How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath and realized that the water isn’t draining, you know how frustrating it could be. Not only does it slow down your morning routine but it can also be harder to clean up after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they may also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The positive side is there’s a lot of ways that you can unblock a shower drain without resorting to harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and the environment.
- There are several natural methods to unblock the drain of a shower for example, baking soda, vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To make use of baking soda with vinegar: Gather supplies, remove the drain cover and other obstructions, and pour in baking soda followed by vinegar. Allow 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods Straighten the wire hanger while leaving one end in its original form, create a hook at the end, then insert it into the drain and let it catch hair and debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method select the "wet" mode then cover the drains of overflow with tape or cloth, attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal. Turn on the vacuum for three minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower, and running hot water after each usage and avoiding using grease to clean your drains.
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 cloth or rag
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Take off the shower drain cover If you can, and then use the small brush or toothbrush to remove any hair or other debris the edges of the drain. Make sure you wear rubber gloves, if needed.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain, followed by one cups of vinegar. Cover with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately using a cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t go beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes as the mix performs its magic. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Drain using Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush the water with boiling. This will clear any debris that remains and ensure that your water is flowing smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusted wire hanger
Step 1 1. Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger to the greatest extent as possible, while keeping the other end in its original shape.
Step 2: Design an Hook
Make a small hook at the top of the wire that you just straightened out.
Step 3: Search for hair and Debris
Insert the hook into the drain, and then fish looking for hair and debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re in possession of a wet/dry vacuum This method could be the best option for you.
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set into "liquids" and "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Drainage
Cover drains that are overflowing with either duct tape or wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Connect the hose to the drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start the vacuum, and let it run for approximately three minutes. This should remove any obstructions in the 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 can I tell when my shower drain has become clogged?
If your shower takes longer than usual time to empty or if you notice that water is collecting around your feet as you shower, it’s a sign that your drain could be either completely or partially clogged. Also, a smell of rottenness emanating from the shower could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are some natural ways to unblock a shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also try a mixture of salt and baking soda, followed by boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger may also help.
Do I need to make use of chemical drain cleaners to remove the blockage in my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners because they contain toxic chemicals that can harm your pipes in the long run. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health risks to those who handle them in a way that isn’t safe.
When should I call a professional plumber about my shower drain that is blocked?
If the DIY method doesn’t work in clearing your shower drain, then it’s advisable to speak with a professional plumbing company like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber in Melbourne for assistance. Other indicators that you may require professional help are the water coming out of other drains or toilets odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes or smells that are foul from drains, even after cleaning them.
What is the cost to fix a clogged shower drain cleared by an experienced plumber?
The price of repairing the problem of a blocked shower drain will vary depending on the severity of the issue and where you live. 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 replacement can cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be difficult it is, however, there are plenty of natural methods to try before using harsh chemicals. Whatever you decide to do, whether vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum remember to take steps to prevent future blockages by making use of a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water after every use, and not spilling grease down your drains. If none of these options work, it’s time to get professional assistance. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble and persistent plumbing problems in Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber today!
Additional Information
- Don�t Get Caught Unprepared! What You Need to Do Before a CCTV Drain Inspection
- A Hassle-Free Detailed Manual to Unclog Your Jammed Shower Drain
- Say farewell to clogged drains with these most effective solutions
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies
- The Complete Guide to Clearing Your Plumbing for a Clog-Free Home
- Examining the Reasons Behind Blocked Drains
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- Easy Measures to Find & Identify a Blocked Pipe
