How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower only to realize that the water isn’t draining and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it can be. Not only does it slow down your morning routine it could also make it more difficult to clean up after you’re finished. While chemical drain cleaners are occasionally effective, they could also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The good news is there’s plenty of natural methods to clear the shower drain, without the need for harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are several natural methods to get rid of the blockage in a shower by using baking soda and vinegar as well as a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To use baking soda with vinegar: Gather ingredients, unblock drain cover and debris, pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Wait for 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods use a straight wire hanger leaving the other end in its original form and then create a hook on the end and insert it inside the drain, and then use it to pull hair and debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method switch the vacuum to "wet" mode Cover drains that overflow by a cloth or tape, connect the hose to create an airtight seal then turn on the vacuum for 3 minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water after every 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 rag or cloth
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Clean the shower drain whenever possible. Use tiny brushes or a brush to clean the hairs or any other obstruction from the edges of the drain. Make sure to wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain followed by a cups of vinegar. It is best to protect this drain immediately using a cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t go into chaos!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes as the mix is at work. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling, which means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean using Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush it with boiling water. This will help remove any debris left behind and get your water flowing without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a sturdy wire hanger
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as much as you can, but leave one end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Make a hook that is small at the top of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Search for Hair and Debris
Insert the hook into the drain and search for hair as well as debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you’re in possession of a wet/dry vacuum it could be for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum into "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Drainage
Cover any overflow drains with duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, creating 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 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 |
FAQ
How can I tell if my shower drains are clogged?
If your shower takes longer than normal to empty or if water is accumulating around your feet as you shower, it’s a sign that your drain is partially or fully clogged. Also, a smell of rottenness coming from the shower area could indicate a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock the shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. You could also try a mixture of baking soda and salt, followed by boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger may also help.
Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners to free my shower?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they are laden with harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the pipes over time. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health risks for those who use the products improperly.
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 in clearing your shower drain, you should to get a professional plumber like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers in Melbourne for assistance. Other signs that you need professional help include the water coming out of other drains or toilets strange noises of pipes gurgling, or foul odors coming out of the drains after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to get a clogged shower drain fixed by a plumber?
The cost to fix a blocked shower drain can be different based on the severity of the issue as well as where you reside. On average, it costs between $100-$300 for a plumber to remove the drain of a shower. However, more extreme cases that require pipe repairs or replacements could cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be difficult, but there are plenty of alternative methods you can try before turning to harsh chemicals. Whether you choose baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum, ensure you take the necessary steps 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 the practice of pouring grease down your drains. If these strategies don’t work, it may be time to get professional assistance. If you’re dealing with stubborn or persistent plumbing issues with your plumbing in Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers immediately!
Additional Information
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
- Future-Proofing Your Plumbing System with CCTV Drain Inspection
- Tips on Keeping Your Drains Clear and Free From Blockages
- Common Causes of Drain Blockages and How to Avoid Them
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- Instant Fixes for a Clogged Drain: Tips and Tricks
- Efficient Plumbing Techniques for Dealing with Blocked Pipes
- Eliminate Drain Issues for Good: Stop These 5 Precursors Now
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- Detecting and Identifying a Blocked Drain: Tricks & Techniques
