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 doesn’t drain it, you’re aware of how annoying it is. This not only slows down your morning routine, it could also make it harder to clean up after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they can also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news is that there are plenty of natural ways to unblock a shower drain, without the need for harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes as well as the environment.
- There are natural ways to clear a shower drain, such as using vinegar and baking soda or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To make use of baking soda with vinegar: gather ingredients, unblock the cover for draining and any obstructions, and pour baking soda and vinegar, wait for 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods to straighten wire hanger, leaving one end in its original shape and then create a hook on the end, then insert it into the drain to catch hair and debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method select the "wet" mode Cover drains that overflow with cloth or tape, join the hose and create an airtight seal, then turn it on for 3 minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower. Run hot water following each use and refraining from running grease down your drains.
Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To begin to begin, collect 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 an e-brush or small toothbrush to remove any hair or other debris around the edges of the drain. Wear rubber gloves, if needed.
Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda and Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain followed by one cups of vinegar. It is best to protect this drain immediately with a towel or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t get out of control!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes as the mix is at work. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Drain with Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush with boiling water. This should help clear any debris left behind and get your water flowing smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a reliable wire hanger
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten the wire hanger as far as you can, but leave one end in its original shape.
Step 2: Design an Hook
Make a small hook at the top of the wire that you just straightened out.
Step 3: Search for hair and Debris
Insert the hook into the drain and look to look for hair and debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you have access to a wet/dry vacuum, this method might be suitable for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum in "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Overflow Drain
Cover any overflow drains with duct tape or a moist 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
Switch on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This should eliminate any obstructions 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell when my shower drain has become blocked?
If your shower takes longer than normal to empty or the water is getting swollen around your feet while you shower, it’s a sign that your drain could be either completely or partially clogged. A sour smell emanating from the shower could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are some natural ways to clear a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed with baking soda, vinegar and. You could also try a mix of salt and baking soda followed by boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger could also be helpful.
Do I need to utilize chemical drain cleaners remove the blockage in my shower?
It’s not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners because they are laden with harmful chemicals that could harm the pipes in the long run. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health hazards for those who use them improperly.
When should I contact an experienced plumber to fix my shower drain that is blocked?
If the DIY method doesn’t work to clear your shower drain, you should to call a professional plumber like Perth Blocked Drains Plumber in Perth for help. Other signs that you should seek assistance from a professional include water leaking out of the toilet or other drains, strange gurgling noises from pipes, or foul odors coming from drains, even after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to fix a clogged shower drain cleared by plumbing experts?
The price of repairing an unblocking shower drain could differ depending on the extent of the issue as well as where you reside. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber to unblock the drain of a shower. However, more severe cases that require pipe repair or replacements could cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be frustrating it is, however, there are many alternatives to try before using harsh chemicals. If you decide to use vinegar and baking soda or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum, ensure you take the necessary steps to prevent future blockages by using a hair strainer within your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after each use, and avoiding pouring grease into your drains. If none of these options perform, it could be time to get professional assistance. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble and persistent plumbing issues in Perth , contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumber today!
Additional Information
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Say Goodbye to Blocked Drains: A Decade of Preventive Steps for Your Home
- What You Need to Know About Blocked Drains and How to Resolve Them
- Overcoming Stubborn Clogs with High Pressure Drain Cleaning
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- Tips and Tricks for Unclogging a Blocked Pipe with Effortlessly
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- Blockage of Drains: Plumbing Tips and Solutions
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
