How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a shower only to discover that the water isn’t draining then you’ll be aware of how frustrating it can be. It’s not just slowing down your morning routine it could also make it more difficult to clean after having finished. While 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 a shower drain without resorting to harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and the environment.
- There are several natural methods to unblock a shower drain by using baking soda or vinegar or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- For baking soda with vinegar: Gather materials, take off the drain cover and any garbage, pour baking soda, followed by vinegar. Wait 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods use a straight wire hanger, leaving one end in its original form, create a hook at the end, then insert it into the drain to catch hair and debris out.
- For wet/dry vacuums: set vacuum to "wet" mode then cover the drains of overflow with cloth or tape, join the hose and create an airtight seal then turn to the mode for three minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use hair strainers in your shower, running hot water after each usage and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To start to begin, collect the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Remove the shower drain cover if possible and use tiny brushes or a brush to clean the hairs or any other obstruction the edges of the drain. Wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one Cup of white vinegar. It is best to protect your drain immediately with a cloth or rag so that the reaction doesn’t get out of control!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes while the mixture is at work. There should be some sound and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Rinse with Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush it with boiling water. This will help remove all debris remaining and help allow your water to flow smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusted wire hanger:
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as much as you can, but leave one end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Make a Hook
Make a hook that is small at the end of the wire you just straightened.
Step 3: Go fishing for hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain and look for hair or debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you’re able to access an upright vacuum that is dry and wet This method could be the best option for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set into "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
2. Cover Drainage
Cover drains that are overflowing with either duct tape or wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Attach the hose to your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start the vacuum, and let it run for approximately three minutes. This should 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 |
Frequently Asked Question
How do I know if my shower drains are blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to fill or the water is getting swollen around your feet when you shower, it’s a sign that your drain may be partially or fully clogged. In addition, an unpleasant odor emanating from the shower may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock the shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water down the drain, then followed with baking soda, vinegar and. You could also try the mixture of baking soda and salt followed by boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger can also aid.
Do I need to make use of chemical drain cleaners to unblock my shower drain?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners since they are laden with harmful chemicals that could harm the pipes over time. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health hazards for those who use them improperly.
When should I get in touch with a professional plumber about my blocked shower drain?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed in unblocking your shower drain, it’s recommended to call a professional plumber such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber in Melbourne to get help. Other signs that you should seek professional help are the appearance of water in other toilets or drains, weird gurgling sounds from pipes or odors of foul smells emanating from the drains despite cleaning them.
How much will it cost to have a blocked shower drain fixed by plumbing experts?
The cost to fix the problem of a blocked shower drain will differ based on the severity of the issue and where you live. In the average, it will cost between $100 and $300 for a plumber who can unblock a shower drain. However, more serious cases which require pipe repair or replacement could cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain could be stressful and time-consuming, but there are plenty of alternative methods you can try before using harsh chemicals. If you decide to use baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum, ensure you take the necessary steps to stop future blockages installing a hair strainer inside your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after each use, and avoiding pouring grease into your drains. If these strategies don’t succeed, it’s time to call in professional help. If you’re dealing with stubborn or persistent plumbing issues within Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber today!
Additional Information
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Tips and Tricks for Clearing a Blocked Pipe with Ease
- Clearing Obstructed Drains: An Exhaustive Handbook for Plumbers
- Easy Measures to Find & Identify a Blocked Pipe
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Tips & Solutions
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- The Complete Guide to Clearing Your Plumbing for a Clog-Free Home
- Maximizing the Long-Term Benefits of Pipe Relining by Picking the Ideal Material
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: DIY Techniques vs Professional Services
