How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a shower only to discover that the water doesn’t drain then you’ll be aware of how frustrating it could be. It’s not just slowing down your morning routine, but it can also be harder to clean up after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The good news is that there are plenty of natural ways to unblock the shower drain, without the need for harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are many natural methods to get rid of the blockage in a shower, such as using vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum.
- For baking soda and vinegar method: Gather ingredients, unblock the drain cover and any obstructions, and pour baking soda, followed by vinegar. Wait for 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method: straighten out wire hanger and leave one end in its original form, create a hook at the top, and then place it in the drain to fish hair and debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method switch the vacuum to "wet" mode, cover overflow drains with tape or cloth, join the hose and create an airtight 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 every use and refraining from pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Gather Your Materials
To begin take the following steps:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Take off the shower drain cover whenever possible. Use a small brush or brush to clean dirt or hair around the edges of the drain. Make sure to wear rubber gloves in the event of need.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain followed by one cup of white vinegar. Make sure to cover with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately using a cloth or rag so that the reaction doesn’t go over the top!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes as the mix works its magic. There should be some sound and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Rinse with Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush it with boiling water. This should clear all debris remaining and help make sure that the water flows smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusty wire hanger
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger to the greatest extent as possible, leaving the other end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Make a small hook at the end of the wire that you have just straightened out.
Step 3: Look for Hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and look to look for hair or debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you have access to an upright vacuum that is dry and wet, this method might be the best option for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum in "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close Overflow Drain
Cover any overflow drains with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Connect the hose to your drain, creating an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Switch on the vacuum and allow it to run for approximately three minutes. This should remove any obstructions in 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
How can I tell whether my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than usual time to empty or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet when you shower, it’s an indication that your drain may be partially or fully clogged. Also, a smell of rottenness coming from the shower area could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock the shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by baking soda and vinegar. You could also make a mixture of salt and baking soda and boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger can also aid.
Do I need to make use of chemical drain cleaners to unblock my shower drain?
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. Chemicals can also damage the environment and pose health hazards for those who handle them incorrectly.
What should I do if I need to call a professional plumber about my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY techniques don’t work in clearing your shower drain, then it’s advisable to contact a professional plumber like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers in Melbourne for help. Other signs that you need assistance from a professional include the appearance of water in other drains or toilets, strange gurgling noises from pipes or the smell of rotten food coming from drains, even after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to fix a clogged shower drain fixed by plumbing experts?
The price of repairing a blocked shower drain can differ depending on the extent of the issue and the location you live. On average, it costs between $100 and $300 for a plumber to unblock the shower drain. However, more serious cases that require pipe repair or replacement could cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be difficult, but there are numerous alternatives to try before making the switch to harsh chemicals. If you decide to use vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger, or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, make sure you prevent future blockages by using a hair strainer within your shower, running hot water after each use, and refraining from pouring grease down your drains. If none of these solutions perform, it could be the time to seek professional assistance. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble or declining plumbing issues within Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers immediately!
Additional Information
- The Ultimate Guide on How to Clear a Blocked Drain in Your Home
- When to Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Unblock Your Drains with This Do-It-Yourself Guide That is Simple to Follow
- Become an expert at Drain Cleaning with These Effective Tips
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Efficiently Handle Drain Cleaning with High Pressure Solutions
- The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- Investigating the Root Causes that Result in Blocked Drains
- Eliminate Drain Issues for Good: Stop These 5 Precursors Now
