How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath and realized that the water doesn’t drain and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it can be. Not only can it slow the morning routine, it could also make it difficult to clean after you’re finished. While chemical drain cleaners are occasionally effective, they can also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news is the fact that you have plenty of methods that are natural to unblock a shower drain without resorting to harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are natural ways to get rid of the blockage in a shower, such as using baking soda or vinegar or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- For baking soda with vinegar: Gather ingredients, unblock the drain cover and any debris, then pour in baking soda followed by vinegar. Allow 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method to straighten wire hanger, leaving the other end in its original shape and then create a hook on the end, then insert it down the drain to catch hair and other debris out.
- For wet/dry vacuums Set the vacuum in "wet" mode Cover drains that overflow using cloth or tape. attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal, then turn on the vacuum for 3 minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use hair strainers in your shower, running hot water following each usage and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To start you can gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Clean the shower drain as much as you can and use tiny brushes or a toothbrush to scrub dirt or hair from the drain’s edges. Make sure you wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup white vinegar. It is best to protect your drain immediately using a cloth or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t go over the top!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes while the mixture works its magic. There should be some sound and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Drain using Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush the water with boiling. This should clear any remaining debris and allow your water to flow without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusty wire hanger
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger to the greatest extent as you can, but leave the other end with its original shape.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Make a small hook at the end of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Fish for Hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and look looking for hair and debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you’re in possession of dry or wet vacuums it could be for you:
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set to "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close Drainage
Cover any overflow drains with duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Connect the hose to your drain, making an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and allow it to run for around 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 |
FAQs
How can I tell if my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to empty or if water is accumulating around your feet while you shower, it’s an indication that your drain may be completely or partially blocked. Additionally, a foul odor coming from the shower area could also indicate a clogged 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 try an amalgamation of baking soda and salt, followed by boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger may also help.
Do I need to make use of chemical drain cleaners to free my shower?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners as they are laden with toxic chemicals that can harm the pipes over time. They can also be harmful to the environment and pose health risks to those who handle the products improperly.
When should I call a professional plumber for my blocked shower drain?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed in clearing the shower drain, you should to contact a professional plumber like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing in Melbourne for help. Other signs that you need professional assistance include water leaking out of other drains or toilets, strange gurgling noises from pipes or the smell of rotten food coming from drains, even after cleaning them.
What is the cost to get a clogged shower drain cleared by a plumber?
The price of repairing the problem of a blocked shower drain will differ depending on the extent of the issue as well as where you reside. On average, it costs between $100-$300 for a plumber to clear the drain of a shower. However, more extreme cases that require pipe repair or replacements could cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be a hassle however there are plenty of ways to tackle the problem without making the switch to harsh chemicals. If you decide to use baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum, ensure you take the necessary steps to stop future blockages installing a hair strainer inside your shower and running hot water after each use, and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down your drains. If these methods don’t succeed, it’s time to get professional help. If you’re dealing with stubborn or persistent plumbing problems in Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing today!
Additional Information
- CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
- What You Need to Know About Blocked Drains and How to Resolve Them
- Put an End to Clogged Drains Now: Expert Tips to Experiment with Today
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Bid farewell to a Blocked Shower Drain with The following Comprehensive Guide
- 5 Tips to Keep Your Drains Flowing
- Don't Panic: Tips for Handling a Blocked Toilet
- Uncovering the Root Causes of Blocked Drains
- 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
