How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath and realized that the water hasn’t been draining it, you’re aware of how annoying it can be. This not only slows down your morning routine it also makes it more difficult to clean up after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The positive side is the fact that you have plenty of natural methods to clear the shower drain, without the need for harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are several natural methods to clear a shower drain by using vinegar and baking soda and a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To use the method of baking soda and vinegar, gather items, clean the drain cover and other obstructions, and pour baking soda, followed by vinegar, wait for 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method to straighten wire hanger and leave one end in its original form Make a hook at the end, insert it inside the drain, and then use it to pull hair and debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method: set vacuum to "wet" mode Cover drains that overflow with cloth or tape, connect the hose to create an airtight seal then turn it on for 3 minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use hair strainers in your shower, running hot water after each usage and avoiding 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 cloth or rag
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Take off the shower drain cover if possible and use tiny brushes or a brush to clean the hairs or any other obstruction around the drain’s edges. Be sure to wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain followed by one cups of vinegar. Make sure to cover this drain immediately with a clean cloth or a towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t fizz over the top!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes as the mix works its magic. There should be some sound and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Flush using Boiling Water
Remove the cover carefully and flush with boiling water. This will clear any remaining debris and get your water flowing without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusted wire hanger
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten the wire hanger as far as possible, while keeping one end in its original shape.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Create a small hook at the end of the wire that you have just straightened out.
Step 3: Go fishing for hair and Debris
Hook it into the drain and fish around for hair and debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you own an upright vacuum that is dry and wet the following method may be for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum in "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Drainage
Overflow drains should be covered with duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to Drain
Connect the hose to your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start the vacuum, and let it run for about three minutes. This should eliminate any blockages 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 & Answers
What can I tell if my shower drains are clogged?
If your shower takes longer than normal to empty, or water is pooling around your feet while you shower, it’s an indication that your drain might 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 into the drain, followed by baking soda and vinegar. It is also possible to use the mixture of salt and baking soda and boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger might also help.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners to unblock my shower drain?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners since they are laden with harmful chemicals that could harm your pipes over time. Chemicals can also damage the surroundings and pose health risks to those who handle the products improperly.
When should I contact a professional plumber for my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY techniques don’t work to clear your shower drain, it’s best to call a professional plumber like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing in Melbourne for assistance. Other indications that you require professional assistance include the water coming out of other drains or toilets, odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes or odors of foul smells emanating out of the drains after cleaning them.
What is the cost to get a clogged shower drain fixed by a plumber?
The cost of fixing the problem of a blocked shower drain will be different based on the severity of the issue as well as where you reside. In the average, it will cost between $100 and $300 for a plumber to unblock the drain of a shower. However, more serious cases that require pipe repair or replacement could cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be stressful however there are many ways to tackle the problem without turning to harsh chemicals. If you decide to use baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum remember to take steps to avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer within your shower or shower, and then running hot water following every use, and avoid using grease into your drains. If these methods don’t perform, it could be time to call in professional help. If you’re having trouble with persistent and persistent plumbing issues in Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing now!
Additional Information
- Don’t Get Caught Unprepared! What You Need to Do Before a CCTV Drain Inspection
- An Easy DIY Guide to Unblocking Your Clogged Drains
- Bid farewell to a Blocked Shower Drain with The following Comprehensive Guide
- The Ultimate Drain Unblocker: Why Jetting is the Way to Go
- Why Regular Drain Cleaning Should Be Part of Your Home Maintenance Routine
- Avoid Expensive Repairs with Regular CCTV Drain Inspections
- Discover the best clogged drain solution you need today
- 10 Effortless Methods for Fixing a Clogged Drain
- CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
