How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower only to find that the water hasn’t been draining it, you’re aware of how annoying it is. Not only does it slow down your morning routine it also makes it harder to clean up after you’re finished. While chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The positive side is the fact that you have plenty of ways that you can unblock the shower drain without resorting to harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes and even the environment.
- There are many natural methods to clear a shower drain like baking soda and vinegar as well as a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- To make use of baking soda with vinegar, gather supplies, remove drain cover and garbage, pour baking soda and vinegar. Allow 30 minutes then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method Straighten the wire hanger while leaving the other end in its original shape and then create a hook on the end, insert it into the drain, and then use it to pull hair and debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method: set vacuum to "wet" mode Cover drains that overflow with tape or cloth, join the hose and create an airtight seal. 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 use, and not pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To begin you can gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover as much as you can and use an e-brush or small toothbrush to remove the hairs or any other obstruction the edges of the drain. Make sure to wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup white vinegar. Make sure to cover with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately using a cloth or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t fizz over the top!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes while the mixture does its work. There should be some sound and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Flush using Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush it with boiling water. This will help remove any debris left behind and get your water flowing smoother.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a sturdy wire hanger:
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten the wire hanger as far as possible, while keeping the other end with its original shape.
Step 2: Make an Hook
Create a small hook at the top of the wire you just straightened out.
Step 3: Go fishing for hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain and search to look for hair or debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you own an upright vacuum that is dry and wet it could be suitable for you:
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set on "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close Drainage
Cover drains that are overflowing with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to Drain
Attach the hose onto 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 eliminate 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 |
FAQ
How can I tell when my shower drain has become clogged?
If your shower is taking longer than usual to fill or the water is getting swollen around your feet while you shower, it’s a sign that your drain could be partially or fully clogged. A sour smell coming from the shower area could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock the shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and salt and boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger could also be helpful.
Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners to remove the blockage in my shower?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners because they are laden with toxic chemicals that can harm your pipes in the long run. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health hazards to those who handle them improperly.
When should I get in touch with a professional plumber for my shower drain that is blocked?
If your DIY solutions don’t succeed in clearing the shower drain, you should to speak with a professional plumbing company such as Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber in Adelaide for help. Other indicators that you may require assistance from a professional include the appearance of water in other drains or toilets strange noises of pipes gurgling or smells that are foul out of the drains after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to get a clogged shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?
The price of repairing an unblocking shower drain could differ depending on the extent of the issue as well as where you reside. In the average, it will cost between $100-$300 for a plumber to clear the shower drain. However, more serious cases that require pipe repair or replacement could cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be frustrating it is, however, there are many alternatives to try before making the switch to harsh chemicals. Whether you choose baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum, be sure to prevent future blockages by installing a hair strainer inside your shower, running hot water after every use, and avoid the practice of pouring grease down your drains. If none of these solutions work, it’s the time to seek professional help. If you’re struggling with a difficult or persistent plumbing problems in Adelaide , contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber today!
Additional Information
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Property Maintenance
- Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
- Is It Time for a CCTV Drain Inspection? Here's What You Need to Know
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Problems with Blocked Drains: Plumber Solutions and Tips
- Remove Drain Blockages Permanently with These Proven Techniques
- Unleashing the Power of High Pressure Drain Cleaning
- Seeking a plumber to repair your blocked drain issue? This is how
- Protect Your Home Investment by Conducting A CCTV Drain Inspection Prior Purchase
