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 and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it can be. Not only can it slow down your morning routine it also makes it more difficult to clean after having finished. While chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news is there’s plenty of natural ways to unblock a shower drain without using harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and even the environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to unblock the drain of a shower by using baking soda and vinegar and a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- For the baking soda method and vinegar: Gather supplies, remove drain cover and debris, then pour baking soda and vinegar. Wait 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods Straighten the wire hanger and leave one end in its original form and then create a hook on the end and insert it down the drain to fish hair and debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method Set the vacuum in "wet" mode then cover the drains of overflow by a cloth or tape, join the hose and create an airtight seal then turn it on for 3 minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water after each usage and avoiding using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To begin, gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Take off the shower drain cover if possible and use tiny brushes or a toothbrush to scrub dirt or hair the drain’s edges. Wear rubber gloves in the event of need.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda and Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain, followed by one cups of vinegar. Then cover with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately using a cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t fizz over the top!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes as the mix performs its magic. There should be some sound and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Flush using Boiling Water
Remove the cover carefully and flush the water with boiling. This will clear any debris that remains and get your water flowing smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a reliable wire hanger
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten the wire hanger as far as you can while leaving the other end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Make a Hook
Create a small hook at the end of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Look for Hair and Debris
Hook it into the drain and search for hairs and debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you’re able to access dry or wet vacuums This method could be for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum to "liquids" and "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Drainage
Make sure to cover any drains that have overflows using duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Attach the hose to your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This should remove 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 Questions
How do I know whether my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to fill or if you notice that water is collecting on your feet during your shower, it’s an indication 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 clear a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also make an amalgamation of salt and baking soda followed by boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger can also aid.
Do I need to employ chemical drain cleaners in order to free my shower?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners because they contain toxic chemicals that can harm your pipes over time. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health hazards for those who handle them improperly.
When should I call a professional plumber for my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY techniques don’t work in unblocking your shower drain, then it’s advisable to speak with a professional plumbing company such as Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber in Adelaide for assistance. Other signs that you should seek assistance from a professional include water leaking out of the toilet or other drains, strange gurgling noises from pipes or smells that are foul from drains, even after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to fix a clogged shower drain cleared by plumbing experts?
The price of repairing blocked shower drains can vary depending on the severity of the issue and where you live. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber to remove a shower drain. However, more extreme cases which require pipe repair or replacement can cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be difficult 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, a wire hanger, or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, ensure you take the necessary steps to keep your drains from becoming blocked by installing a hair strainer inside your shower and running hot water after every use, and not using grease down your drains. If none of these options work, it’s the time to seek professional assistance. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble or persistent plumbing issues with your plumbing in Adelaide , contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber immediately!
Additional Information
- How CCTV Drain Inspections Help Avoid Water Damage and Health Hazards
- Protect Your Home Investment by Conducting A CCTV Drain Inspection Prior Purchase
- Master How to Quickly Unclog Your Clogged Drains with the Do-It-Yourself Guide
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- CCTV Drain Inspection: A Cost-Effective Solution for Unblocking Blocked Drains
- Uncovering the Root Causes of Blocked Drains
- Essential Tips for Keeping Your Drains Clog-Free
- Everything You Need to Know About Unblocking Drains and Avoiding Plumbing Problems
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- Say hello to unclogged drains with effective remedies
