How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath and realized that the water isn’t draining and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it can be. Not only does it slow down your morning routine it could also make it more difficult to clean up when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they may also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news is that there are plenty of natural methods to clear the shower drain, without the need for harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to unblock the drain of a shower like baking soda, vinegar and a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- For the baking soda method and vinegar: collect supplies, remove the drain cover and any garbage, pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Wait 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods to straighten wire hanger while leaving one end as it was and then create a hook on the end and insert it in the drain and let it catch hair and other debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method Set the vacuum in "wet" mode then cover the drains of overflow by a cloth or tape, attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal. Then turn on the vacuum for 3 minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower, and running hot water after each use, and not using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To start take the following steps:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover If you can, and then use a small brush or brush to clean dirt or hair around the edges of the drain. Wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda and Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain followed by one Cup of white vinegar. It is best to protect your drain immediately with a towel or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t get beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes while the mixture is at work. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean using Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush the water with boiling. This will clear any debris that remains and make sure that the water flows smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusty wire hanger
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out the wire hanger as far as you can, but leave one end in its original shape.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Make a hook that is small at the end of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Go fishing for Hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and fish around for hair as well as debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you’re in possession of a wet/dry vacuum the following method may be suitable for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum in "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Overflow Drain
Overflow drains should be covered with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and allow it to run for around three minutes. This will help clear any blockages 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my shower drain has become blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to fill or the water is getting swollen around your feet as you shower, it’s an indication that your drain might be full or partial blocked. Also, a smell of rottenness emanating from the shower could indicate a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to unblock the shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed with baking soda, vinegar and. You could also make an amalgamation of baking soda and salt, followed by boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger may also help.
Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners to free my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they contain toxic chemicals that can harm the pipes in the long run. Chemicals can also damage the environment and pose health hazards to those who handle them incorrectly.
What should I do if I need to call a professional plumber about my blocked shower drain?
If DIY techniques don’t work in unblocking your shower drain, it’s best to speak with a professional plumbing company such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing in Melbourne for assistance. Other signs that you should seek professional assistance include the water coming out of other drains or toilets odd gurgling sounds coming 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 cleared by plumbing experts?
The cost for fixing an unblocking shower drain could differ based on the severity of the issue and the location you reside. It is typically between $100-$300 for a plumber to remove the shower drain. However, more extreme cases that require pipe repairs or replacements can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be stressful however there are numerous alternatives to try before using harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum ensure you take the necessary steps to prevent future blockages by installing a hair strainer inside your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after every use, and not pouring grease into your drains. If none of these solutions work, it’s time to call in professional assistance. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble and persistent plumbing issues within Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing immediately!
Additional Information
- Drain Maintenance 101: A Decade of Simple Methods to Prevent Clogs in Your Home
- Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
- An Easy DIY Guide to Unblocking Your Clogged Drains
- CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
- High Pressure Drain Cleaning: The Key to a Robust Plumbing System
- The Definitive Handbook to Getting Rid of Clogged Pipes: Which Plumbers Use
- Uncovering the Root Causes of Blocked Drains
- Put an End to Clogged Drains Now: Expert Tips to Experiment with Today
