How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a shower and realized that the water hasn’t been draining then you’ll be aware of how frustrating it is. It’s not just slowing the morning routine, it could also make it difficult to clean when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners can be occasionally effective, they can also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The good news is there’s a lot of ways that you can unblock the shower drain without using harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes as well as the environment.
- There are many natural methods to get rid of the blockage in a shower, such as using vinegar and baking soda and a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- Use the method of baking soda and vinegar: gather materials, take off drain cover and garbage, pour in baking soda followed by vinegar. Allow 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method: straighten out wire hanger leaving the other end in its original shape, create a hook at the end, insert it into the drain to catch hair and debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method switch the vacuum to "wet" mode Cover drains that overflow with tape or cloth, attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal. Then turn off the vacuum after 3 minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use hair strainers in your shower, running hot water after each usage and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Baking 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 cloth or rag
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover whenever possible. Use an e-brush or small toothbrush to scrub any hair or other debris from the drain’s edges. Make sure you wear rubber gloves in the event of need.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda along with Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain followed by a cup of white vinegar. Cover with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately with a clean cloth or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t get out of control!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes while the mixture does its work. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Flush using Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush it out with hot water. This should help clear any remaining debris and get your water flowing freely.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a reliable wire hanger
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as much as you can while leaving one end in its original shape.
Step 2: Design an Hook
Make a hook that is small at the top of the wire that you just straightened out.
Step 3: Go fishing for hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain and search looking for hair or debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you’re able to access dry or wet vacuums it could be for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set into "liquids" and "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Overflow Drain
Cover drains that are overflowing with either duct tape or wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to Drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, making an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Switch on the vacuum and allow it to run for approximately three minutes. This will help clear 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 |
FAQs
How can I tell when my shower drain has become blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to fill, or water is pooling around your feet as you shower, it’s a sign that your drain might be partially or fully clogged. A sour smell coming from the shower area could be an indication of a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to free a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also make a mix of salt and baking soda, followed by boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger may also help.
Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners to remove the blockage in my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners as they contain harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes in the long run. They can also be harmful to the surroundings and pose health risks for those who handle the products improperly.
When should I get in touch with a professional plumber for my blocked shower drain?
If the DIY method doesn’t work in clearing your shower drain, it’s best to call a professional plumber such as Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains in Sydney for help. Other indicators that you may require professional help include the appearance of water in other drains or toilets strange noises of pipes gurgling, or foul odors coming from drains, even after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to get a blocked shower drain cleared by an experienced plumber?
The price of repairing the problem of a blocked shower drain will vary depending on the severity of the issue as well as where you live. On average, it costs between $100 and $300 for a plumber to remove the shower drain. However, more severe situations that require pipe repairs or replacement could cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain could be a hassle however there are numerous alternative methods you can try before using harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum make sure you keep your drains from becoming blocked by using a hair strainer within your shower, running hot water after every use, and not using grease into your drains. If none of these solutions succeed, it’s the time to seek professional assistance. If you’re struggling with a difficult and persistent plumbing problems in Sydney , contact Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains now!
Additional Information
- Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
- What You Need to Know About Blocked Drains and How to Resolve Them
- Future-Proofing Your Plumbing System with CCTV Drain Inspection
- Unclogging Your Pipe: High-quality Drainage Remedies
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Should Be Part of Your Regular Maintenance Routine
- Cut Costs and Hassle with Trenchless Pipe Replacement for Condos
