How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath only to find that the water doesn’t drain it, you’re aware of how annoying it is. Not only does it slow down your morning routine, it could also make it more difficult to clean up after you’re finished. While chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news is that there are a lot of natural methods to clear a shower drain without using harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners could harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are natural ways to get rid of the blockage in a shower for example, baking soda, vinegar as well as a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- For the method of baking soda and vinegar, gather ingredients, unblock the drain cover and any obstructions, and pour in baking soda followed by vinegar. Wait 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method Straighten the wire hanger and leave the other end as it was, create a hook at the end, insert it into the drain and let it catch hair and other debris out.
- For wet/dry vacuums select the "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing with tape or cloth, attach hose creating an air-tight seal. Turn it on for three minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use hair strainers in your shower. Run hot water after every use and refraining from running grease down your drains.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To start, gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover whenever possible. Use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub the hairs or any other obstruction from around the edges of the drain. Make sure to wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda and Vinegar
Put one cup baking soda in the sink, followed by one cup white vinegar. It is best to protect the drain immediately with a clean cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t fizz beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
It should take about 30 minutes as the mix is at work. There should be some sound and bubbling, which means it’s working!
Step 5: Flush with Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush it out with hot water. This should clear any debris that remains and get your water flowing without a hitch.
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 possible, leaving the other end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Create a small hook on the end of the wire that you have just straightened out.
Step 3: Look for hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain and look for hair and debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you’re in possession of an air-tight vacuum it could be suitable for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum into "liquids" and "wet" mode.
2. Cover Overflow Drain
Make sure to cover any drains that have overflows using duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Attach the hose to your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start the vacuum, and allow it to run for around three minutes. This will help clear 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 |
FAQ
How do I know if my shower drains are clogged?
If your shower takes longer than usual to fill or the water is getting swollen on your feet during your shower, it’s a sign that your drain is partially or fully clogged. Also, a smell of rottenness emanating from the shower may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to unblock the shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. You can also use a mix of salt and baking soda followed by boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger may also help.
Do I need to make use of chemical drain cleaners to remove the blockage in my shower?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they are laden with harmful chemicals that could harm the pipes in the long run. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health risks for those who use them improperly.
When should I contact a professional plumber for my shower drain that is blocked?
If the DIY method doesn’t work in clearing the shower drain, you should to contact a professional plumber such as Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber in Adelaide for assistance. Other indicators that you may require professional help are water backing up out of other drains or toilets odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes or odors of foul smells emanating out of the drains after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to fix a clogged shower drain cleared by plumbing experts?
The cost of fixing an unblocking shower drain could differ based on the severity of the problem and where you reside. On average, it costs between $100 and $300 for a plumber to remove the drain of a shower. However, more serious cases which require pipe repair or replacement can cost as much as $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be difficult however there are numerous ways to tackle the problem without making the switch 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 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 down your drains. If none of these options succeed, it’s an appropriate time to seek professional help. If you’re struggling with a difficult or persistent plumbing problems at Adelaide , contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber immediately!
Additional Information
- Say hello to unclogged drains with effective remedies
- Catching Drain Issues Early: The Benefits of Scheduling Regular Inspections for Your Business
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- An All-Inclusive Handbook to Unclogging Pipes: What Plumbers Utilize
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- Uncovering the Root Causes of Blocked Drains
- Is It Time for a CCTV Drain Inspection? Here's What You Need to Know
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- Tricks for Identifying & Verifying a Clogged Drain
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Expert Tips on Choosing the Best Pipe Relining Material
