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 hasn’t been draining then you’ll be aware of how frustrating it could be. Not only does it slow down your morning routine however, it can be difficult to clean after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The good news is the fact that you have a lot of ways that you can unblock the shower drain without resorting to harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and even the environment.
- There are many natural methods to clear a shower drain for example, baking soda or vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To use the method of baking soda and vinegar: collect supplies, remove the cover for draining and any debris, pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Wait 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods Straighten the wire hanger leaving the other end in its original shape Create a hook at the end and insert it down the drain to fish hair and debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums: set vacuum to "wet" mode Cover drains that overflow by a cloth or tape, attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal then turn to the mode for three minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower. Run hot water after every use and avoiding using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To begin take the following steps:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Clean the shower drain whenever possible. Use an e-brush or small toothbrush to remove the hairs or any other obstruction from around the drain’s edges. Make sure to wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
Put one cup baking soda in the sink followed by a cups of vinegar. Then cover your drain immediately with a cloth or a towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t fizz out of control!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes while the mixture does its work. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Flush using Boiling Water
Remove the cover carefully and flush the water with boiling. This should clear any debris that remains and get your water flowing smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusty wire hanger:
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten out the wire hanger as far as you can, but leave the other end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Create a Hook
Create a small hook on the top of the wire that you just straightened out.
Step 3: Fish for hair and Debris
Insert the hook into the drain and look looking for hairs and debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you own a wet/dry vacuum it could be for you:
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum on "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
2. Cover Drainage
Cover drains that are overflowing with the use of duct tape or a damp cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Attach the hose to your drain, making an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Then, turn on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This will help clear any obstructions from 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 when my shower drain has become clogged?
If your shower takes longer than usual to fill or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet when you shower, it’s an indication that your drain is partially or fully clogged. Additionally, a foul odor emanating from the shower could indicate a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to unblock the shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. It is also possible to use the mixture of salt and baking soda followed by boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger could also be helpful.
Do I need to employ chemical drain cleaners in order to unblock my shower drain?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they contain harmful chemicals that could harm the pipes over time. They can also be harmful to the environment and pose health risks for those who handle them in a way that isn’t safe.
When should I contact a professional plumber for my blocked shower drain?
If DIY techniques don’t work in clearing your shower drain, it’s best to contact a professional plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing in Sydney for assistance. Other indications that you require professional assistance include water leaking out of the toilet or other drains, strange noises of pipes gurgling or smells that are foul from drains, even after cleaning them.
What is the cost to get a clogged shower drain fixed by plumbing experts?
The cost to fix the problem of a blocked shower drain will differ based on the severity of the issue and where you reside. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber to clear the drain of a shower. However, more severe cases which require pipe repair or replacement could be priced between $500 and $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be stressful, but there are a variety of ways to tackle the problem without turning to harsh chemicals. Whatever you decide to do, whether baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, remember to take steps to prevent future blockages by installing a hair strainer inside your shower, running hot water after each use, and refraining from pouring grease into your drains. If these strategies don’t succeed, it’s time to call in professional assistance. If you’re having trouble with persistent or persistent plumbing issues at Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing immediately!
Additional Information
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- From A to Z Tricks for Cleaning Your Plumbing and Maintaining a Clog-Free House
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- When to Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- Cut Costs and Hassle with Trenchless Pipe Replacement for Condos
- A Guide to Locating and Pinpointing a Obstructed Pipe
- Troubleshooting Blocked Drains Plumbing Tips & Solutions
- The Dangers of Neglecting a Blocked Drain and What You Should Do
- End Clogged Pipes Now: Professional Tips to Try Immediately
