How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a shower only to realize that the water isn’t draining, you know how frustrating it can be. It’s not just slowing down your morning routine, it could also make it more difficult to clean up when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The positive side is that there are a lot of ways that you can unblock a shower drain without resorting to harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are several natural methods to unblock a shower drain like vinegar and baking soda as well as a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To use baking soda and vinegar method: collect items, clean the drain cover and other obstructions, and pour baking soda and vinegar. Wait 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method: straighten out wire hanger and leave one end in its original form, create a hook at the end, then insert it into the drain to fish hair and debris out.
- For wet/dry vacuums select the "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing by a cloth or tape, connect the hose to create an airtight seal then turn off the vacuum after 3 minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using a hair strainer in your shower. Run hot water following each usage and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To start you can gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover as much as you can and use a small brush or brush to clean the hairs or any other obstruction around the drain’s edges. Make sure to 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 a cup of white vinegar. Cover this drain immediately with a clean cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t go beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes while the mixture performs its magic. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Rinse using Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush it with boiling water. This will clear any debris left behind and allow your water to flow smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusted wire hanger
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as straight as you can, but leave one end with its original shape.
Step 2: Design a Hook
Create a small hook on the top of the wire that you have just straightened.
Step 3: Look for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and fish around looking for hairs and debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re able to access an air-tight 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 Overflow Drain
Overflow drains should be covered with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Connect the hose to the drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start the vacuum, and allow it to run for approximately three minutes. This should eliminate any obstructions 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 can I tell if my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than usual time to empty or the water is getting swollen on your feet during your shower, it’s an indication that your drain may be completely or partially blocked. In addition, an unpleasant odor emanating from the shower could indicate a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to free a shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by baking soda and vinegar. You can also use an amalgamation of baking soda and salt followed by boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger might also help.
Do I need to use chemical drain cleaners to free my shower?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners since they are laden with harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the pipes over time. Chemicals can also damage the environment and pose health risk to those who handle them in a way that isn’t safe.
When should I contact a professional plumber about my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY techniques don’t work to clear your shower drain, it’s recommended to contact a professional plumber like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber in Adelaide to get help. Other signs that you need professional help include water leaking out of other toilets or drains, strange gurgling noises from pipes or odors of foul smells emanating from the drains despite cleaning them.
How much will it cost to fix a clogged shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?
The price of repairing an unblocking shower drain could differ based on the severity of the issue and the location you reside. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber who can unblock the shower drain. However, more severe situations that require pipe repair or replacement can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain could be stressful and time-consuming, but there are plenty of alternatives to try before turning to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum, make sure you avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower or shower, and then running hot water following each use, and refraining from spilling grease down your drains. If these methods don’t work, it may be an appropriate time to seek professional help. If you’re struggling with a difficult or having trouble with plumbing problems within Adelaide , contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber now!
Additional Information
- Clearing Your Drain: Top-notch Drainage Fixes
- Protect Your Home Investment by Conducting A CCTV Drain Inspection Prior Purchase
- Remove Drain Blockages Permanently with These Proven Techniques
- Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
- 5 Factors That Are Clogging Your Drains and How to Avoid Them
- Master How to Quickly Unclog Your Clogged Drains with the Do-It-Yourself Guide
- Catching Drain Issues Early: The Benefits of Scheduling Regular Inspections for Your Business
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Property Maintenance
