How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a shower only to realize that the water hasn’t been draining it, you’re aware of how annoying it can be. Not only does it slow down your morning routine, but it can also be difficult to clean after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The good news is the fact that you have plenty of natural ways to unblock the shower drain without resorting to harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to clear a shower drain for example, baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- For the baking soda method and vinegar: gather ingredients, unblock the drain cover and any garbage, pour in baking soda followed by vinegar, wait for 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method Straighten the wire hanger, leaving one end in its original form, create a hook at the end, then insert it inside the drain to catch hair and debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method: set vacuum to "wet" mode, cover overflow drains by a cloth or tape, attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal. Then turn off the vacuum after three minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower. Run hot water after every use, and not using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Gather Your Materials
To start you can gather 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 a small brush or toothbrush to get rid of the hairs or any other obstruction from around the edges of the drain. Be sure to wear rubber gloves, if needed.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain, followed by one cup white vinegar. Cover the drain immediately with a clean cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t fizz out of control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes while the mixture works its magic. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Rinse with Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush it out with hot water. This should help clear any debris that remains and ensure that your water is flowing smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusted wire hanger:
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger to the greatest extent as you can while leaving one end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Create a Hook
Make a hook that is small at the top of the wire that you just straightened out.
Step 3: Look for hair and Debris
Hook it into the drain and search looking for hair and debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you own a wet/dry vacuum This method could be for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set to "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close Drainage
Overflow drains should be covered with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Connect the hose to the drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This will help clear 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 |
Common Questions & Answers
How can I tell if my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than usual time to empty or the water is getting swollen on your feet during your shower, it’s a sign that your drain might be full or partial blocked. In addition, an unpleasant odor emanating from the shower could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are some natural ways to free a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed by baking soda and vinegar. You could also try a mixture of salt and baking soda followed by boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger may also help.
Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners to unblock my shower drain?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners since they are laden with harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes over time. They can also be harmful to the environment and pose health risk to those who handle the products improperly.
When should I get in touch with a professional plumber about my blocked shower drain?
If DIY techniques don’t work in clearing the shower drain, it’s recommended to call a professional plumber such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers in Melbourne to get help. Other indicators that you may require assistance from a professional include water leaking out of other drains or toilets strange noises of pipes gurgling or odors of foul smells emanating from the drains despite cleaning them.
How much does it cost to fix a clogged shower drain cleared by an experienced plumber?
The cost of fixing a blocked shower drain can differ based on the severity of the problem and where you live. On average, it costs between $100 and $300 for a plumber to unblock the shower drain. However, more severe cases which require pipe repair or replacements could cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be frustrating however there are numerous ways to tackle the problem without resorting to harsh chemicals. Whether you choose baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum make sure you stop future blockages installing a hair strainer inside your shower and running hot water after each use, and refraining from pouring grease into your drains. If these strategies don’t perform, it could be the time to seek professional assistance. If you’re having trouble with persistent or persistent plumbing issues with your plumbing in Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers today!
Additional Information
- Maximizing the Benefits of a CCTV Drain Inspection: Preparations You Should Make
- The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
- Choose the right plumber to repair your clogged drain crisis
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Eliminate Drain Issues for Good: Stop These 5 Precursors Now
- Investigating the Root Causes that Result in Blocked Drains
- Unblock Your Drains with Ease: Discover the Power of Blocked Drain Jetting
- Efficiently Handle Drain Cleaning with High Pressure Solutions
- The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
- Future-Proofing Your Plumbing System with CCTV Drain Inspection
