How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower and realized that the water isn’t draining and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it can be. Not only can it slow the morning routine, it could also make it more difficult to clean after you’re finished. While chemical drain cleaners are occasionally effective, they can also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The positive side is that there are a lot of ways that you can unblock the shower drain, without the need for harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and even the environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to clear a shower drain by using baking soda or vinegar or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To use the method of baking soda and vinegar: collect ingredients, unblock the drain cover and any debris, pour baking soda and vinegar. Wait 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods Straighten the wire hanger leaving one end in its original form Create a hook at the end, then insert it down the drain, and then use it to pull hair and other debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums select the "wet" mode Cover drains that overflow with cloth or tape, join the hose and create an airtight seal. Then turn to the mode for three minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower, and running hot water after every use and refraining from using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
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
Get rid of the shower drain cover If you can, and then use tiny brushes or a toothbrush to remove all hair and other particles around the edges of the drain. Be sure to wear rubber gloves, if needed.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda along with 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 with a clean cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t go over the top!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes as the mix does its work. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean using Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush it with boiling water. This will clear all debris remaining and help ensure that your water is flowing smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusty wire hanger:
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as straight as you can while leaving one end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Create a small hook on the top of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Look for Hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain, and then fish looking for hair or debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you have access to dry or wet vacuums the following method may be for you:
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum in "liquids" or "wet" mode.
2. Cover Overflow Drain
Cover drains that are overflowing with duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Connect the hose to the drain, making an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Switch on the vacuum and allow it to run for approximately three minutes. This should help remove any blockages from 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my shower drains are clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to fill, or water is pooling around your feet while you shower, it’s an indication that your drain might be either completely or partially clogged. Additionally, a foul odor coming from the shower area could indicate a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to clear a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also try a mixture of salt and baking soda, followed by boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger might also help.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners to free my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners since they contain harsh chemicals that can damage the pipes in the long run. Chemicals can also damage the surroundings and pose health risks to those who use them incorrectly.
When should I call an experienced plumber to fix my blocked shower drain?
If DIY methods don’t work to clear your shower drain, it’s recommended to get a professional plumber like Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing in Sydney for help. Other indicators that you may require assistance from a professional include the appearance of water in other toilets or drains, strange noises of pipes gurgling or smells that are foul from the drains despite cleaning them.
How much does it cost to get a clogged shower drain cleared by a plumber?
The price of repairing a blocked shower drain can vary depending on the severity of the problem and where you live. In the average, it will cost between $100-$300 for a plumber to clear the drain of a shower. However, more severe cases which require pipe repair or replacements could cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be a hassle and time-consuming, but there are a variety of ways to tackle the problem without resorting to harsh chemicals. Whatever you decide to do, whether baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum, be sure to stop future blockages using a hair strainer within your shower or shower, and then running hot water following every use, and avoid using grease into your drains. If these strategies don’t work, it’s time to call in professional assistance. If you’re having trouble with persistent or having trouble with plumbing issues at Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing today!
Additional Information
- When to Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Fix Your Pipe with These Easy Methods: Tips and Tricks
- Discover the Best Pipe Relining Materials for Your Plumbing Needs
- Welcome to clear drains with these powerful remedies
- A Guide to Locating and Pinpointing a Obstructed Pipe
- The Professional's Guide to Clearing Blocked Drains in Your Home
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business� Plumbing Issues?
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Future of Drain Cleaning Industry
- Clean Drains, Happy Home: 10 Methods to Maintain Your Pipes Unclogged and Unobstructed
- Plumbing Tips to Keep Your Pipes Running Smoothly
