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 hasn’t been draining and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it is. Not only can it slow down your morning routine, however, it can be more difficult to clean after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The positive side is there’s a lot of methods that are natural to unblock the shower drain, without the need for harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and even the environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to get rid of the blockage in a shower for example, baking soda or vinegar and a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- For baking soda and vinegar method: gather ingredients, unblock drain cover and debris, then pour baking soda and vinegar. Allow 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods Straighten the wire hanger and leave the other end in its original form and then create a hook on the end, insert it inside the drain and let it catch hair and debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums select the "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing using cloth or tape. attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal, then turn on the vacuum for three minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using a hair strainer in your shower. Run hot water after each use and refraining from pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To begin to begin, collect the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover if possible and use tiny brushes or a toothbrush to remove any hair or other debris around the drain’s edges. Make sure to wear rubber gloves, if needed.
Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
Put one cup baking soda in the sink, followed by a cups of vinegar. Make sure to cover the drain immediately with a towel or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t explode over the top!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes as the mix performs its magic. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Drain with Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush it with boiling water. This should help clear all debris remaining and help get your water flowing smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a reliable wire hanger
Step 1 1. Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as straight as you can, but leave the other end in its original shape.
Step 2: Design a Hook
Create a small hook at the top of the wire you straightened out.
Step 3: Look 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’re in possession of an upright vacuum that is dry and wet it could be suitable for you:
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set on "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Drainage
Make sure to cover any drains that have overflows using the use of duct tape or a damp cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to Drain
Attach the hose to your drain to create 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 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 Question
How do I know when my shower drain has become clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than normal to empty, or water is pooling around your feet when you shower, it’s an indication that your drain might be either completely or partially clogged. A sour smell 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 into the drain, followed by baking soda and vinegar. It is also possible to use the mixture of salt and baking soda followed by boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger might also help.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners to remove the blockage in my shower?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners since they contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the pipes in the long run. They can also be harmful to the environment and pose health hazards to those who use the products improperly.
When should I call a professional plumber for my blocked shower drain?
If DIY methods don’t work in clearing the shower drain, you should to call a professional plumber such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing in Melbourne for assistance. Other signs that you need professional assistance include the appearance of water in other toilets or drains, strange noises of pipes gurgling or smells that are foul from the drains even after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to get a blocked shower drain cleared by a plumber?
The cost for fixing an unblocking shower drain could vary depending on the severity of the issue and where you reside. It is typically between $100-$300 for a plumber to clear the shower drain. However, more extreme cases that require pipe repair or replacement could cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be difficult it is, however, there are many ways to tackle the problem without using harsh chemicals. If you decide to use baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum, be sure to prevent future blockages by making use of a hair strainer in your shower and running hot water after every use, and avoid the practice of pouring grease into your drains. If these methods don’t succeed, it’s time to call in professional assistance. If you’re dealing with stubborn and persistent plumbing problems in Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing now!
Additional Information
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
- The Ultimate Drain Unblocker: Why Jetting is the Way to Go
- Don't Let a Clogged Drain Put a Damper on Your Business: Get Regular Inspections
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- Maximizing the Long-Term Benefits of Pipe Relining by Picking the Ideal Material
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- Don't wait! Find the finest plumber to tackle your blocked drain crisis
- From A to Z Tips for Cleaning Your Drains and Maintaining a Clog-Free House
- 5 Ways to Keep Your Drains Clear and Running Smoothly
