How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a shower only to realize that the water doesn’t drain it, you’re aware of how annoying it can be. Not only does it slow down your morning routine however, it can be harder to clean up when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The good news is that there are plenty of natural methods to clear a shower drain without using harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and even the environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to get rid of the blockage in a shower for example, baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum.
- For the baking soda method and vinegar: collect items, clean drain cover and garbage, pour baking soda, followed by vinegar. Wait 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods: straighten out wire hanger and leave one end in its original shape Make a hook at the top, and then place it inside the drain, and then use it to pull hair and debris out.
- For wet/dry vacuums select the "wet" mode, cover overflow drains with cloth or tape, connect the hose to create an airtight seal then turn it on for 3 minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use hair strainers in your shower, running hot water following each use, and not the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1: Making a cake with 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: Clean the Drain
Remove the shower drain cover if possible and use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub any hair or other debris the drain’s edges. Make sure you wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cups of vinegar. Cover your drain immediately with a clean cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t explode over the top!
Step 4: Wait
It should take about 30 minutes while the mixture is at work. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Flush with Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush it with boiling water. This will clear any debris left behind and make sure that the water flows freely.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusted wire hanger
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as straight as you can, but leave the other end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Design a Hook
Create a small hook on the end of the wire you straightened out.
Step 3: Fish for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and search looking for hair as well as debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you own a wet/dry vacuum it could be the best option for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum on "liquids" and "wet" mode.
2. Cover Drainage
Cover drains that are overflowing with the use of duct tape or a damp cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Connect the hose to your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start the vacuum, and allow it to run for around three minutes. This should remove any obstructions from 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 |
Common Questions and Answers
How do I know if my shower drains are blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual to empty or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet as you shower, it’s a sign that your drain is full or partial blocked. Also, a smell of rottenness emanating from the shower may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to free a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also make an amalgamation of salt and baking soda and boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger might also help.
Do I need to use chemical drain cleaners to remove the blockage in my shower?
It’s not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners because they are laden with harmful chemicals that could harm the pipes in the long run. They can also be harmful to the environment and pose health hazards for those who use them in a way that isn’t safe.
When should I contact a professional plumber for my blocked shower drain?
If DIY methods don’t work to clear your shower drain, it’s best to speak with a professional plumbing company like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers in Melbourne for assistance. Other signs that you need professional help are water leaking out of other drains or toilets strange gurgling noises from pipes or smells that are foul from drains, even after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to have a blocked shower drain cleared by an experienced plumber?
The cost of fixing an unblocking shower drain could vary depending on the severity of the issue as well as where you reside. On average, it costs between $100 and $300 for a plumber to clear the shower drain. However, more serious cases that require pipe repair or replacement can cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be frustrating and time-consuming, but there are many ways to tackle the problem without making the switch to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use vinegar and baking soda or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum, ensure you take the necessary steps to avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after each use, and refraining from using grease down your drains. If these strategies don’t succeed, it’s the time to seek professional assistance. If you’re dealing with stubborn and persistent plumbing issues with your plumbing in Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers now!
Additional Information
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies
- Stop Drain Blockages Immediately: A Homeowner's Guide
- Future-Proofing Your Plumbing System with CCTV Drain Inspection
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- Avoid Expensive Repairs with Regular CCTV Drain Inspections
- Why Your Business Needs Periodic Drain Inspection and Cleaning
- Get rid of clogged drains with these amazing remedies
- The Ultimate Guide on How to Clear a Blocked Drain in Your Home
- When to Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
