How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath only to find that the water hasn’t been draining and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it can be. It’s not just slowing down your morning routine, however, it can be more difficult to clean up after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they can also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The positive side is that there are a lot of natural ways to unblock the shower drain without using harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners could harm pipes and the environment.
- There are several natural methods to unblock a shower drain like baking soda, vinegar as well as a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To make use of baking soda with vinegar: gather items, clean the cover for draining and any debris, pour in baking soda followed by vinegar. Wait 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method: straighten out wire hanger while leaving the other end in its original form and then create a hook on the top, and then place it in the drain and let it catch hair and debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method select the "wet" mode, cover overflow drains using cloth or tape. attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal. Then turn on the vacuum for 3 minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower. Run hot water following each usage and avoiding using grease to clean your drains.
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 rag or cloth
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover if possible and use a small brush or toothbrush to get rid of the hairs or any other obstruction from around the edges of the drain. Make sure you 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 Cup of white vinegar. Then cover your drain immediately with a clean cloth or a towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t get out of control!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes while the mixture performs its magic. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Drain with Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush the water with boiling. This will help remove any remaining debris and get your water flowing freely.
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 possible, leaving the other end with its original shape.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Create a small hook on the top of the wire that you just straightened out.
Step 3: Go fishing for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and look looking for hair or debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you own an upright vacuum that is dry and wet the following method may be suitable for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set into "liquids" and "wet" mode.
2. Cover Overflow Drain
Cover any overflow drains with duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Connect the hose to the drain, creating an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This should remove any obstructions 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 |
FAQ
How can I tell whether my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower takes longer than usual time 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 emanating from the shower could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock the shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and salt and boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger might also help.
Do I need to use chemical drain cleaners to unblock my shower drain?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners as they contain harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes in the long run. These chemicals also can harm the environment and pose health hazards for those who handle them incorrectly.
When should I get in touch with an experienced plumber to fix my blocked shower drain?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed in clearing your shower drain, it’s recommended to call a professional plumber such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers in Perth to get help. Other indicators that you may require professional help include water leaking out of other drains or toilets, odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes, or foul odors coming from the drains even after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to get a clogged shower drain cleared by an experienced plumber?
The price of repairing the problem of a blocked shower drain will differ based on the severity of the problem and where you reside. It is typically between $100-$300 for a plumber to clear the drain of a shower. However, more severe situations that require pipe repair or replacements can cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be stressful it is, however, there are many ways to tackle the problem without turning to harsh chemicals. Whatever you decide to do, whether baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum remember to take steps to keep your drains from becoming blocked by using a hair strainer within your shower and running hot water after each use, and avoiding using grease down your drains. If these strategies don’t perform, it could be the time to seek professional assistance. If you’re having trouble with persistent or declining plumbing issues in Perth , contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers immediately!
Additional Information
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business’ Plumbing Issues?
- Protect Your Home Investment by Conducting A CCTV Drain Inspection Prior Purchase
- CCTV Drain Inspection: An Effective Way to Prevent Future Plumbing Issues
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- Simple Solutions for Clearing Out Clogged Drains at Home
- The Importance of Regular Pipe Relining for Homeowners
- Keeping Costly Drain Repairs at Bay with Routine Inspections
- Clearing Clogged Drains: A Comprehensive Guide for Plumbers
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- When Should You Call A Professional To Clear Your Blocked Drain?
