighten the wire hanger while leaving the other end as it was and then create a hook on the end, insert it inside the drain and let it catch hair and other debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method Set the vacuum in "wet" mode then cover the drains of overflow using cloth or tape. attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal. Then turn to the mode for three minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use hair strainers in your shower, running hot water after each use and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To begin to begin, collect the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover if possible and use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub all hair and other particles the edges of the drain. Wear rubber gloves when you need to.
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. It is best to protect this drain immediately with a cloth or a towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t explode beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes as the mix does its work. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean with Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush the water with boiling. This will clear all debris remaining and help ensure that your water is flowing smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a sturdy wire hanger:
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out the wire hanger as far as possible, leaving the other end with its original shape.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Make a small hook at the top of the wire you straightened.
Step 3: Go fishing for Hair and Debris
Hook it into the drain and look looking for hair and debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you’re able to access a wet/dry vacuum the following method may be the best option for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum into "liquids" and "wet" mode.
2. Cover Drainage
Cover any overflow drains with either duct tape or wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, creating an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and allow it to run for approximately three minutes. This will help clear 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 |
FAQ
What can I tell if my shower drains are blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual time to empty, or water is pooling around your feet as you shower, it’s an indication that your drain might be full or partial blocked. A sour smell coming from the shower area may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to free a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by baking soda and vinegar. You can also use a mix of baking soda and salt, followed by boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger can also aid.
Do I need to employ chemical drain cleaners in order to unblock my shower drain?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners since they are laden with toxic chemicals that can harm the pipes in the long run. These chemicals also can harm the environment and pose health risk to those who use them incorrectly.
What should I do if I need to call an experienced plumber to fix my blocked shower drain?
If DIY techniques don’t work to clear your shower drain, it’s best to speak with a professional plumbing company like Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing in Perth for assistance. Other signs that you should seek professional assistance include the appearance of water in other toilets or drains, weird gurgling sounds from pipes or the smell of rotten food coming out of the drains after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to fix a clogged shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?
The cost for fixing the problem of a blocked shower drain will be different based on the severity of the issue and where you reside. In the average, it will cost between $100 and $300 for a plumber to unblock a shower drain. However, more extreme cases which require pipe repair or replacement can cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be stressful it is, however, there are plenty of natural methods to try before making the switch to harsh chemicals. Whether you choose baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum remember to take steps to keep your drains from becoming blocked by installing a hair strainer inside your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after every use, and avoid pouring grease into your drains. If none of these solutions work, it’s the time to seek professional help. If you’re having trouble with persistent or persistent plumbing issues within Perth , contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing immediately!
Additional Information
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
- Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
- Everything You Need to Know About Unblocking Drains and Avoiding Plumbing Problems
- Ensuring the Longevity of Your Business's Pipes with Regular Drain Inspections
- Avoid Drain Blockages: Tips to Steer Clear of These 5 Common Triggers
- Methods to Unblock a Bathroom Drain: The Step-by-Step Solution Necessary
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Save Money with These Simple Drain Maintenance Techniques
- Discovering the Reasons Causes Blocked Drainage Systems
- Fix your blocked drain crisis with the top plumber available
