How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower only to realize that the water hasn’t been draining, you know how frustrating it can be. This not only slows down your morning routine, but it can also be difficult to clean when you’re done. While chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The good news is there’s a lot of natural methods to clear a shower drain without resorting to harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners could harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are several natural methods to unblock the drain of a shower like baking soda or vinegar as well as a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To use the method of baking soda and vinegar, gather ingredients, unblock the cover for draining and any obstructions, and pour baking soda and vinegar. Wait 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method to straighten wire hanger leaving one end as it was Create a hook at the end, then insert it down the drain and let it catch hair and debris out.
- For wet/dry vacuums: set vacuum to "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing by a cloth or tape, connect the hose to create an airtight seal then turn off the vacuum after 3 minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower. Run hot water after each use and avoiding running grease down your drains.
Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To start you can gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover If you can, and then use the small brush or toothbrush to get rid of the hairs or any other obstruction from around the edges of the drain. Be sure to wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda and Vinegar
Place one teaspoon of baking soda into the drainage followed by one cup of white vinegar. Then cover this drain immediately with a clean cloth or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t explode over the top!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes as the mix is at work. There should be some sound and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Flush with Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush it with boiling water. This should help clear all debris remaining and help get your water 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 the other end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Design a Hook
Make a hook that is small at the top of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Go fishing for Hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain and search for hair or debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you’re in possession of dry or wet vacuums This method could be suitable for you:
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set to "liquids" and "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Overflow Drain
Overflow drains should be covered with duct tape or a wet 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
Start the vacuum, and let it run for about three minutes. This should remove any obstructions 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 Question
How can I tell if my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to empty, or water is pooling around your feet while you shower, it’s a sign that your drain is either completely or partially clogged. In addition, an unpleasant odor emanating from the shower could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are some natural ways to unblock a shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by baking soda and vinegar. It is also possible to use a mix of baking soda and salt and boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger can also aid.
Do I need to make use of chemical drain cleaners to unblock my shower drain?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners because they contain harsh chemicals that can damage the pipes in the long run. These chemicals also can harm the environment and pose health risks to those who use them improperly.
When should I contact a professional plumber about my blocked shower drain?
If DIY methods don’t work in clearing the shower drain, then it’s advisable to speak with a professional plumbing company such as Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing in Sydney to get help. Other indicators that you may require professional help are the appearance of water in other drains or toilets, weird gurgling sounds from pipes or odors of foul smells emanating from the drains even after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to have a blocked shower drain fixed by a plumber?
The cost for fixing blocked shower drains can differ based on the severity of the problem and where you live. In the average, it will cost between $100-$300 for a plumber who can unblock the shower drain. However, more serious cases that require pipe repairs or replacement could cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain could be stressful, but there are numerous alternatives to try before turning to harsh chemicals. Whether you choose vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum make sure you prevent future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower and running hot water after every use, and avoid the practice of pouring grease down your drains. If these strategies don’t work, it’s an appropriate time to seek professional assistance. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble and persistent plumbing issues with your plumbing in Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing today!
Additional Information
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- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
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