How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower only to discover that the water doesn’t drain, you know how frustrating it could be. Not only does it slow down your morning routine, it also makes it more difficult to clean after you’re finished. While chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they may 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 using harmful chemical solutions.

Key Takeaways

• Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes and even the environment.
• There are many natural methods to get rid of the blockage in a shower like vinegar and baking soda and a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
• Use baking soda with vinegar: collect supplies, remove the cover for draining and any garbage, pour baking soda, followed by vinegar. Wait for 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
• To use wire hanger method use a straight wire hanger, leaving the other end in its original form Make a hook at the end and insert it down the drain to fish hair and other debris out.
• If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method Set the vacuum in "wet" mode then cover the drains of overflow by a cloth or tape, attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal then turn on the vacuum for three minutes.
• Be prepared for blockages in the future by using a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water after each usage and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down your drains.

Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

To begin, gather the following items:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Boiling water
• Rubber gloves (optional)
• A rag or cloth

Step 2: Clean the Drain

Clean the shower drain if possible and use an e-brush or small brush to clean dirt or hair from the edges of the drain. Make sure you wear rubber gloves, if needed.

Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda as well as Vinegar

You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain, followed by one cups of vinegar. Cover with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately with a cloth or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t go over the top!

Step 4: Wait

Wait for about 30 minutes as the mix does its work. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling – this means it’s working!

Step 5: Flush using Boiling Water

Remove the cover with care and flush the water with boiling. This will clear any debris left behind and ensure that your water is flowing freely.

Method 2: Wire Hanger

Sometimes all you need is a reliable wire hanger

Step 1: Straighten It Out

Straighten out a wire hanger to the greatest extent as you can, but leave the other end as it was in its original form.

Step 2: Design a Hook

Make a small hook at the end of the wire that you just straightened out.

Step 3: Search for Hair and Debris

Put the hook in the drain and look to look for hair or debris. Take out whatever comes up.

Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum

If you’re in possession of an air-tight vacuum, this method might be for you:

Step 1: Set the Vacuum

Set the vacuum to "liquids" as well as "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: Connect Hose to Drain

Connect the hose to your drain, making an airtight seal.

Step 4: Turn on Vacuum

Switch on the vacuum and allow it to run for around three minutes. This should help remove any obstructions in the shower drain.

FAQs

How do I know if my shower drains are clogged?

If your shower takes longer than usual to fill, or water is pooling around your feet as you shower, it’s an indication that your drain may be completely or partially blocked. Also, a smell of rottenness coming from the shower area could be an indication of a blocked drain.

What are some natural ways to clear a shower drain?

Try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed with baking soda, vinegar and. You could also try a mix of salt and baking soda and boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger may also help.

Do I need to utilize chemical drain cleaners free my shower?

It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners since they contain toxic chemicals that can harm your pipes in the long run. They can also be harmful to the environment and pose health risks to those who use them in a way that isn’t safe.

When should I call a professional plumber for my shower drain that is blocked?

If the DIY method doesn’t work to clear your shower drain, it’s best to get a professional plumber such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers in Melbourne to get help. Other indications that you require professional help include the water coming out of the toilet or other drains, strange gurgling noises from pipes or the smell of rotten food coming out of the drains after cleaning them.

What is the cost to get a clogged shower drain cleared by a plumber?

The cost of fixing blocked shower drains 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 remove a shower drain. However, more serious cases that require pipe repairs or replacement can cost upwards of $500-$1000.

Conclusion

Unblocking a shower drain could be difficult however there are a variety of natural methods to try before resorting to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum, ensure you take the necessary steps to prevent future blockages by installing a hair strainer inside your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after each use, and avoiding using grease into your drains. If none of these solutions work, it’s time to call in professional assistance. If you’re struggling with a difficult or having trouble with plumbing problems with your plumbing in Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers now!

Additional Information

• Unblock Your Drains with This Do-It-Yourself Guide That is Simple to Follow
• Investigating the Root Causes that Result in Blocked Drains
• The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
• Avoid Expensive Repairs with Regular CCTV Drain Inspections
• The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
• Unblock Your Drains with Ease: Discover the Power of Blocked Drain Jetting
• The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
• The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
• Tips on Keeping Your Drains Clear and Free From Blockages
• The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early