How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath only to discover that the water hasn’t been draining then you’ll be aware of how frustrating it can be. Not only does it slow the morning routine, but it can also be difficult to clean after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are occasionally effective, they could also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The good news is there’s a lot of natural methods to clear a shower drain, without the need for harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and even the environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to clear a shower drain for example, baking soda, vinegar and a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To make use of baking soda with vinegar: gather supplies, remove drain cover and debris, then pour baking soda and vinegar, wait for 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- Method for hanging wire to straighten wire hanger and leave the other end as it was Make a hook at the top, and then place it in the drain to fish hair and other debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums switch the vacuum to "wet" mode then cover the drains of overflow with tape or cloth, connect the hose to create an airtight seal. Then turn on the vacuum for three minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using hair strainers in your shower. Run hot water after every use, and not using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Gather Your Materials
To start, gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover as much as you can and use tiny brushes or a toothbrush to remove dirt or hair around the drain’s edges. Make sure to wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain followed by one cups of vinegar. Then cover your drain immediately with a towel or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t go beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes while the mixture works its magic. There should be some sound and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Drain with Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush the water with boiling. This will help remove all debris remaining and help make sure that the water flows smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a reliable wire hanger
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as straight as you can, but leave one end with its original shape.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Create a small hook at the top of the wire that you have just straightened out.
Step 3: Go fishing for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain, and then fish for hair and debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you have access to a wet/dry vacuum it could be the best option for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set to "liquids" and "wet" mode.
2. Cover Overflow Drain
Overflow drains should be covered with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, creating an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Then, turn on the vacuum and let it run for approximately three minutes. This should eliminate 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 |
Common Questions and Answers
How do I know whether my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual to empty or if water is accumulating around your feet while you shower, it’s a sign that your drain may be completely or partially blocked. 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 the shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. It is also possible to use an amalgamation of salt and baking soda and boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger could also be helpful.
Can I employ chemical drain cleaners in order to clear my shower?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners because they are laden with harmful chemicals that could harm the pipes over time. They can also be harmful to the surroundings and pose health risks for those who use them incorrectly.
When should I contact a professional plumber about my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY methods don’t work to clear your shower drain, it’s best to call a professional plumber such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing in Melbourne for help. Other indications that you require assistance from a professional include the water coming out of other drains or toilets, 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 cleared by plumbing experts?
The cost of fixing an unblocking shower drain could be different based on the severity of the issue and where you reside. In the average, it will cost between $100 and $300 for a plumber who can unblock the shower drain. However, more severe situations that require pipe repairs or replacements could cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain could be frustrating, but there are plenty of alternative methods you can try before resorting to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use vinegar and baking soda or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum, remember to take steps to keep your drains from becoming blocked by making use of a hair strainer in your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after every use, and avoid using grease down your drains. If these strategies don’t perform, it could be the time to seek professional assistance. If you’re dealing with stubborn and persistent plumbing problems within Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing immediately!
Additional Information
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- 10 Effortless Methods for Fixing a Clogged Drain
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- Unblocking Blocked Drains: How to Choose Between DIY or Professional Services
- Discover the best clogged drain solution you need today
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business’ Plumbing Issues?
- Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Key to Resolving Blocked Drains Quickly
- 5 Tips to Keep Your Drains Flowing
- The Ultimate Drain Unblocker: Why Jetting is the Way to Go
