How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower only to realize that the water doesn’t drain it, you’re aware of how annoying it can be. It’s not just slowing the morning routine, but it can also be harder to clean up after you’re finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be occasionally effective, they could also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news is that there are plenty of methods that are natural to unblock a shower drain without using harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and even the environment.
- There are several natural methods to unblock the drain of a shower, such as using baking soda or vinegar or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- Use the method of baking soda and vinegar, gather ingredients, unblock the drain cover and any garbage, pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Wait 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method to straighten wire hanger, leaving one end in its original shape, create a hook at the end, then insert 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: set vacuum to "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing with cloth or tape, attach hose creating an air-tight seal then turn off the vacuum after 3 minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower. Run hot water following each use and avoiding running grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To begin, gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Remove the shower drain cover as much as you can and use a small brush or toothbrush to remove all hair and other particles from the edges of the drain. Make sure you wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain followed by a cups of vinegar. It is best to protect this drain immediately with a cloth or a towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t explode beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
It should take about 30 minutes as the mix performs its magic. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Clean using Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush it with boiling water. This will clear any debris left behind and make sure that the water flows without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a sturdy wire hanger
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as much as you can while leaving the other end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Make a small hook at the end of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Fish for hair and Debris
Insert the hook into the drain and fish around looking for hair and debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you have access to an upright vacuum that is dry and wet it could be for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set on "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close Drainage
Cover any overflow drains with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Attach the hose onto 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 will help clear 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 |
Frequently Asked Question
How do I know whether my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower takes longer than usual to empty or if you notice that water is collecting on your feet during your shower, it’s a sign that your drain might be partially or fully clogged. In addition, an unpleasant odor emanating from the shower could be an indication of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock the shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. You could also make an amalgamation of baking soda and salt followed by boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger can also aid.
Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners to clear my shower?
It’s not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners because they contain harmful chemicals that could harm the pipes over time. These chemicals can also harm the surroundings and pose health risks for those who use them improperly.
When should I get in touch with a professional plumber for my shower drain that is blocked?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed to clear your shower drain, it’s best to speak with a professional plumbing company like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber in Melbourne to get help. Other signs that you need assistance from a professional include the appearance of water in other drains or toilets odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes or smells that are foul from the drains even after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to have a blocked shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?
The cost of fixing blocked shower drains can differ based on the severity of the problem and where you reside. On average, it costs between $100 and $300 for a plumber who can unblock the drain of a shower. However, more severe situations which require pipe repair or replacements could be priced between $500 and $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be stressful, but there are many alternatives to try before using harsh chemicals. Whatever you decide to do, whether vinegar and baking soda or a wire hanger or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, be sure to avoid future blockages by installing a hair strainer inside your shower or shower, and then running hot water following each use, and avoiding spilling grease into your drains. If none of these options succeed, it’s the time to seek professional help. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble or having trouble with plumbing problems within Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber today!
Additional Information
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