How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower only to realize that the water doesn’t drain it, you’re aware of how annoying it can be. Not only can it slow the morning routine, it could also make it more difficult to clean after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are occasionally effective, they can also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The good news is that there are plenty of ways that you can unblock a shower drain without resorting to harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are natural ways to unblock a shower drain like baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- Use the baking soda method and vinegar, gather supplies, remove the drain cover and any obstructions, and pour baking soda in, then vinegar, wait for 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method use a straight wire hanger and leave the other end in its original shape and then create a hook on the end, then insert it in the drain and let it catch hair and debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method select the "wet" mode, cover overflow drains using cloth or tape. join the hose and create an airtight seal, then turn on the vacuum for 3 minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower, and running hot water following each use, and not using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To begin take the following steps:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Take off the shower drain cover whenever possible. Use tiny brushes or a toothbrush to remove the hairs or any other obstruction around the drain’s edges. Wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda along with Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cups of vinegar. It is best to protect this drain immediately using a cloth or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t explode beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes as the mix performs its magic. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Rinse using Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush it out with hot water. This should clear all debris remaining and help ensure that your water is flowing smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a sturdy wire hanger
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as much as you can while leaving one end in its original shape.
Step 2: Create a Hook
Create a small hook at the end of the wire you just straightened out.
Step 3: Fish for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and look looking for hair as well as debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you’re in possession of a wet/dry vacuum This method could be for you:
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set into "liquids" or "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Overflow Drain
Make sure to cover any drains that have overflows using 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
Then, turn on the vacuum and allow it to run for around three minutes. This should eliminate any obstructions in 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell when my shower drain has become clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than usual time to empty or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet as you shower, it’s a sign that your drain could be completely or partially blocked. Additionally, a foul odor emanating from the shower could indicate a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to free a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by baking soda and vinegar. You can also use an amalgamation of baking soda and salt followed by boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger could also be helpful.
Do I need to make use of chemical drain cleaners to free my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners because they are laden with toxic chemicals that can harm the pipes in the long run. They can also be harmful to the environment and pose health hazards to those who handle them incorrectly.
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 the shower drain, it’s recommended to get a professional plumber like Perth Blocked Drains Plumber in Perth to get help. Other signs that you should seek professional help include water backing up out of other drains or toilets strange gurgling noises from pipes or smells that are foul from the drains even after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to fix a clogged shower drain fixed by a plumber?
The cost for fixing blocked shower drains can differ based on the severity of the issue as well as where you live. In the average, it will cost between $100-$300 for a plumber to unblock the drain of a shower. However, more serious cases which require pipe repair or replacements can cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be frustrating it is, however, there are a variety of alternative methods you can try before making the switch to harsh chemicals. If you decide to use vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum, make sure you avoid future blockages by installing a hair strainer inside your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after each use, and refraining from the practice of pouring grease down your drains. If these methods don’t perform, it could be time to call in professional help. If you’re having trouble with persistent or declining plumbing problems with your plumbing in Perth , contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumber now!
Additional Information
- Prevent blockages effortlessly with effective solutions
- Require help with your backed up drain? Find the best plumber
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- Bid Farewell to Clogged Drains: The Step-by-Step Do-It-Yourself Guide
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Don't Panic: Tips for Handling a Blocked Toilet
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains and Their Simple Solutions
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- DIY Plumber - An Easy Guide to Unclog Your Shower Drain
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
