How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower and realized that the water doesn’t drain, you know how frustrating it can be. This not only slows down your morning routine it also makes it difficult to clean after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they may also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news is there’s plenty of methods that are natural to unblock a shower drain, without the need for harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners could harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to get rid of the blockage in a shower for example, baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum.
- For baking soda and vinegar method, gather materials, take off drain cover and garbage, pour baking soda, followed by vinegar, wait for 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method: straighten out wire hanger and leave one end in its original shape Create a hook at the end, then insert it down the drain, and then use it to pull hair and debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums switch the vacuum to "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing by a cloth or tape, attach hose creating an air-tight seal, then turn it on for three minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use a hair strainer in your shower, and running hot water after every use, and not using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To start take the following steps:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Take off the shower drain cover if possible and use a small brush or brush to clean the hairs or any other obstruction around the drain’s edges. Wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda along with Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain followed by a Cup of white vinegar. Make sure to cover the drain immediately using a cloth or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t explode beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes while the mixture performs its magic. There should be some sound and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Flush with Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush it out with hot water. This should clear any debris left behind and make sure that the water flows freely.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusty wire hanger
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger to the greatest extent as you can while leaving the other end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Create a small hook at the end of the wire you just straightened.
Step 3: Fish for Hair and Debris
Hook it into the drain and look looking for hair as well as debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re able to access a wet/dry vacuum, this method might be suitable for you:
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum on "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close 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 your drain, making an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Switch on the vacuum and allow it to run for approximately three minutes. This will help clear any blockages in the drain of your shower.
| 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 |
Common Questions & Answers
What can I tell whether 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 a sign that your drain might be completely or partially blocked. A sour smell coming from the shower area could indicate a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to clear a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed with baking soda, vinegar and. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and salt and boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger can also aid.
Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners to remove the blockage in my shower?
It’s not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners since they contain toxic chemicals that can harm your pipes in the long run. These chemicals can also harm the surroundings and pose health risks to those who use the products improperly.
What should I do if I need to call an experienced plumber to fix my shower drain that is blocked?
If the DIY method doesn’t work in unblocking your shower drain, it’s best to get a professional plumber like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber in Adelaide for help. Other indicators that you may require assistance from a professional include water backing up out of other drains or toilets weird gurgling sounds from pipes or odors of foul smells emanating from the drains despite cleaning them.
How much will it cost to get a clogged shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?
The cost of fixing an unblocking shower drain could differ based on the severity of the issue as well as where you live. On average, it costs between $100 and $300 for a plumber to clear a shower drain. However, more serious cases that require pipe repairs or replacement could cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be stressful and time-consuming, but there are plenty of natural methods to try before resorting to harsh chemicals. Whether you choose baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, remember to take steps to avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer within your shower, running hot water after every use, and avoid spilling grease down your drains. If these strategies don’t succeed, it’s the time to seek professional help. If you’re having trouble with persistent or declining plumbing issues with your plumbing in Adelaide , contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber today!
Additional Information
- Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
- Why You Should Choose CCTV Drain Inspection to Identify Root Infiltration in Your Plumbing System
- Master How to Quickly Unclog Your Clogged Drains with the Do-It-Yourself Guide
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
- Protect Your Home Investment by Conducting A CCTV Drain Inspection Prior Purchase
- Uncovering the Root Causes of Blocked Drains
- Drain Maintenance 101: 10 Simple Methods to Prevent Clogs in Your Home
- Clear Your Drains: Useful Tricks to Try Out Now
- An All-Inclusive Handbook to Unclogging Pipes: What Plumbers Utilize
