How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath only to realize that the water doesn’t drain then you’ll be aware of how frustrating it could be. Not only can it slow down your morning routine however, it can be more difficult to clean up after you’re finished. While chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news lies in the a lot of natural methods to clear the shower drain without using harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners could harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are natural ways to get rid of the blockage in a shower for example, baking soda, vinegar and a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To make use of the method of baking soda and vinegar: Gather supplies, remove the cover for draining and any debris, pour in baking soda followed by vinegar. Wait for 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- Method for hanging wire: straighten out wire hanger leaving the other end as it was, create a hook at the end, then insert it inside the drain to catch hair and debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums switch the vacuum to "wet" mode then cover the drains of overflow by a cloth or tape, attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal, then turn off the vacuum after three minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water after each usage and avoiding using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To begin, gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Clean the shower drain if possible and use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub dirt or hair the edges of the drain. Be sure to wear rubber gloves in the event of need.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup white vinegar. Then cover this drain immediately with a clean cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t explode out of control!
Step 4: Wait
It should take about 30 minutes as the mix performs its magic. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Drain using Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush it with boiling water. This should help clear any debris left behind and ensure that your water is flowing smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a reliable wire hanger:
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as much as possible, while keeping the other end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Create a Hook
Create a small hook at the top of the wire you just straightened out.
Step 3: Go fishing for Hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and look to look for hair and debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you’re in possession of an upright vacuum that is dry and wet the following method may be suitable for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set in "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
2. Cover Overflow Drain
Cover drains that are overflowing with the use of duct tape or a damp 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
Start the vacuum, and allow it to run for approximately three minutes. This should eliminate any obstructions from 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 |
Frequently Asked Question
How do I know if my shower drains are clogged?
If your shower takes longer than usual to fill or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet while you shower, it’s a sign that your drain is either completely or partially clogged. In addition, an unpleasant odor coming from the shower area could be an indication of a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to unblock the shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed by baking soda and vinegar. You can also use a mix of salt and baking soda and boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger may also help.
Do I need to employ chemical drain cleaners in order to remove the blockage in my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners as they contain harmful chemicals that could harm your pipes over time. Chemicals can also damage the surroundings and pose health risks for those who use them in a way that isn’t safe.
When should I get in touch with a professional plumber about my blocked shower drain?
If DIY methods don’t work in clearing your shower drain, you should to speak with a professional plumbing company such as Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains in Sydney for assistance. Other signs that you should seek professional assistance include water backing up out of other drains or toilets weird gurgling sounds from pipes or odors of foul smells emanating from drains, even after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to have a blocked shower drain cleared by an experienced plumber?
The cost for fixing blocked shower drains can vary depending on the severity of the issue as well as where you reside. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber to remove the shower drain. However, more severe situations that require pipe repair or replacement could cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain could be stressful it is, however, there are a variety of alternatives to try before using harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use vinegar and baking soda or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum ensure you take the necessary steps to stop future blockages using a hair strainer within your shower or shower, and then running hot water following each use, and avoiding spilling grease into your drains. If none of these options work, it’s the time to seek professional help. If you’re struggling with a difficult or declining plumbing issues with your plumbing in Sydney , contact Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains today!
Additional Information
- Mastering High Pressure Drain Cleaning Completely
- Natural Methods for Clear Clogged Drains
- Keep Your Home Safe by Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- What You Need to Know About Blocked Drains and How to Resolve Them
- Catching Drain Issues Early: The Benefits of Scheduling Regular Inspections for Your Business
- Investigating the Factors that Result in Blocked Drains
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
