How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower only to discover that the water isn’t draining and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it is. Not only can it slow down your morning routine however, it can be difficult to clean when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news is that there are a lot of methods that are natural to unblock a shower drain without using harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes as well as the environment.
- There are natural ways to get rid of the blockage in a shower like baking soda, vinegar, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To make use of baking soda and vinegar method: Gather materials, take off drain cover and debris, pour in baking soda followed by vinegar. Allow 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- Method for hanging wire: straighten out wire hanger while leaving the other end in its original shape Create a hook at the end, insert it down the drain and let it catch hair and other debris out.
- For wet/dry vacuums switch the vacuum to "wet" mode, cover overflow drains by a cloth or tape, attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal then turn on the vacuum for three minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using hair strainers in your shower. Run hot water after every use and avoiding pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To start you can gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Remove the shower drain cover if possible and use tiny brushes or a toothbrush to scrub all hair and other particles around the drain’s edges. Make sure to wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda along with Vinegar
Place one teaspoon of baking soda into the drainage followed by one cups of vinegar. Make sure to cover the drain immediately with a cloth or rag so 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, which means it’s working!
Step 5: Rinse using Boiling Water
Remove the cover carefully and flush it out with hot water. This will help remove all debris remaining and help make sure that the water flows smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusty wire hanger
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger to the greatest extent as possible, leaving one end in its original shape.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Make a hook that is small at the top of the wire you just straightened out.
Step 3: Go fishing for Hair and Debris
Insert the hook into the drain and look looking for hairs and debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you have access to dry or wet vacuums the following method may be for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum on "liquids" and "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Drainage
Cover drains that are overflowing with duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Connect the hose to your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Switch on the vacuum and allow it to run for around three minutes. This should eliminate any blockages from 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 |
Common Questions and Answers
How can I tell when my shower drain has become clogged?
If your shower takes longer than usual to empty or the water is getting swollen around your feet when you shower, it’s an indication that your drain could be full or partial blocked. A sour smell emanating from the shower may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to clear a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed by baking soda and vinegar. You could also try a mixture of salt and baking soda followed by boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger may also help.
Do I need to use chemical drain cleaners to free my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners as they contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the pipes in the long run. Chemicals can also damage the environment and pose health risk to those who handle them incorrectly.
When should I contact a professional plumber about my blocked shower drain?
If DIY methods don’t work in clearing the shower drain, it’s best to contact a professional plumber such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumber in Perth for help. Other indications that you require professional help include the water coming out of other drains or toilets weird gurgling sounds from pipes, or foul odors coming from drains, even after cleaning them.
What is the cost to have a blocked shower drain fixed by plumbing experts?
The cost to fix a blocked shower drain can vary depending on the severity of the issue and the location you reside. On average, it costs between $100-$300 for a plumber to unblock a shower drain. However, more severe situations that require pipe repair or replacement could cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be difficult and time-consuming, but there are many alternatives to try before turning to harsh chemicals. If you decide to use baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum, make sure you stop future blockages installing a hair strainer inside your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after every use, and avoid using grease into your drains. If these strategies don’t perform, it could be the time to seek professional help. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble or persistent plumbing issues at Perth , contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumber immediately!
Additional Information
- Require help with your backed up drain? Find the best plumber
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- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- What You Need to Know About Blocked Drains and How to Resolve Them
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
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