How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath only to discover that the water hasn’t been draining and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it can be. Not only can it slow down your morning routine it could also make it difficult to clean after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be occasionally effective, they could also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The positive side is there’s a lot of methods that are natural to unblock the shower drain, without the need for harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and the environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to unblock a shower drain like vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To make use of the baking soda method and vinegar, gather materials, take off the drain cover and any debris, pour baking soda in, then vinegar, wait for 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- Method for hanging wire to straighten wire hanger, leaving the other end in its original form and then create a hook on the end and insert it in the drain to catch hair and other debris out.
- For wet/dry vacuums Set the vacuum in "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing with tape or cloth, attach hose creating an air-tight seal. Then turn it on for 3 minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower, and running hot water after every use, and not using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To begin 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 as much as you can and use a small brush or brush to clean the hairs or any other obstruction around the drain’s edges. Make sure you wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda along with Vinegar
Put one cup baking soda in the sink, followed by a cups of vinegar. Make sure to cover the drain immediately with a towel or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t explode out of control!
Step 4: Wait
It should take about 30 minutes while the mixture does its work. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Flush with Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush it with boiling water. This will help remove any remaining debris and make sure that the water flows smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusty wire hanger
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten the wire hanger as far as possible, while keeping the other end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Make a small hook at the top of the wire you just straightened out.
Step 3: Fish for hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain and fish around looking for hair or debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you’re able to access an air-tight vacuum This method could be suitable for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set on "liquids" and "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Overflow Drain
Cover any overflow drains with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, making an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Switch on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This will help clear any blockages in the drain of your shower.
| 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 if my shower drains are blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to fill or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet when you shower, it’s an indication that your drain may be full or partial blocked. Additionally, a foul odor coming from the shower area could indicate a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to unblock a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. It is also possible to use the mixture of salt and baking soda and boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger may also help.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners to remove the blockage in my shower?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they contain toxic chemicals that can harm your pipes over time. These chemicals also can harm the environment and pose health risk for those who handle them in a way that isn’t safe.
What should I do if I need to call an experienced plumber to fix my shower drain that is blocked?
If the DIY method doesn’t work to clear your shower drain, you should to get a professional plumber like Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers in Perth for help. Other indicators that you may require professional help are the water coming out of other drains or toilets strange noises of pipes gurgling or smells that are foul out of the drains after cleaning them.
What is the cost to fix a clogged shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?
The price of repairing a blocked shower drain can vary depending on the severity of the issue as well as where you live. In the average, it will cost between $100-$300 for a plumber to unblock the drain of a shower. However, more severe situations which require pipe repair or replacement can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain could be difficult however there are many alternatives to try before turning to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, be sure to keep your drains from becoming blocked by making use of a hair strainer in your shower or shower, and then running hot water following every use, and avoid pouring grease down your drains. If these strategies don’t perform, it could be time to call in professional help. If you’re having trouble with persistent or declining plumbing issues in Perth , contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers now!
Additional Information
- Unclog Your Drains: Speedy Tips to Try Out Right Now
- The Risks of Unclogging Your Drains Without Professional Help
- Investigating & Verifying a Blocked Drain: Measures to Take
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- Try out these proven solutions for clearing your drain
- Simple Solutions for Clearing Out Clogged Drains at Home
- Choosing the Right Service Provider for Your CCTV Drain Inspection Needs
- Start with Clean Plumbing for a Pristine Home: Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Plumbing
- Defeating Stubborn Clogs with High Pressure Drain Cleaning
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues
