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 hasn’t been draining and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it can be. Not only does it slow down your morning routine but it can also be more difficult to clean up after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The positive side is there’s a lot of natural ways to unblock a shower drain, without the need for harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and even the environment.
- There are natural ways to unblock a shower drain like vinegar and baking soda and a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To use baking soda and vinegar method: collect items, clean drain cover and obstructions, and pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Wait for 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- Method for hanging wire to straighten wire hanger and leave 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 other debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method switch the vacuum to "wet" mode, cover overflow drains by a cloth or tape, connect the hose to create an airtight seal, then turn it on for 3 minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water after each use and avoiding using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To start take the following steps:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Clean the shower drain if possible and use an e-brush or small toothbrush to scrub dirt or hair from around the edges of the drain. Wear rubber gloves in the event of need.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda in addition to Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one Cup of white vinegar. Cover your drain immediately with a towel or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t explode out of control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes as the mix performs its magic. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling, which means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean using Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush the water with boiling. This will help remove all debris remaining and help allow your water to flow without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a sturdy wire hanger:
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten the wire hanger as far as possible, while keeping the other end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Make a Hook
Create a small hook on the end of the wire that you have just straightened out.
Step 3: Look for Hair and Debris
Hook it into the drain and look to look for hair as well as debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you’re in possession of an air-tight vacuum it could be the best option for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set to "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
2. Cover Drainage
Overflow drains should be covered with either duct tape or wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Attach the hose to your drain, creating an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Switch on the vacuum and allow it to run for around three minutes. This should help remove any blockages from 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 |
FAQs
What can I tell when my shower drain has become blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than normal to empty or the water is getting swollen around your feet while you shower, it’s a sign that your drain is partially or fully clogged. In addition, an unpleasant odor emanating from the shower may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to clear a shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also try a mix of salt and baking soda, followed by boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger might also help.
Do I need to employ chemical drain cleaners in order to unblock my shower drain?
It’s not recommended 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. Chemicals can also damage the surroundings and pose health risks for those who use the products improperly.
When should I contact a professional plumber about my shower drain that is blocked?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed in unblocking your shower drain, then it’s advisable to call a professional plumber such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber in Melbourne for assistance. Other indicators that you may require assistance from a professional include water backing up out of the toilet or other drains, odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes, or foul odors coming out of the drains after cleaning them.
What is the cost to fix a clogged shower drain cleared by a plumber?
The price of repairing an unblocking shower drain could differ depending on the extent of the issue as well as where you reside. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber to clear the shower drain. However, more serious cases which require pipe repair or replacement can cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain could be difficult however there are plenty of alternatives to try before resorting to harsh chemicals. Whether you choose vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum be sure to prevent future blockages by making use of a hair strainer in your shower and running hot water after each use, and refraining from the practice of pouring grease into your drains. If none of these solutions work, it may be time to get professional help. If you’re struggling with a difficult or having trouble with plumbing problems at Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber now!
Additional Information
- Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Tips & Solutions
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- Don’t Get Caught Unprepared! What You Need to Do Before a CCTV Drain Inspection
- Discover Why Jetting is the Best Solution for Your Blocked Drain Woes
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- Examining the Reasons Behind Blocked Drains
