How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower and realized that the water isn’t draining, you know how frustrating it could be. This not only slows down your morning routine, it also makes it harder to clean up after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be occasionally effective, they can also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The good news is the fact that you have plenty of ways that you can unblock a shower drain without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to get rid of the blockage in a shower by using vinegar and baking soda and a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To make use of baking soda with vinegar: gather items, clean the drain cover and other obstructions, and pour in baking soda followed by vinegar, wait for 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods use a straight wire hanger while leaving one end in its original shape and then create a hook on the end, then insert it in the drain to fish hair and debris out.
- For wet/dry vacuums switch the vacuum to "wet" mode Cover drains that overflow using cloth or tape. connect the hose to create an airtight seal. Turn off the vacuum after three minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower. You can also run hot water after each use and refraining from the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To begin you can 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 a small brush or toothbrush to get rid of the hairs or any other obstruction around the edges of the drain. Make sure you wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
Place one teaspoon of baking soda into the drainage, followed by a cup white vinegar. It is best to protect the drain immediately with a clean cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t fizz out of control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes as the mix is at work. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling, which means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean using Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush the water with boiling. This will help remove any debris left behind and get your water flowing without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a sturdy wire hanger:
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as much as you can while leaving the other end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Make a small hook at the top of the wire that you have just straightened out.
Step 3: Fish for Hair and Debris
Hook it into the drain and fish around to look for hairs and debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you’re able to access an air-tight vacuum the following method may be the best option for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set in "liquids" or "wet" mode.
2. Cover Drainage
Cover any overflow drains with either duct tape or wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Connect the hose to your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Then, turn on the vacuum and allow it to run for around three minutes. This should remove any obstructions in the drain of your shower.
| 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 could be partially or fully clogged. In addition, an unpleasant odor coming from the shower area may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by baking soda and vinegar. You could also try a mixture of baking soda and salt and boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger may also help.
Can I use 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. Chemicals can also damage the environment and pose health hazards to those who use them incorrectly.
What should I do if I need to call a professional plumber for my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY methods don’t work in unblocking your shower drain, it’s best to call a professional plumber such as Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing in Adelaide for help. Other signs that you should seek professional help are the appearance of water in other toilets or drains, weird gurgling sounds from pipes or the smell of rotten food coming from drains, even after cleaning them.
What is the cost to get a blocked shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?
The cost of fixing blocked shower drains can differ depending on the extent of the issue as well as where you live. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber to unblock the shower drain. However, more severe cases which require pipe repair or replacement could cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be a hassle however there are numerous alternatives to try before resorting to harsh chemicals. If you decide to use baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum, be sure to keep your drains from becoming blocked by installing a hair strainer inside your shower and running hot water after every use, and avoid spilling grease into your drains. If these methods don’t work, it may be time to get professional help. If you’re struggling with a difficult or declining plumbing problems at Adelaide , contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing today!
Additional Information
- The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
- The Dangers of Neglecting a Blocked Drain and What You Should Do
- Pinpointing the Culprits of Drain Obstructions
- How to Choose between Different Types of Pipe Relining Materials (And Which One Is Right for You)
- DIY Drain Cleaning: A Comprehensive Guide on Handling Common Blockages
- Clear Your Drains: Speedy Hacks to Try Out Immediately
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- Discover the optimal plumber for your backed up drain emergency
- Keeping Costly Drain Repairs at Bay with Routine Inspections
- Discover the best blocked drain solution you should try today
