How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower only to find that the water hasn’t been draining then you’ll be aware of how frustrating it is. Not only can it slow down your morning routine, however, it can be more difficult to clean when you’re done. While chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they may also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news lies in the plenty of methods that are natural to unblock the shower drain, without the need for harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are natural ways to get rid of the blockage in a shower, such as using baking soda or vinegar or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- For baking soda with vinegar: gather materials, take off the cover for draining and any debris, pour in baking soda followed by vinegar. Allow 30 minutes then flush with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method to straighten wire hanger leaving the other end in its original form Create a hook at the end, insert it down the drain to catch hair and other debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method Set the vacuum in "wet" mode then cover the drains of overflow with tape or cloth, attach the hose, creating an air-tight seal. Turn off the vacuum after three minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water following each usage and avoiding running grease down your drains.
Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To start take the following steps:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Remove the shower drain cover as much as you can and use tiny brushes or a toothbrush to scrub all hair and other particles from the edges of the drain. Be 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 cups of vinegar. Then cover this drain immediately with a clean cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t fizz over the top!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes as the mix is at work. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Drain with Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush the water with boiling. This will clear any debris left behind and ensure that your water is flowing smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a sturdy wire hanger:
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten the wire hanger as far as possible, leaving one end with its original shape.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Make a small hook at the end of the wire you straightened.
Step 3: Go fishing for hair and Debris
Hook it into the drain and look looking for hairs and debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you’re in possession of an air-tight vacuum it could be suitable for you:
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum on "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Drainage
Overflow drains should be covered with the use of duct tape or a damp cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Connect the hose to the drain, creating an airtight 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 blockages in 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
How can I tell when my shower drain has become blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual to fill, or water is pooling around your feet as you shower, it’s a sign that your drain may be either completely or partially clogged. In addition, an unpleasant odor emanating from the shower could indicate a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to unblock the shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed with baking soda, vinegar and. You can also use the mixture of baking soda and salt and boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger may also help.
Do I need to employ chemical drain cleaners in order to free my shower?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they contain harmful chemicals that could harm your pipes in the long run. These chemicals also can harm the environment and pose health risks to those who use them incorrectly.
When should I get in touch with an experienced plumber to fix my blocked shower drain?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed to clear your shower drain, it’s recommended to contact a professional plumber such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber in Melbourne to get help. Other signs that you should seek professional help include the appearance of water in other toilets or drains, strange gurgling noises from pipes or smells that are foul from drains, even after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to get a clogged shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?
The cost of fixing blocked shower drains can differ depending on the extent of the issue as well as where you reside. It is typically between $100-$300 for a plumber to remove a shower drain. However, more serious cases that require pipe repair or replacements can cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain could be stressful, but there are many alternative methods you can try before resorting to harsh chemicals. Whether you choose baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum, be sure to keep your drains from becoming blocked by using a hair strainer in your shower and running hot water after each use, and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down your drains. If these strategies don’t work, it may be an appropriate time to seek professional assistance. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble or persistent plumbing issues in Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber now!
Additional Information
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- The Ultimate Guide to Unclogging Your Drain Without Professional Help
- Plumbing Tips to Maintain Your Drains Running Efficiently
- Drain Maintenance 101: A Decade of Simple Ways to Prevent Blockages in Your Home
- Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies
- Don't Let Clogged Pipes Ruins Your Day: Tricks to Try Out
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Maximizing the Long-Term Benefits of Pipe Relining by Picking the Ideal Material
