How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower and realized that the water isn’t draining, you know how frustrating it is. This not only slows down your morning routine however, it can be harder to clean up after having finished. While chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The good news is there’s a lot of natural ways to unblock the shower drain, without the need for harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and the environment.
- There are many natural methods to unblock a shower drain like baking soda or vinegar or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- For baking soda with vinegar: gather ingredients, unblock the drain cover and any garbage, pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Wait for 30 minutes then flush with boiling water.
- Method for hanging wire to straighten wire hanger while leaving one end in its original shape and then create a hook on the end, then insert it into the drain to catch hair and debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method select the "wet" mode then cover the drains of overflow with cloth or tape, join the hose and create an airtight seal. Then turn to the mode for 3 minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower. You can also run hot water following each use and refraining from running grease down 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: Clean the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover as much as you can and use an e-brush or small toothbrush to remove all hair and other particles the edges of the drain. Make sure to wear rubber gloves, if needed.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda along with Vinegar
Put one cup baking soda in the sink followed by a Cup of white vinegar. It is best to protect your drain immediately with a towel or rag so that the reaction doesn’t explode into chaos!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes while the mixture does its work. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Flush using Boiling Water
Remove the cover carefully and flush it with boiling water. This should help clear any remaining debris and make sure that the water flows freely.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusty wire hanger:
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten the wire hanger as far as you can, but leave the other end in its original shape.
Step 2: Make a Hook
Create a small hook on the end of the wire that you just straightened out.
Step 3: Look for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and fish around looking for hairs and debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you own an upright vacuum that is dry and wet it could be for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set to "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close Overflow Drain
Overflow drains should be covered with duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Connect the hose to the drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Switch on the vacuum and allow it to run for around three minutes. This should help remove any blockages 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 Questions
How do I know if my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual to fill or if water is accumulating around your feet when you shower, it’s an indication that your drain could be partially or fully clogged. Additionally, a foul odor emanating from the shower could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are some natural ways to free a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You can also use a mixture of salt and baking soda and boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger can also aid.
Do I need to use chemical drain cleaners to free my shower?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners because they contain harmful chemicals that could harm your pipes in the long run. These chemicals also can harm the environment and pose health risk to those who use them improperly.
What should I do if I need to call a professional plumber about my blocked shower drain?
If DIY methods don’t work to clear your shower drain, then it’s advisable to call a professional plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing in Sydney for help. Other indicators that you may require professional assistance include water leaking out of other drains or toilets strange gurgling noises from pipes, or foul odors coming from drains, even after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to get a blocked shower drain fixed by plumbing experts?
The cost of fixing an unblocking shower drain could differ based on the severity of the issue and where you reside. It is typically between $100-$300 for a plumber to remove the shower drain. However, more severe situations that require pipe repair or replacements can cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be stressful it is, however, there are many alternative methods you can try before turning to harsh chemicals. Whatever you decide to do, whether vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, be sure to prevent future blockages by making use of a hair strainer in your shower and running hot water after each use, and refraining from pouring grease down your drains. If none of these options work, it’s an appropriate time to seek professional assistance. If you’re having trouble with persistent or persistent plumbing problems within Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing today!
Additional Information
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- Keeping Costly Drain Repairs at Bay with Routine Inspections
- End Clogged Pipes Now: Professional Tips to Try Immediately
- The Most Complete Guide to Clearing Clogged Drains: What Plumbers Utilize
- A Guide to Locating and Pinpointing a Obstructed Pipe
- The Professional's Guide to Clearing Blocked Drains in Your Home
- Unblocking Blocked Drains: How to Choose Between DIY or Professional Services
- The Dangers of Neglecting a Blocked Drain and What You Should Do
- Cut Costs and Hassle with Trenchless Pipe Replacement for Condos
- Quickly and Efficiently Clear Your Pipes with the Do-It-Yourself Guide
