How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath and realized that the water hasn’t been draining, you know how frustrating it is. This not only slows down your morning routine but it can also be harder to clean up after you’re finished. While chemical drain cleaners are occasionally effective, they can also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The good news is that there are plenty of ways that you can unblock the shower drain without resorting to harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes and the environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to unblock a shower drain like vinegar and baking soda as well as a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- Use baking soda and vinegar method: Gather ingredients, unblock the drain cover and other obstructions, and pour baking soda, followed by vinegar. Wait 30 minutes then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method: straighten out wire hanger leaving the other end in its original form and then create a hook on the top, and then place it inside the drain to fish hair and debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method: set vacuum to "wet" mode then cover the drains of overflow by a cloth or tape, attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal. Turn off the vacuum after 3 minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using a hair strainer in your shower. Run hot water after each usage and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Bake 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
Clean the shower drain If you can, and then use tiny brushes or a toothbrush to scrub any hair or other debris around the drain’s edges. Be sure to wear rubber gloves, if needed.
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 of white vinegar. It is best to protect the drain immediately with a cloth or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t get beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes while the mixture works its magic. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling, which means it’s working!
Step 5: Rinse with Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush the water with boiling. This will help remove any remaining debris and get your water flowing freely.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a reliable wire hanger
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger to the greatest extent as you can, but leave one end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Create a Hook
Make a hook that is small at the end of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Search for hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain, and then fish to look for hair as well as debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you own a wet/dry vacuum it could be suitable for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum in "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close Drainage
Cover drains that are overflowing with either duct tape or wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to Drain
Connect the hose to the drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start the vacuum, and allow it to run for around three minutes. This should eliminate any obstructions in the drain of your shower.
| 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 |
FAQs
How do I know if my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to fill, or water is pooling on your feet during your shower, it’s a sign that your drain is full or partial blocked. 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?
You could try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed with baking soda, vinegar and. You can also use a mixture of salt and baking soda and boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger can also aid.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners to clear my shower?
It’s not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners since they contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to your pipes over time. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health risks to those who handle the products improperly.
When should I get in touch with a professional plumber for my shower drain that is blocked?
If the DIY method doesn’t work in clearing your shower drain, it’s recommended to call a professional plumber like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing in Adelaide for assistance. Other indicators that you may require assistance from a professional include water backing up out of the toilet or other drains, weird gurgling sounds from pipes or the smell of rotten food coming from the drains despite cleaning them.
How much does it cost to get a blocked shower drain cleared by a plumber?
The cost to fix a blocked shower drain can be different based on the severity of the issue and the location you reside. In the average, it will cost between $100 and $300 for a plumber to unblock the drain of a shower. However, more severe situations that require pipe repair or replacement can cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be stressful and time-consuming, but there are many alternatives to try before turning to harsh chemicals. Whatever you decide to do, whether vinegar and baking soda or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum, remember to take steps to prevent future blockages by using a hair strainer within your shower and running hot water after every use, and not using grease into your drains. If none of these solutions succeed, it’s an appropriate time to seek professional assistance. If you’re struggling with a difficult or declining plumbing issues with your plumbing in Adelaide , contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing immediately!
Additional Information
- Clear Your Drains: Speedy Hacks to Try Out Immediately
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- 10 Simple Ways for Fixing a Clogged Pipe
- Learn How to Effortlessly Clear Your Clogged Drains with the Do-It-Yourself Guide
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- The Top Solution for Blocked Drains: Discover Jetting Your Way to a Clearer System
- Household Remedies for Unblock Blocked Drains
- 5 Factors That Are Clogging Your Drains and How to Avoid Them
- Discover the optimal plumber for your backed up drain emergency
- Say Goodbye to Frequent Clogging: Reasons to Invest in Pipe Relining Services
