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 isn’t draining and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it can be. Not only can it slow down your morning routine, however, it can be more difficult to clean after having finished. While chemical drain cleaners are occasionally effective, they could also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The positive side is there’s a lot of ways that you can unblock a shower drain, without the need for harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners could harm pipes and the environment.
- There are several natural methods to unblock a shower drain like baking soda or vinegar and a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- Use baking soda and vinegar method: Gather materials, take off the cover for draining and any obstructions, and pour in baking soda followed by vinegar. Allow 30 minutes then flush with boiling water.
- Method for hanging wire to straighten wire hanger and leave the other end as it was, create a hook at the top, and then place it down the drain to catch hair and other debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method: set vacuum to "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing with cloth or tape, connect the hose to create an airtight seal. Turn off the vacuum after three minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower. Run hot water after every use and avoiding the practice of 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
Take off the shower drain cover as much as you can and use the small brush or toothbrush to scrub any hair or other debris from the drain’s edges. Make sure to wear rubber gloves, if needed.
Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
Place one teaspoon of baking soda into the drainage, followed by one cup white vinegar. Cover with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately with a towel or rag so that the reaction doesn’t fizz over the top!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes as the mix does its work. There should be some sound and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Rinse using Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush it with boiling water. This will clear all debris remaining and help ensure that your water is flowing without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusted wire hanger
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger to the greatest extent as possible, leaving one end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Make a Hook
Create a small hook at the end of the wire you straightened.
Step 3: Search for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and look for hair and debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you’re able to access a wet/dry vacuum This method could be for you:
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set into "liquids" or "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Overflow Drain
Make sure to cover any drains that have overflows using duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Attach the hose onto 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 help remove any obstructions 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 |
FAQ
How can I tell if my shower drains are clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than normal to empty or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet as you shower, it’s a sign that your drain is either completely or partially clogged. In addition, an unpleasant odor coming from the shower area may also be a sign of 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. It is also possible to use a mix of baking soda and salt and boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger might also help.
Do I need to utilize chemical drain cleaners remove the blockage in my shower?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the pipes in the long run. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health risks to those who handle them in a way that isn’t safe.
When should I call a professional plumber about my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY methods don’t work in clearing your shower drain, it’s recommended to get a professional plumber like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers in Melbourne for help. Other indicators that you may require professional help are water leaking out of other toilets or drains, strange gurgling noises from pipes or the smell of rotten food coming from the drains even after cleaning them.
What is the cost to get a clogged shower drain cleared by plumbing experts?
The cost for fixing a blocked shower drain can vary depending on the severity of the issue and the location you reside. In the average, it will cost between $100-$300 for a plumber to remove a shower drain. However, more severe situations which require pipe repair or replacements can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be difficult and time-consuming, but there are numerous alternative methods you can try before turning to harsh chemicals. If you decide to use baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, make sure you stop future blockages using a hair strainer within your shower or shower, and then running hot water following each use, and avoiding using grease into your drains. If these strategies don’t perform, it could be time to call in professional assistance. If you’re dealing with stubborn or persistent plumbing problems within Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers immediately!
Additional Information
- Investigating the Root Causes that Result in Blocked Drains
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- The Ultimate Guide on How to Clear a Blocked Drain in Your Home
- Why Your Business Needs Periodic Drain Inspection and Cleaning
- Unblock Your Drains with This Do-It-Yourself Guide That is Simple to Follow
- Eliminate Drain Issues for Good: Stop These 5 Precursors Now
- Common Causes of Drain Blockages and How to Avoid Them
- Detecting and Identifying a Blocked Drain: Tricks & Techniques
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- End Clogged Drains Now: Specialist Hacks to Test Right Now
