How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath only to realize that the water doesn’t drain, you know how frustrating it can be. Not only does it slow the morning routine, but it can also be harder to clean up after you’re finished. While chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The positive side is there’s a lot of methods that are natural to unblock a shower drain, without the need for harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes as well as the environment.
- There are many natural methods to unblock a shower drain by using baking soda or vinegar as well as a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To make use of baking soda with vinegar: gather items, clean the drain cover and any obstructions, and pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Allow 30 minutes then flush with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method: straighten out wire hanger and leave one end in its original form Create a hook at the end, then insert it into the drain to fish hair and debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums select the "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing with cloth or tape, attach hose creating an air-tight seal. Turn it on for 3 minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use a hair strainer in your shower, and running hot water following each use, and not the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To begin, gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover if possible and use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub any hair or other debris from the edges of the drain. Wear rubber gloves in the event of need.
Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain followed by one cup white vinegar. Cover with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately with a towel or a towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t explode beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes while the mixture does its work. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Flush using Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush the water with boiling. This will clear all debris remaining and help get your water flowing freely.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a sturdy wire hanger:
Step 1 1. Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger to the greatest extent as you can, but leave one end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Design a Hook
Make a hook that is small at the end of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Go fishing for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and look for hair as well as debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you own an upright vacuum that is dry and wet the following method may be suitable for you:
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum in "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Drainage
Cover drains that are overflowing with duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to Drain
Connect the hose to your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start the vacuum, and allow it to run for approximately three minutes. This should remove any blockages from 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 & Answers
What can I tell when my shower drain has become blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than usual time to empty or if water is accumulating around your feet when you shower, it’s an indication that your drain may be completely or partially blocked. A sour smell emanating from the shower could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are some natural ways to unblock the shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by baking soda and vinegar. It is also possible to use a mix of baking soda and salt and boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger could also be helpful.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners to clear my shower?
It’s not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners because they are laden with harmful chemicals that could harm the pipes over time. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health hazards for those who use 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 help. Other signs that you need assistance from a professional include the appearance of water in the toilet or other drains, strange noises of pipes gurgling or smells that are foul from the drains despite cleaning them.
What is the cost to fix a clogged shower drain cleared by an experienced plumber?
The cost to fix a blocked shower drain can differ based on the severity of the problem and where you reside. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber to clear the drain of a shower. However, more extreme cases which require pipe repair or replacement can cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain could be difficult however there are plenty of natural methods to try before using harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum, remember to take steps to avoid future blockages by installing a hair strainer inside your shower, running hot water after every use, and not using grease down your drains. If none of these solutions work, it’s an appropriate time to seek professional help. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble or having trouble with plumbing problems within Adelaide , contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing now!
Additional Information
- Drain Maintenance 101: 10 Simple Ways to Prevent Blockages in Your Home
- From Blocked to Unclogged: A Step-by-Step Tutorial to Fix Your Shower Drain
- DIY Drain Cleaning: A Comprehensive Guide on Handling Common Blockages
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
- Learn How to Effortlessly Clear Your Clogged Drains with the Do-It-Yourself Guide
- Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning: Helpful Tips for Preventing Clogs in Your House
- How to Choose between Different Types of Pipe Relining Materials (And Which One Is Right for You)
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- When Should You Call A Professional To Clear Your Blocked Drain?
