How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower only to discover that the water hasn’t been draining and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it could be. Not only does it slow the morning routine, however, it can be difficult to clean after having finished. While chemical drain cleaners are occasionally effective, they could also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The good news is there’s a lot of methods that are natural to unblock a shower drain without resorting to harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and the environment.
- There are many natural methods to clear a shower drain for example, baking soda, vinegar as well as a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- Use baking soda and vinegar method: collect materials, take off the cover for draining and any debris, pour baking soda and vinegar, wait for 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods use a straight wire hanger leaving one end in its original shape Make a hook at the end, then insert it into the drain and let it catch 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 using cloth or tape. attach hose creating an air-tight seal, then turn on the vacuum for three minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using a hair strainer in your shower. Run hot water after each usage and avoiding pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To start to begin, collect the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Clean the shower drain as much as you can and use a small brush or toothbrush to get rid of dirt or hair the edges of the drain. Be sure to wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain followed by one cup white vinegar. It is best to protect the drain immediately with a towel or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t get over the top!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes as the mix performs its magic. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling, which means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean with Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush the water with boiling. This should clear any remaining debris and ensure that your water is flowing smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusted wire hanger:
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger to the greatest extent as possible, leaving the other end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Design an Hook
Create a small hook on the end of the wire you straightened out.
Step 3: Look for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and fish around to look for hair and debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you’re able to access an air-tight vacuum it could be the best option for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set into "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Overflow Drain
Overflow drains should be covered with the use of duct tape or a damp cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to Drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, making an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Switch on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This will help clear any obstructions 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 |
FAQ
What can I tell if my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual time to empty or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet as you shower, it’s a sign that your drain might be either completely or partially clogged. In addition, an unpleasant odor emanating from the shower could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are some natural ways to free a shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by baking soda and vinegar. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and salt and boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger can also aid.
Can I utilize chemical drain cleaners unblock my shower drain?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners because they contain toxic chemicals that can harm the pipes over time. These chemicals also can harm the environment and pose health risk to those who handle them improperly.
What should I do if I need to call a professional plumber for my blocked shower drain?
If DIY methods don’t work in clearing your shower drain, it’s recommended to contact a professional plumber like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing in Adelaide for assistance. Other signs that you should seek assistance from a professional include water leaking out of other toilets or drains, strange noises of pipes gurgling or odors of foul smells emanating from the drains even after cleaning them.
What is the cost to get a blocked shower drain cleared by a plumber?
The cost to fix a blocked shower drain can differ depending on the extent of the issue and the location you reside. On average, it costs between $100 and $300 for a plumber to remove the drain of a shower. However, more extreme cases that require pipe repair or replacements could cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be frustrating and time-consuming, but there are numerous ways to tackle the problem without resorting to harsh chemicals. If you decide to use vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum, be sure to avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water after each use, and refraining from the practice of pouring grease into your drains. If none of these solutions perform, it could be the time to seek professional assistance. If you’re dealing with stubborn and persistent plumbing issues within Adelaide , contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing immediately!
Additional Information
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- Reducing the Risks of Drainage Problems: How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Help
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- Is It Time for a CCTV Drain Inspection? Here's What You Need to Know
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- When Should You Call A Professional To Clear Your Blocked Drain?
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- Clear Your Drains: Speedy Hacks to Try Out Immediately
