How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a shower only to realize that the water isn’t draining, you know how frustrating it could be. Not only does it slow down your morning routine it could also make it more difficult to clean after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The positive side is that there are plenty of natural methods to clear the shower drain without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and the environment.
- There are natural ways to clear a shower drain by using baking soda or vinegar and a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To make use of baking soda with vinegar: collect ingredients, unblock the cover for draining and any obstructions, and pour baking soda and vinegar. Allow 30 minutes then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method to straighten wire hanger, leaving the other end in its original shape, create a hook at the top, and then place it down the drain to catch hair and debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method switch the vacuum to "wet" mode, cover overflow drains with tape or cloth, attach hose creating an air-tight seal. Then turn to the mode for 3 minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower. Run hot water following each use, and not using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To start, gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Take off the shower drain cover as much as you can and use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub any hair or other debris from the edges of the drain. Make sure you wear rubber gloves in the event of need.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain followed by one cup of white vinegar. It is best to protect this drain immediately with a cloth or rag so that the reaction doesn’t fizz into chaos!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes while the mixture is at work. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Flush with Boiling Water
Remove the cover carefully and flush it out with hot water. This should help clear all debris remaining and help ensure that your water is flowing smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusty wire hanger
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as much as you can while leaving the other end in its original shape.
Step 2: Design a Hook
Create a small hook on the top of the wire that you have just straightened.
Step 3: Go fishing for Hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and fish around for hair or debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re able to access an air-tight vacuum This method could be for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set to "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Overflow Drain
Make sure to cover any drains that have overflows using duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Attach the hose to your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start the vacuum, and let it run for approximately three minutes. This should eliminate 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 |
Common Questions and Answers
What can I tell if my shower drains are clogged?
If your shower takes longer than normal to empty or if you notice that water is collecting on your feet during your shower, it’s an indication that your drain could be full or partial blocked. Additionally, a foul odor emanating from the shower could indicate a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to free a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You can also use an amalgamation of baking soda and salt followed by boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger may also help.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners to remove the blockage in my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners because they contain harmful chemicals that could harm the pipes over time. Chemicals can also damage the environment and pose health risk for those who use the products improperly.
When should I get in touch with an experienced plumber to fix my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY techniques don’t work in unblocking your shower drain, it’s recommended to call a professional plumber like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing in Adelaide for help. Other indicators that you may require assistance from a professional include the appearance of water in other drains or toilets weird gurgling sounds from pipes, or foul odors coming out of the drains after cleaning them.
What is the cost to have a blocked shower drain cleared by an experienced plumber?
The cost of fixing blocked shower drains can vary depending on the severity of the issue as well as where you reside. On average, it costs between $100 and $300 for a plumber to clear a shower drain. However, more extreme cases which require pipe repair or replacements could cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be a hassle and time-consuming, but there are plenty of natural methods to try before making the switch to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger, or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, be sure to stop future blockages making use of a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water after each use, and avoiding the practice of pouring grease into your drains. If these strategies don’t work, it may be time to get professional help. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble and persistent plumbing issues with your plumbing in Adelaide , contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing today!
Additional Information
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
- 5 Factors That Are Clogging Your Drains and How to Avoid Them
- Is It Time for a CCTV Drain Inspection? Here's What You Need to Know
- From Blocked to Unclogged: A Step-by-Step Tutorial to Fix Your Shower Drain
- Learn How to Effortlessly Clear Your Clogged Drains with the Do-It-Yourself Guide
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- Clearing Your Pipe: Top-notch Drainage Remedies
- Say Goodbye to Frequent Clogging: Reasons to Invest in Pipe Relining Services
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
