How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower only to find that the water hasn’t been draining, you know how frustrating it could be. It’s not just slowing down your morning routine, but it can also be more difficult to clean up after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The positive side is that there are a lot of natural ways to unblock the shower drain without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and even the environment.
- There are several natural methods to unblock a shower drain by using vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum.
- For baking soda with vinegar: collect materials, take off drain cover and debris, pour baking soda, followed by vinegar, wait for 30 minutes then flush with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method use a straight wire hanger while leaving one end in its original form, create a hook at the end, insert it into the drain, and then use it to pull hair and other debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method select the "wet" mode then cover the drains of overflow with cloth or tape, attach hose creating an air-tight seal. Turn it on for three minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water after each use, and not pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To begin you can gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Take off the shower drain cover whenever possible. Use tiny brushes or a toothbrush to remove dirt or hair from around the edges of the drain. Be sure to wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda and Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain followed by a cup white vinegar. Cover with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately with a towel or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t go out of control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes as the mix works its magic. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Rinse using Boiling Water
Remove the cover carefully and flush the water with boiling. This will clear any remaining debris and ensure that your water is flowing smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusty wire hanger:
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as much as you can, but leave the other end with its original shape.
Step 2: Make a Hook
Create a small hook at the end of the wire you just straightened.
Step 3: Look for Hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and look to look for hair or debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you own dry or wet vacuums it could be for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum on "liquids" and "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Drainage
Overflow drains should be covered with either duct tape or wet cloth to ensure maximum 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 approximately 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 |
FAQ
What can I tell if my shower drains are blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual time to empty, or water is pooling around your feet as you shower, it’s a sign that your drain might be either completely or partially clogged. A sour smell coming from the shower area could indicate a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock a shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed by baking soda and vinegar. You could also make a mixture of salt and baking soda and boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger may also help.
Do I need to employ chemical drain cleaners in order to unblock my shower drain?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners as they are laden with toxic chemicals that can harm the pipes in the long run. These chemicals also can harm the environment and pose health risk for those who use them improperly.
When should I get in touch with an experienced plumber to fix my blocked shower drain?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed to clear your shower drain, then it’s advisable to get a professional plumber such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers in Perth for assistance. Other indications that you require assistance from a professional include the appearance of water in other toilets or drains, weird gurgling sounds from pipes or odors of foul smells emanating from the drains even after cleaning them.
What is the cost to fix a clogged shower drain fixed by plumbing experts?
The cost to fix an unblocking shower drain could differ based on the severity of the issue and where you live. On average, it costs between $100-$300 for a plumber to clear the shower drain. However, more extreme cases that require pipe repairs or replacement can cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain could be a hassle and time-consuming, but there are numerous ways to tackle the problem without making the switch to harsh chemicals. Whatever you decide to do, whether vinegar and baking soda or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum, be sure to avoid future blockages by installing a hair strainer inside your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after each use, and avoiding spilling grease into your drains. If these strategies don’t work, it may be time to call in professional help. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble and persistent plumbing issues at Perth , contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers immediately!
Additional Information
- The Risks of Unclogging Your Drains Without Professional Help
- Unblock Your Drains with This Amazing DIY Guide That's Simple to Use
- Save Money with These Simple Drain Maintenance Techniques
- Unclog Your Drains: Speedy Tips to Try Out Right Now
- The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
- Say Goodbye to Messy Plumbing Repairs with Trenchless Pipe Relining
- Identifying the Culprits of Drain Obstructions
- Unblock Your Drains with Ease: Discover the Power of Blocked Drain Jetting
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- Need help with your blocked drain? Find the perfect plumber
