How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals

If you’ve ever stepped into a shower only to realize that the water doesn’t drain, you know how frustrating it could be. It’s not just slowing down your morning routine, it could also make it more difficult to clean after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The positive side is the fact that you have plenty of methods that are natural to unblock the shower drain without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Key Takeaways

• Chemical drain cleaners could harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
• There are a variety of natural ways to get rid of the blockage in a shower for example, baking soda, vinegar and a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
• Use the baking soda method and vinegar: Gather items, clean the drain cover and any obstructions, and pour in baking soda followed by vinegar. Wait 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
• To use wire hanger method to straighten wire hanger while leaving one end in its original form, create a hook at the top, and then place it in the drain, and then use it to pull hair and debris out.
• To use wet/dry vacuum method switch the vacuum to "wet" mode, cover overflow drains with cloth or tape, attach hose creating an air-tight seal. Turn off the vacuum after three minutes.
• Be prepared for blockages in the future by using a hair strainer in your shower, and running hot water following each use and refraining from the practice of pouring grease down your drains.

Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

To begin you can gather the following items:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Boiling water
• Rubber gloves (optional)
• A rag or cloth

Step 2: Clean the Drain

Clean the shower drain whenever possible. Use an e-brush or small toothbrush to remove dirt or hair around the drain’s edges. Make sure to wear rubber gloves in the event of need.

Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda along with Vinegar

Put one cup baking soda in the sink followed by one cup of white vinegar. Cover this drain immediately with a towel or a towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t fizz out of control!

Step 4: Wait

You should wait for around 30 minutes as the mix is at work. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling, which means it’s working!

Step 5: Rinse with Boiling Water

Clean the cover thoroughly and flush it with boiling water. This will clear any debris that remains and get your water flowing smoothly again.

Method 2: Wire Hanger

Sometimes all you require is a reliable wire hanger

Step 1 1. Straighten It Out

Straighten out the wire hanger as far as possible, leaving one end with its original shape.

Step 2: Make a Hook

Make a hook that is small at the end of the wire that you have just straightened out.

Step 3: Go fishing for hair and Debris

Put the hook in the drain and search for hair as well as debris. Take out whatever comes up.

Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum

If you own dry or wet vacuums This method could be the best option for you.

Step 1: Set the Vacuum

Set the vacuum into "liquids" or "wet" mode.

Step 2: Cover Drainage

Cover any overflow drains with the use of duct tape or a damp cloth to ensure maximum suction power.

Step 3: Connect Hose to drain

Attach 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 approximately three minutes. This should eliminate any obstructions from your shower drain.

FAQ

How do I know whether my shower drain is clogged?

If your shower takes longer than usual time to empty, or water is pooling around your feet while you shower, it’s a sign that your drain could be partially or fully clogged. A sour smell emanating from the shower could be an indication of a blocked drain.

What are some natural ways to clear a shower drain?

Try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also try the mixture of baking soda and salt and boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger might also help.

Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners to unblock my shower drain?

It’s not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they contain toxic chemicals that can harm your pipes over time. These chemicals can also harm the surroundings and pose health risks to those who handle them incorrectly.

When should I call an experienced plumber to fix my shower drain that is blocked?

If DIY methods don’t work in clearing the shower drain, you should to get a professional plumber like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber in Melbourne to get help. Other signs that you need professional assistance include the appearance of water in other toilets or drains, strange noises of pipes gurgling or smells that are foul out of the drains after cleaning them.

How much does it cost to get a blocked shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?

The cost to fix blocked shower drains can vary depending on the severity of the issue and where you live. On average, it costs between $100 and $300 for a plumber to remove the shower drain. However, more extreme cases which require pipe repair or replacement could cost upwards of $500-$1000.

Conclusion

Unblocking a shower drain could be frustrating and time-consuming, but there are a variety of alternatives to try before resorting to harsh chemicals. Whatever you decide to do, whether vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum, be sure to prevent future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower and running hot water after every use, and not spilling grease into your drains. If these methods don’t work, it may be time to get professional help. If you’re struggling with a difficult or persistent plumbing issues in Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber today!

Additional Information

• The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
• Plumbing Tips to Maintain Your Drains Running Efficiently
• Don�t Get Caught Unprepared! What You Need to Do Before a CCTV Drain Inspection
• The Complete Guide to Clearing Your Plumbing for a Clog-Free Home
• Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
• Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
• CCTV Drain Inspection Technology: Detecting Corrosion in Sewer Pipes
• Don't Let Clogged Pipes Ruins Your Day: Tricks to Try Out
• Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
• Drain Maintenance 101: A Decade of Simple Ways to Prevent Blockages in Your Home