How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower and realized that the water doesn’t drain it, you’re aware of how annoying it can be. This not only slows the morning routine, it also makes it more difficult to clean up when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The good news is that there are plenty of natural ways to unblock the shower drain without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes as well as the environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to get rid of the blockage in a shower for example, vinegar and baking soda and a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- Use baking soda with vinegar: Gather supplies, remove the drain cover and any debris, then pour baking soda and vinegar. Wait for 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method to straighten wire hanger, leaving one end in its original form Create a hook at the end, insert it down the drain, and then use it to pull hair and other debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method select the "wet" mode, cover overflow drains using cloth or tape. connect the hose to create an airtight seal. Turn to the mode for three minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower. Run hot water after every use and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To start to begin, collect 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 as much as you can and use tiny brushes or a toothbrush to remove dirt or hair from around the edges of the drain. Make sure to wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain, followed by one cup white vinegar. Make sure to cover the drain immediately using a cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t explode into chaos!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes as the mix performs its magic. There should be some sound and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Drain using Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush the water with boiling. This will clear any debris left behind and allow your water to flow smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusty wire hanger:
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as much as possible, leaving one end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Design an Hook
Make a small hook at the end of the wire that you have just straightened.
Step 3: Go fishing for Hair and Debris
Hook it into the drain and fish around for hair as well as debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you’re in possession of dry or wet vacuums the following method may be the best option for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum in "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Drainage
Overflow drains should be covered with the use of duct tape or a damp cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This should eliminate any blockages from the 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 |
FAQ
What can I tell if my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower takes longer than normal to empty or the water is getting swollen on your feet during your shower, it’s an indication that your drain is either completely or partially clogged. In addition, an unpleasant 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 the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also make an amalgamation of salt and baking soda followed by boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger can also aid.
Do I need to utilize chemical drain cleaners unblock my shower drain?
It’s not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners as they contain harmful chemicals that could harm your pipes in the long run. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health risks for those who handle the products improperly.
What should I do if I need to call an experienced plumber to fix my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY techniques don’t work in clearing your shower drain, it’s recommended to speak with a professional plumbing company such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumber in Perth to get help. Other signs that you need professional help are the water coming out of other toilets or drains, weird gurgling sounds from pipes or the smell of rotten food coming from drains, even after cleaning them.
What is the cost to get a clogged shower drain cleared by plumbing experts?
The cost to fix an unblocking shower drain could 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 unblock the drain of a shower. However, more serious cases that require pipe repair or replacements could cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be difficult it is, however, there are many alternative methods you can try before turning to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use baking soda and vinegar, 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 refraining from using grease down your drains. If these strategies don’t succeed, it’s time to get professional help. If you’re struggling with a difficult or declining plumbing issues within Perth , contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumber today!
Additional Information
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- Investigating the Primary Causes of Drain Blockages
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- Expert Manual to Plumbing Cleaning for a Blockage-Free Home
- Don't Panic: Tips for Handling a Blocked Toilet
- CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
- Say Goodbye to Blocked Drains: A Decade of Preventive Steps for Your Home
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
