How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a shower only to find that the water isn’t draining and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it is. Not only can it slow down your morning routine it could also make it more difficult to clean after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are occasionally effective, they could also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The positive side is there’s a lot of methods that are natural to unblock a shower drain without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners could harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are many natural methods to unblock the drain of a shower for example, baking soda or vinegar or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- For the baking soda method and vinegar: gather materials, take off drain cover and debris, then pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Allow 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods use a straight wire hanger while leaving the other end in its original form and then create a hook on the end and insert it in the drain and let it catch hair and other debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums: set vacuum to "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing with cloth or tape, join the hose and create an airtight seal then turn it on for 3 minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water following each use and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
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 If you can, and then use an e-brush or small toothbrush to scrub dirt or hair from the edges of the drain. Make sure you wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda and Vinegar
Put one cup baking soda in the sink, followed by one cups of vinegar. Cover your drain immediately with a clean cloth or a towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t explode beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
It should take about 30 minutes while the mixture does its work. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling, which means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean with Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush the water with boiling. This should help clear any remaining debris and get your water flowing smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a reliable wire hanger
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as straight as you can while leaving the other end with its original shape.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Create a small hook on the top of the wire you just straightened.
Step 3: Go fishing for hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain and fish around for hair as well as debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you own an air-tight vacuum This method could be the best option for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set on "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Overflow Drain
Cover drains that are overflowing with duct tape or a wet 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
Turn on the vacuum and allow it to run for approximately three minutes. This should help remove any blockages from the 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 Question
How can I tell whether my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower takes longer than normal to empty or the water is getting swollen around your feet while you shower, it’s a sign that your drain could be partially or fully clogged. A sour smell emanating from the shower could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. You could also try a mixture of baking soda and salt and boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger could also be helpful.
Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners to remove the blockage in my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they are laden with harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes over time. Chemicals can also damage the environment and pose health hazards to those who use the products improperly.
When should I contact a professional plumber for my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY techniques don’t work in clearing the shower drain, it’s recommended to contact a professional plumber such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers in Perth to get help. Other signs that you should seek professional help are the water coming out of other drains or toilets, odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes or the smell of rotten food coming from the drains even after cleaning them.
What is the cost to have a blocked shower drain cleared by an experienced plumber?
The cost for fixing the problem of a blocked shower drain will differ based on the severity of the issue as well as where you reside. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber to clear a shower drain. However, more severe cases that require pipe repairs or replacement can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain could be difficult, but there are numerous natural methods to try before using harsh chemicals. Whether you choose vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum, ensure you take the necessary steps to keep your drains from becoming blocked by installing a hair strainer inside your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after every use, and not pouring grease into your drains. If none of these options succeed, it’s time to get professional assistance. If you’re struggling with a difficult or declining plumbing problems with your plumbing in Perth , contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers now!
Additional Information
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- Identifying the Culprits of Drain Obstructions
- The Risks of Unclogging Your Drains Without Professional Help
- Unclog Your Drains: Speedy Tips to Try Out Right Now
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business� Plumbing Issues?
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- Protect Your Home Investment by Conducting A CCTV Drain Inspection Prior Purchase
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