How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals

If you’ve ever taken a shower only to find that the water doesn’t drain it, you’re aware of how annoying it can be. It’s not just slowing down your morning routine, however, it can be harder to clean up after you’re finished. While chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The positive side lies in the a lot of ways that you can unblock a shower drain, without the need for harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and the environment.
- There are several natural methods to unblock a shower drain for example, baking soda or vinegar or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To use baking soda with vinegar: gather items, clean drain cover and obstructions, and pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Wait 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method Straighten the wire hanger and leave one end in its original form Create a hook at the end, then insert it into the drain and let it catch hair and other debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method Set the vacuum in "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing with cloth or tape, attach hose creating an air-tight seal. Then turn off the vacuum after three minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower. You can also run hot water following each use and refraining from running grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To start, gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover if possible and use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub the hairs or any other obstruction from the drain’s edges. Wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda and Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain, followed by one cups of vinegar. Make sure to cover this drain immediately with a towel or a towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t go out of control!
Step 4: Wait
It should take about 30 minutes while the mixture does its work. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean with Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush the water with boiling. This should clear all debris remaining and help get your water flowing smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusted wire hanger:
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as straight as you can while leaving the other end in its original shape.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Create a small hook on the top of the wire that you just straightened out.
Step 3: Fish for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain, and then fish looking for hair and debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you have access to dry or wet vacuums it could be suitable for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum on "liquids" or "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Drainage
Cover any overflow drains with either duct tape or wet cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Connect the hose to your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Then, turn on the vacuum and allow it to run for around three minutes. This should remove any blockages 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 & Answers
What can I tell when my shower drain has become blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to fill or the water is getting swollen around your feet when you shower, it’s a sign that your drain could be full or partial blocked. Also, a smell of rottenness coming from the shower area may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to free a shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed with baking soda, vinegar and. It is also possible to use the mixture of salt and baking soda, followed by boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger could also be helpful.
Can I employ chemical drain cleaners in order to unblock my shower drain?
It’s not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners as they contain harmful chemicals that could harm your pipes in the long run. These chemicals also can harm the environment and pose health risk for those who use them improperly.
When should I contact a professional plumber for my shower drain that is blocked?
If the DIY method doesn’t work in clearing the shower drain, you should to get a professional plumber such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers in Melbourne for help. Other indications that you require professional assistance include water leaking out of the toilet or other drains, odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes or smells that are foul from the drains despite cleaning them.
What is the cost to get a blocked shower drain cleared by plumbing experts?
The cost to fix an unblocking shower drain could differ based on the severity of the issue and the location you reside. It is typically between $100-$300 for a plumber to clear the drain of a shower. However, more extreme cases that require pipe repair or replacement can be priced between $500 and $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain could be a hassle however there are plenty of alternatives to try before using harsh chemicals. Whether you choose baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum, remember to take steps to keep your drains from becoming blocked by installing a hair strainer inside your shower or shower, and then running hot water following every use, and not using grease down your drains. If these strategies don’t succeed, it’s time to call in professional help. If you’re having trouble with persistent or having trouble with plumbing problems in Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers immediately!
Additional Information
- Tips on Keeping Your Drains Clear and Free From Blockages
- Common Causes of Drain Blockages and How to Avoid Them
- Get rid of clogged drains with these amazing remedies
- Why Your Business Needs Periodic Drain Inspection and Cleaning
- When to Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Don't Let Your Drains Get You Down: 10 Methods to Prevent Clogs in Your Home
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
- Efficient Plumbing Techniques for Dealing with Blocked Pipes
- The Ultimate Guide to Pipe Relining: How to Select the Perfect Material
- Eliminate Drain Issues for Good: Stop These 5 Precursors Now