How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath only to find that the water hasn’t been draining it, you’re aware of how annoying it is. Not only does it slow down your morning routine, it also makes it more difficult to clean up after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be occasionally effective, they could also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The positive side is the fact that you have a lot of ways that you can unblock a shower drain without resorting to harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are natural ways to unblock a shower drain by using baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To use the baking soda method and vinegar, gather materials, take off the cover for draining and any debris, pour baking soda and vinegar. Wait for 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method to straighten wire hanger and leave the other end in its original form and then create a hook on the top, and then place it down the drain to catch hair and debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method select the "wet" mode, cover overflow drains using cloth or tape. attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal. Turn on the vacuum for three minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower. Run hot water following each use, and not pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To begin you can gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Clean the shower drain if possible and use the small brush or toothbrush to scrub any hair or other debris from the edges of the drain. Make sure you wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda and Vinegar
Place one teaspoon of baking soda into the drainage, followed by a cups of vinegar. Cover your drain immediately with a towel or rag so that the reaction doesn’t go into chaos!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes while the mixture is at work. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Rinse with Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush the water with boiling. This will help remove any remaining debris and make sure that the water flows smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusty wire hanger:
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger to the greatest extent as possible, while keeping one end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Make a Hook
Make a small hook at the end of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Look for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and search looking for hairs and debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you have access to an air-tight vacuum, this method might be for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum into "liquids" or "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close Overflow Drain
Overflow drains should be covered with the use of duct tape or a damp cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to Drain
Connect the hose to the drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start the vacuum, and allow it to run for approximately three minutes. This should remove any obstructions in the drain of your shower.
| 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 |
Common Questions and Answers
How do I know whether my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than usual time to empty or if water is accumulating on your feet during your shower, it’s an indication that your drain could be completely or partially blocked. Additionally, a foul odor emanating from the shower may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to free a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. You could also make a mixture of baking soda and salt followed by 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 is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners as they are laden with harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the pipes in the long run. Chemicals can also damage the environment and pose health hazards to those who use them in a way that isn’t safe.
When should I get in touch with a professional plumber for my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY methods don’t work to clear your shower drain, it’s recommended to contact a professional plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing in Sydney to get help. Other indicators that you may require assistance from a professional include water leaking out of other drains or toilets, odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes or the smell of rotten food 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 the problem of a blocked shower drain will vary depending on the severity of the issue as well as where you live. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber to clear a shower drain. However, more serious cases which require pipe repair or replacement can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be difficult, but there are many ways to tackle the problem without making the switch to harsh chemicals. Whatever you decide to do, whether baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum make sure you keep your drains from becoming blocked by installing a hair strainer inside your shower or shower, and then running hot water following every use, and not using grease down your drains. If these strategies don’t work, it may be an appropriate time to seek professional help. If you’re having trouble with persistent and persistent plumbing issues in Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing immediately!
Additional Information
- A Guide to Locating and Pinpointing a Obstructed Pipe
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
- The Dangers of Neglecting a Blocked Drain and What You Should Do
- Clearing a Jammed Shower Drain: Go through This Detailed Handbook
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- Plumbing Tips to Keep Your Pipes Running Smoothly
- Quickly and Efficiently Clear Your Pipes with the Do-It-Yourself Guide
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
