How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower only to find that the water doesn’t drain then you’ll be aware of how frustrating it is. Not only can it slow down your morning routine but it can also be more difficult to clean when you’re done. While chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The positive side lies in the plenty of ways that you can unblock the shower drain without using harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners could harm pipes as well as the environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to clear a shower drain like vinegar and baking soda as well as a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- Use the method of baking soda and vinegar: collect items, clean the cover for draining and any debris, pour baking soda, followed by vinegar. Wait for 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods to straighten wire hanger and leave the other end as it was Make a hook at the end and insert it inside the drain and let it catch hair and debris out.
- For wet/dry vacuums Set the vacuum in "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing with tape or cloth, join the hose and create an airtight seal then turn it on for three minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower. You can also run hot water after each use, and not running grease down your drains.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To start you can gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Remove the shower drain cover whenever possible. Use tiny brushes or a toothbrush to remove dirt or hair from around the drain’s edges. Be sure to wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda along with Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain followed by one Cup of white vinegar. Make sure to cover with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately with a clean cloth or rag so that the reaction doesn’t go out of control!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes as the mix does its work. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Drain using Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush it with boiling water. This should help clear all debris remaining and help make sure that the water flows without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a reliable wire hanger:
Step 1 1. Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as straight as you can, but leave the other end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Make a small hook at the end of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Search for Hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and look to look for hair and debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you have access to an upright vacuum that is dry and wet, this method might be for you:
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum on "liquids" or "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Overflow Drain
Overflow drains should be covered with duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Attach the hose onto your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This should eliminate 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
What can I tell whether my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to fill or the water is getting swollen around your feet while you shower, it’s an indication 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 the best natural methods to unblock a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed with baking soda, vinegar and. You could also try a mixture of salt and baking soda and boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger might also help.
Do I need to make use of chemical drain cleaners to clear my shower?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they contain harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes in the long run. They can also be harmful to the environment and pose health risk for those who handle the products improperly.
When should I get in touch with a professional plumber for my blocked shower drain?
If DIY methods don’t work in clearing your shower drain, it’s best to get a professional plumber such as Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing in Adelaide for help. Other signs that you should seek professional assistance include water backing up out of other toilets or drains, strange gurgling noises from pipes or smells that are foul from drains, even after cleaning them.
What is the cost to get a clogged shower drain fixed by plumbing experts?
The cost for fixing an unblocking shower drain could differ depending on the extent of the problem and where you live. On average, it costs between $100-$300 for a plumber to clear a shower drain. However, more extreme cases that require pipe repairs or replacement could be priced between $500 and $1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be a hassle however there are a variety of alternative methods you can try before turning to harsh chemicals. Whether you choose baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum, remember to take steps to avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower and running hot water after each use, and avoiding the practice of pouring grease into your drains. If none of these options perform, it could be time to call in professional assistance. If you’re struggling with a difficult or declining plumbing problems within Adelaide , contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing now!
Additional Information
- Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
- Removing Blocked Pipes: An Exhaustive Guide for Plumbers
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- Clearing Your Pipe: Top-notch Drainage Remedies
- CCTV Drain Inspections: Why They are Crucial in Detecting Drain Blockages
- From Blocked to Unclogged: A Step-by-Step Tutorial to Fix Your Shower Drain
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
