How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower only to realize that the water isn’t draining, you know how frustrating it could be. Not only can it slow the morning routine, it also makes it harder to clean up after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are occasionally effective, they can also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The positive side is there’s plenty of natural methods to clear the shower drain, without the need for harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners could harm pipes and even the environment.
- There are natural ways to get rid of the blockage in a shower, such as using baking soda and vinegar as well as a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To make use of baking soda with vinegar: Gather items, clean drain cover and garbage, pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Wait 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods Straighten the wire hanger leaving the other end in its original form Make a hook at the end and insert it into the drain and let it catch hair and debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method: set vacuum to "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing with cloth or tape, 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. You can also run hot water after each use and refraining from pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
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
Get rid of the shower drain cover if possible and use the small brush or toothbrush to get rid of all hair and other particles around the drain’s edges. Make sure to wear rubber gloves, if needed.
Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda along with Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain followed by one Cup of white vinegar. Cover with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately using a cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t explode beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes as the mix works its magic. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling, which means it’s working!
Step 5: Rinse using Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush it with boiling water. This should clear any remaining debris and ensure that your water is flowing smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a sturdy wire hanger
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger to the greatest extent as you can while leaving one end with its original shape.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Create a small hook on the top of the wire that you have just straightened.
Step 3: Go fishing for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and search for hair or debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you’re able to access dry or wet vacuums the following method may be the best option for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set in "liquids" or "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Overflow Drain
Cover any overflow drains with duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Attach the hose to your drain, making an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and allow it to run for approximately three minutes. This will help clear 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
How do I know if my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than normal to empty or the water is getting swollen around your feet while you shower, it’s an indication that your drain might be completely or partially blocked. Also, a smell of rottenness emanating from the shower may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to free a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed by baking soda and vinegar. It is also possible to use the mixture of baking soda and salt and boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger could also be helpful.
Do I need to employ chemical drain cleaners in order to remove the blockage in my shower?
It’s not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they are laden with toxic chemicals that can harm the pipes over time. Chemicals can also damage the environment and pose health risk to those who use the products improperly.
When should I contact an experienced plumber to fix my blocked shower drain?
If DIY techniques don’t work in unblocking your shower drain, it’s best to get a professional plumber like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing in Adelaide for assistance. Other signs that you need professional assistance include water backing up out of the toilet or other drains, strange gurgling noises from pipes or smells that are foul from the drains despite cleaning them.
How much will it cost to have a blocked shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?
The cost to fix a blocked shower drain can vary depending on the severity of the issue and the location you reside. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber to unblock the drain of a shower. However, more serious cases that require pipe repair or replacement can cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be stressful, but there are many natural methods to try before making the switch to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum remember to take steps to prevent future blockages by making use of a hair strainer in your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after every use, and not spilling grease into your drains. If none of these options work, it may be an appropriate time to seek professional help. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble or declining plumbing problems with your plumbing in Adelaide , contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing immediately!
Additional Information
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- Say Goodbye to Frequent Clogging: Reasons to Invest in Pipe Relining Services
- Is It Time for a CCTV Drain Inspection? Here's What You Need to Know
- Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
- Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- Clear Your Drains: Speedy Hacks to Try Out Immediately
- Troubleshooting Blocked Drains Plumber Solutions and Tips
- Learn How to Effortlessly Clear Your Clogged Drains with the Do-It-Yourself Guide
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
