How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a shower only to realize that the water doesn’t drain then you’ll be aware of how frustrating it could be. Not only can it slow down your morning routine however, it can be more difficult to clean up after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news lies in the a lot of natural methods to clear the shower drain without resorting to harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are several natural methods to get rid of the blockage in a shower for example, vinegar and baking soda or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To make use of baking soda with vinegar: collect items, clean the drain cover and any obstructions, and pour baking soda, followed by vinegar, wait for 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method use a straight wire hanger leaving one end in its original form, create a hook at the end, insert it inside the drain and let it catch hair and other debris out.
- For wet/dry vacuums: set vacuum to "wet" mode then cover the drains of overflow using cloth or tape. attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal, then turn to the mode for three minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using hair strainers in your shower, and running hot water following each use, and not pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Gather Your Materials
To start to begin, collect the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover If you can, and then use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub any hair or other debris the drain’s edges. Make sure you wear rubber gloves in the event of need.
Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda as well as 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 cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t get over the top!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes while the mixture does its work. There should be some sound and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Flush using Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush with boiling water. This should clear any debris that remains and ensure that your water is flowing smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a sturdy wire hanger:
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as straight as possible, leaving one end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Design an Hook
Create a small hook on the top of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Look for hair and Debris
Hook it into the drain and search to look for hairs and debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you’re in possession of a wet/dry vacuum, this method might be suitable for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum to "liquids" and "wet" mode.
2. Cover Overflow Drain
Make sure to cover any drains that have overflows using either duct tape or wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Connect the hose to your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Then, turn on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This should remove any blockages from 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 |
Common Questions and Answers
How can I tell if my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to fill or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet while you shower, it’s an indication that your drain is full or partial blocked. In addition, an unpleasant odor emanating from the shower could indicate a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to unblock a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed with baking soda, vinegar and. You could also try an amalgamation of salt and baking soda, followed by boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger may also help.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners to clear my shower?
It’s not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners since they are laden with harsh chemicals that can cause damage to your pipes in the long run. These chemicals can also harm the surroundings and pose health risks for those who handle them in a way that isn’t safe.
When should I get in touch with a professional plumber for my blocked shower drain?
If DIY methods don’t work in clearing your shower drain, then it’s advisable to contact a professional plumber like Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers in Perth for assistance. Other indications that you require professional assistance include the water coming out of other toilets or drains, strange noises of pipes gurgling or smells that are foul from the drains despite cleaning them.
What is the cost to have a blocked shower drain cleared by plumbing experts?
The price of repairing a blocked shower drain can be different based on the severity of the problem and where you live. On average, it costs between $100-$300 for a plumber to clear the shower drain. However, more severe situations which require pipe repair or replacement can cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be a hassle however there are numerous alternatives to try before using harsh chemicals. Whatever you decide to do, whether baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum, ensure you take the necessary steps to keep your drains from becoming blocked by making use of a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water after each use, and avoiding using grease into your drains. If these methods don’t perform, it could be time to get professional help. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble or having trouble with plumbing issues within Perth , contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers immediately!
Additional Information
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- Inspecting Drains Using CCTV to Detect Root Infiltration: Benefits for Property Owners
- Unblocking Your Drainage Pipes: The Best Plumbing Solutions
- CCTV Drain Inspection: An Effective Way to Prevent Future Plumbing Issues
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- When Should You Call A Professional To Clear Your Blocked Drain?
- Try out these proven solutions for clearing your drain
- Choosing the Right Service Provider for Your CCTV Drain Inspection Needs
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- Protect Your Home Investment by Conducting A CCTV Drain Inspection Prior Purchase
