How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower only to find that the water doesn’t drain, you know how frustrating it is. This not only slows the morning routine, it also makes it more difficult to clean after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The good news is that there are plenty of methods that are natural to unblock the shower drain, without the need for harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes as well as the environment.
- There are natural ways to clear a shower drain for example, baking soda or vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To use baking soda and vinegar method: gather ingredients, unblock the drain cover and any debris, then pour baking soda in, then vinegar, wait for 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method Straighten the wire hanger leaving one end in its original shape Create a hook at the end and insert it in the drain and let it catch hair and debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums switch the vacuum to "wet" mode then cover the drains of overflow with cloth or tape, attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal. Then turn it on for three minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower, running hot water following each use and refraining from using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To start to begin, collect the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Take off the shower drain cover whenever possible. Use the small brush or toothbrush to scrub dirt or hair from the drain’s edges. Wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda along with Vinegar
Place one teaspoon of baking soda into the drainage, followed by one cup white vinegar. Then cover with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately with a towel or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t get into chaos!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes as the mix is at work. There should be some sound and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Rinse with Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush the water with boiling. This will clear any debris left behind and allow your water to flow smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a sturdy wire hanger:
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as straight as possible, leaving one end in 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: Fish for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and look looking for hair or debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re in possession of an air-tight vacuum it could be the best option for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum into "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Overflow Drain
Overflow drains should be covered 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
Turn on the vacuum and let it run for approximately three minutes. This should 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 |
FAQs
What can I tell if my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual to fill, or water is pooling around your feet when you shower, it’s an indication that your drain might be completely or partially blocked. Additionally, a foul odor emanating from the shower could be an indication of a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to unblock the shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed by baking soda and vinegar. You can also use the mixture of salt and baking soda, followed by boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger might also help.
Do I need to utilize chemical drain cleaners free my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners since they are laden with harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes over time. Chemicals can also damage the surroundings and pose health risks for those who handle the products improperly.
When should I call an experienced plumber to fix my blocked shower drain?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed in unblocking your shower drain, then it’s advisable to call a professional plumber such as Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing in Adelaide for assistance. Other signs that you need professional help are the water coming out of the toilet or other drains, odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes or the smell of rotten food coming from the drains even after cleaning them.
What is the cost to have a blocked 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 as well as where you live. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber to remove the drain of a shower. However, more extreme cases that require pipe repairs or replacements could cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be stressful and time-consuming, but there are numerous ways to tackle the problem without turning to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum, remember to take steps to keep your drains from becoming blocked by installing a hair strainer inside your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after every use, and avoid using grease into your drains. If these methods don’t perform, it could be the time to seek professional assistance. If you’re struggling with a difficult or persistent plumbing issues at Adelaide , contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing today!
Additional Information
- Clear Your Drains: Speedy Hacks to Try Out Immediately
- Methods for Finding & Diagnosing a Blocked Drain
- Troubleshooting Blocked Drains Plumber Solutions and Tips
- High Pressure Drain Cleaning: The Secret to a Robust Plumbing System
- Keeping Costly Drain Repairs at Bay with Routine Inspections
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
- Pinpointing the Culprits of Drain Obstructions
- Discover the optimal plumber for your backed up drain emergency
- CCTV Drain Inspections: Why They are Crucial in Detecting Drain Blockages
