How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower and realized that the water doesn’t drain it, you’re aware of how annoying it could be. Not only can it slow down your morning routine, it could also make it more difficult to clean up when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they may also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news is the fact that you have plenty of natural ways to unblock a shower drain, without the need for harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes as well as the environment.
- There are many natural methods to get rid of the blockage in a shower like baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To use the method of baking soda and vinegar, gather ingredients, unblock the cover for draining and any debris, then pour baking soda and vinegar. Allow 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods to straighten wire hanger and leave one end in its original shape Create a hook at the top, and then place it down the drain, and then use it to pull hair and other debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method Set the vacuum in "wet" mode, cover overflow drains by a cloth or tape, connect the hose to create an airtight seal then turn it on for 3 minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using a hair strainer in your shower. You can also run hot water after each use and refraining from pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To start take the following steps:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Take off the shower drain cover whenever possible. Use the small brush or toothbrush to get rid of dirt or hair from around the drain’s edges. Be sure to wear rubber gloves, if needed.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda and Vinegar
Place one teaspoon of baking soda into the drainage followed by one cup of white vinegar. Make sure to cover this drain immediately using a cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t go beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes as the mix works its magic. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling, which means it’s working!
Step 5: Rinse using Boiling Water
Remove the cover carefully and flush with boiling water. This will help remove any remaining debris and ensure that your water is flowing smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a sturdy wire hanger:
Step 1 1. Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as much as you can, but leave one end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Design a Hook
Make a small hook at the top of the wire you straightened.
Step 3: Go fishing for hair and Debris
Hook it into the drain and fish around to look for hair as well as debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you have access to an upright vacuum that is dry and wet the following method may be the best option for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum in "liquids" as well as "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 maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to Drain
Connect the hose to the drain, making an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Then, turn on the vacuum and allow it to run for around 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than usual time to empty, or water is pooling around your feet when you shower, it’s a sign that your drain is partially or fully clogged. Also, a smell of rottenness coming from the shower area could be an indication of a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to unblock the shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also make a mixture of salt and baking soda and boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger could also be helpful.
Do I need to utilize chemical drain cleaners free my shower?
It’s not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners as they contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the pipes over time. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health risk for those who handle them incorrectly.
What should I do if I need to call a professional plumber about my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY methods don’t work in unblocking your shower drain, you should to speak with a professional plumbing company such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers in Perth to get help. Other indicators that you may require professional help are water leaking out of the toilet or other drains, strange gurgling noises from pipes, or foul odors coming from drains, even after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to fix a clogged shower drain fixed by plumbing experts?
The cost for fixing the problem of a blocked shower drain will differ depending on the extent of the issue and where you reside. It is typically between $100-$300 for a plumber who can unblock the drain of a shower. However, more serious cases that require pipe repair or replacement could be priced between $500 and $1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be stressful, but there are plenty of alternatives to try before turning to harsh chemicals. Whatever you decide to do, whether vinegar and baking soda or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum ensure you take the necessary steps to prevent future blockages by making use of a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water after every use, and avoid using grease down your drains. If none of these solutions succeed, it’s time to get professional assistance. If you’re dealing with stubborn or having trouble with plumbing issues at Perth , contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers now!
Additional Information
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- Inspecting Drains Using CCTV to Detect Root Infiltration: Benefits for Property Owners
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues
- Need help with your blocked drain? Find the perfect plumber
- Save Money with These Simple Drain Maintenance Techniques
- Tips and Tricks for Fixing a Clogged Pipe with Ease
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business’ Plumbing Issues?
- Defeating Stubborn Clogs with High Pressure Drain Cleaning
- Don't Ignore The Symptoms of a Blocked Drain
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
