How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower only to realize that the water hasn’t been draining, you know how frustrating it could be. This not only slows down your morning routine it could also make it more difficult to clean up after having finished. While chemical drain cleaners are occasionally effective, they could also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The good news is that there are plenty of natural ways to unblock the shower drain without using harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to clear a shower drain for example, vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To make use of baking soda with vinegar, gather materials, take off drain cover and debris, then pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Wait for 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods to straighten wire hanger while leaving the other end as it was Make a hook at the top, and then place it in the drain and let it catch hair and debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums Set the vacuum in "wet" mode Cover drains that overflow using cloth or tape. connect the hose to create an airtight seal then turn on the vacuum for 3 minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use a hair strainer in your shower. You can also run hot water after every use and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To start, gather the following items:
- 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 tiny brushes or a toothbrush to scrub all hair and other particles around the drain’s edges. Make sure you wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
Put one cup baking soda in the sink, followed by one cups of vinegar. Then cover with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately using a cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t fizz out of control!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes as the mix is at work. There should be some sound and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Flush with Boiling Water
Remove the cover carefully and flush it out with hot water. This will clear any remaining debris and allow your water to flow without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusty wire hanger
Step 1 1. Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as much as you can while leaving one end with its original shape.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Create a small hook at the end of the wire you straightened out.
Step 3: Search for Hair and Debris
Insert the hook into the drain, and then fish looking for hair as well as debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you have access to an air-tight vacuum This method could be for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum in "liquids" or "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Drainage
Cover drains that are overflowing with either duct tape or wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Connect the hose to the drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and let it run for approximately three minutes. This should help remove 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 |
Common Questions & Answers
How do I know whether my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual time to empty or if you notice that water is collecting on your feet during your shower, it’s a sign that your drain may be either completely or partially clogged. Also, a smell of rottenness coming from the shower area may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to clear a shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You can also use a mix of salt and baking soda followed by boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger could also be helpful.
Do I need to make use of chemical drain cleaners to remove the blockage in my shower?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners as they contain toxic chemicals that can harm your pipes in the long run. These chemicals also can harm the environment and pose health risks for those who use them incorrectly.
When should I call an experienced plumber to fix my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY methods don’t work to clear your shower drain, then it’s advisable to get a professional plumber like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers in Melbourne for help. Other indications that you require professional assistance include the appearance of water in the toilet or other drains, strange gurgling noises from pipes or smells that are foul out of the drains after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to get a blocked shower drain cleared by plumbing experts?
The cost to fix blocked shower drains can vary depending on the severity of the issue as well as where you live. It is typically between $100-$300 for a plumber to remove a shower drain. However, more serious cases that require pipe repairs or replacement could cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain could be a hassle, but there are numerous alternatives to try before resorting to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum be sure to keep your drains from becoming blocked by using a hair strainer in your shower or shower, and then running hot water following each use, and avoiding spilling grease down your drains. If none of these options work, it’s an appropriate time to seek professional help. If you’re struggling with a difficult or having trouble with plumbing problems with your plumbing in Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers today!
Additional Information
- Unblock Your Drains with This Do-It-Yourself Guide That is Simple to Follow
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Clearing Blocked Pipes: An Exhaustive Guide for Plumbers
- Efficient Plumbing Techniques for Dealing with Blocked Pipes
- The Ultimate Guide on How to Clear a Blocked Drain in Your Home
- Clogged Bathroom Drain? Learn How to Clear it with The following Thorough Guide
- Maximizing the Benefits of a CCTV Drain Inspection: Preparations You Should Make
- Instant Fixes for a Clogged Drain: Tips and Tricks
- Detecting and Identifying a Blocked Drain: Tricks & Techniques
- The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
