How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath only to realize that the water hasn’t been draining, you know how frustrating it is. Not only can it slow down your morning routine it also makes it difficult to clean when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners can be occasionally effective, they could also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The positive side is the fact that you have a lot of natural methods to clear a shower drain without using harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and the environment.
- There are many natural methods to get rid of the blockage in a shower by using baking soda, vinegar as well as a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To use baking soda and vinegar method: collect items, clean the cover for draining and any debris, then pour in baking soda followed by vinegar, wait for 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- Method for hanging wire: straighten out wire hanger, leaving one end as it was Create a hook at the end, insert it inside the drain to fish hair and debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method switch the vacuum to "wet" mode then cover the drains of overflow with tape or cloth, 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. You can also run hot water after each use, and not the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To begin, gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Remove the shower drain cover if possible and use tiny brushes or a toothbrush to scrub dirt or hair from around the edges of the drain. Wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda and Vinegar
Put one cup baking soda in the sink followed by a Cup of white vinegar. Cover your drain immediately with a clean cloth or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t fizz out of control!
Step 4: Wait
It should take about 30 minutes while the mixture works its magic. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Drain with Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush it with boiling water. This should help clear all debris remaining and help ensure that your water is flowing without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusted wire hanger:
Step 1 1. Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as straight as you can while leaving the other end with its original shape.
Step 2: Create a Hook
Create a small hook on the end of the wire that you just straightened out.
Step 3: Go fishing for Hair and Debris
Hook it into the drain and search looking for hair and debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you own an upright vacuum that is dry and wet This method could be suitable for you:
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set into "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Drainage
Cover drains that are overflowing with either duct tape or wet cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Connect the hose to your drain, making an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Then, turn on the vacuum and allow it to run for approximately 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
What can I tell when my shower drain has become blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual time to empty, or water is pooling around your feet when you shower, it’s an indication that your drain could be either completely or partially clogged. Additionally, a foul odor coming from the shower area could be an indication of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to clear a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by baking soda and vinegar. You could also try the mixture of baking soda and salt and boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger might also help.
Can I employ chemical drain cleaners in order to free my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they are laden with harsh chemicals that can damage the pipes over time. They can also be harmful to the environment and pose health risk for those who use them in a way that isn’t safe.
What should I do if I need to call a professional plumber for 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 Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing in Adelaide to get help. Other signs that you need professional help are the water coming out of the toilet or other drains, strange gurgling noises from pipes or odors of foul smells emanating out of the drains after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to fix a clogged shower drain fixed by a plumber?
The cost for fixing the problem of a blocked shower drain will be different based on the severity of the issue and where you live. In the average, it will cost between $100-$300 for a plumber to clear the drain of a shower. However, more severe cases that require pipe repair or replacements could be priced between $500 and $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain could be frustrating and time-consuming, but there are a variety of alternative methods you can try before resorting to harsh chemicals. If you decide to use baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum remember to take steps to avoid future blockages by installing a hair strainer inside your shower, running hot water after each use, and avoiding pouring grease down your drains. If these methods don’t work, it may be time to call in professional help. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble or persistent plumbing problems with your plumbing in Adelaide , contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing now!
Additional Information
- DIY Drain Cleaning: A Comprehensive Guide on Handling Common Blockages
- Household Remedies for Unblock Blocked Drains
- Drain Maintenance 101: 10 Simple Ways to Prevent Blockages in Your Home
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- Clearing Your Pipe: Top-notch Drainage Remedies
- Removing Blocked Pipes: An Exhaustive Guide for Plumbers
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- High Pressure Drain Cleaning: The Secret to a Robust Plumbing System
