How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath and realized that the water hasn’t been draining then you’ll be aware of 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 sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The good news is the fact that you have plenty of natural methods to clear a shower drain without using harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes as well as the environment.
- There are natural ways to unblock a shower drain for example, baking soda or vinegar or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To use the method of baking soda and vinegar: collect materials, take off the drain cover and other garbage, pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Allow 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- Method for hanging wire: straighten out wire hanger, leaving the other end as it was, create a hook at the end, then insert it into the drain to catch hair and debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums switch the vacuum to "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing with cloth or tape, connect the hose to create an airtight seal, then turn on the vacuum for three minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use hair strainers in your shower, running hot water after each use, and not the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To begin you can gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover whenever possible. Use a small brush or brush to clean all hair and other particles from the drain’s edges. Make sure to 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 white vinegar. It is best to protect this drain immediately using a cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t go out of control!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes while the mixture performs its magic. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Drain with Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush the water with boiling. This will help remove any remaining debris and allow your water to flow smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a sturdy wire hanger
Step 1 1. Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger to the greatest extent as possible, while keeping one end with its original shape.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Make a hook that is small at the end of the wire you just straightened.
Step 3: Look for Hair and Debris
Insert the hook into the drain, and then fish to look for hair and debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you have access to dry or wet vacuums the following method may be for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum on "liquids" and "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Drainage
Make sure to cover any drains that have overflows using duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Attach the hose to your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell whether my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower takes longer than normal to empty or if water is accumulating 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 also indicate a clogged drain.
What are some natural ways to free a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by baking soda and vinegar. You can also use an amalgamation of baking soda and salt and boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger can also aid.
Do I need to utilize chemical drain cleaners unblock my shower drain?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners as they contain toxic chemicals that can harm your pipes in the long run. These chemicals also can harm the environment and pose health risks for those who handle them incorrectly.
When should I call an experienced plumber to fix my blocked shower drain?
If DIY methods don’t work to clear your shower drain, you should to call a professional plumber like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing in Adelaide for assistance. Other indications that you require professional help are water leaking out of other toilets or drains, strange gurgling noises from pipes or odors of foul smells emanating from the drains despite cleaning them.
What is the cost to fix a clogged shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?
The cost to fix a blocked shower drain can be different based on the severity of the issue as well as where you reside. On average, it costs between $100 and $300 for a plumber to remove the shower drain. However, more extreme cases that require pipe repair or replacement could cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be frustrating it is, however, there are a variety of ways to tackle the problem without turning to harsh chemicals. If you decide to use vinegar and baking soda or a wire hanger or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, remember to take steps to keep your drains from becoming blocked by installing a hair strainer inside your shower and running hot water after each use, and refraining from using grease down your drains. If these methods don’t perform, it could be an appropriate time to seek professional assistance. If you’re having trouble with persistent or declining plumbing issues at Adelaide , contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing today!
Additional Information
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- When Should You Call A Professional To Clear Your Blocked Drain?
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- Troubleshooting Blocked Drains Plumber Solutions and Tips
- Is It Time for a CCTV Drain Inspection? Here's What You Need to Know
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- The Top Solution for Blocked Drains: Discover Jetting Your Way to a Clearer System
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