How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower only to find that the water hasn’t been draining, you know how frustrating it can be. This not only slows down your morning routine, but it can also be more difficult to clean up after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes 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 a shower drain without resorting to harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes as well as the environment.
- There are several natural methods to unblock a shower drain like baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum.
- Use the baking soda method and vinegar: collect ingredients, unblock the cover for draining and any garbage, pour in baking soda followed by vinegar, wait for 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- Method for hanging wire to straighten wire hanger and leave the other end as it was Make a hook at the end, insert it in the drain and let it catch hair and other debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method select the "wet" mode, cover overflow drains with tape or cloth, attach hose creating an air-tight seal. Then turn on the vacuum for 3 minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use a hair strainer in your shower. Run hot water after every use and avoiding using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Gather Your Materials
To begin to begin, collect 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 If you can, and then use a small brush or brush to clean any hair or other debris the edges of the drain. Make sure to wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda along with Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain followed by a cups of vinegar. It is best to protect with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately with a towel or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t go over the top!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes while the mixture performs its magic. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Clean using Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush it out with hot water. This should clear all debris remaining and help allow your water to flow smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a reliable wire hanger:
Step 1 1. Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as straight as possible, leaving one end in its original shape.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Create a small hook at the top of the wire that you have just straightened out.
Step 3: Search for Hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain and fish around to look for hair and debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re in possession of an upright vacuum that is dry and wet the following method may be for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum into "liquids" and "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close Drainage
Cover any overflow drains with either duct tape or wet cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Connect the hose to your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start the vacuum, and allow it to run for around three minutes. This should help remove any blockages in 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 whether my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than normal to empty or if water is accumulating on your feet during your shower, it’s an indication that your drain could be full or partial blocked. Additionally, a foul odor coming from the shower area may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to clear a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed by baking soda and vinegar. You could also try a mixture of salt and baking soda followed by boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger may also help.
Do I need to utilize chemical drain cleaners free my shower?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they are laden with harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes in the long run. They can also be harmful to the environment and pose health risk for those who handle the products improperly.
When should I call an experienced plumber to fix my shower drain that is blocked?
If the DIY method doesn’t work in clearing the shower drain, you should to speak with a professional plumbing company such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumber in Perth for assistance. Other signs that you should seek assistance from a professional include the water coming out of the toilet or other drains, odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes, or foul odors coming from the drains despite cleaning them.
How much does it cost to get a clogged shower drain fixed by plumbing experts?
The price of repairing the problem of a blocked shower drain will differ depending on the extent of the issue as well as where you live. In the average, it will cost between $100-$300 for a plumber who can unblock a shower drain. However, more serious cases that require pipe repair or replacement can cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be a hassle it is, however, there are many alternatives to try before using harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use vinegar and baking soda or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum, remember to take steps to stop future blockages using a hair strainer in your shower or shower, and then running hot water following every use, and not using grease into your drains. If these strategies don’t work, it may be time to call in professional help. If you’re having trouble with persistent or persistent plumbing problems with your plumbing in Perth , contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumber today!
Additional Information
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
- Blocked Drain Emergency? Here’s What You Need to Know About DIY vs. Professionals
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Bid Farewell to Clogged Drains: The Step-by-Step Do-It-Yourself Guide
- Eliminate Drain Blockages Permanently with These Effective Techniques
- Unblock Your Pipes: Simple Tips to Try Out Now
- The Most Comprehensive Handbook to Drain Clogs: Which Plumbers Use
