How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a bath and realized that the water isn’t draining, you know how frustrating it can be. Not only can it slow the morning routine, it also makes it more difficult to clean up after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The positive side is that there are a lot of natural ways to unblock the shower drain without using harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes and even the environment.
- There are many natural methods to unblock a shower drain, such as using baking soda and vinegar as well as a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- To make use of baking soda and vinegar method, gather items, clean the cover for draining and any obstructions, and pour baking soda in, then vinegar, wait for 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- To use wire hanger method: straighten out wire hanger while leaving the other end as it was and then create a hook on the top, and then place it in the drain, and then use it to pull hair and debris out.
- For wet/dry vacuums select the "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing with tape or cloth, connect the hose to create an airtight seal then turn to the mode for 3 minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower. You can also run hot water following each use and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To start to begin, collect the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Remove the shower drain cover If you can, and then use a small brush or toothbrush to remove the hairs or any other obstruction the drain’s edges. Wear rubber gloves in the event of need.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain followed by a cups of vinegar. Cover the drain immediately with a towel or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t go over the top!
Step 4: Wait
It should take about 30 minutes while the mixture is at work. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean with Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush it with boiling water. This will clear any remaining debris and ensure that your water is flowing freely.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a reliable wire hanger:
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger to the greatest extent as possible, while keeping the other end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Make a Hook
Create a small hook at the top of the wire that you have just straightened.
Step 3: Look for Hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain and search to look for hair and debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you own an air-tight vacuum This method could be for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set into "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Drainage
Cover drains that are overflowing with duct tape or a moist cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and let it run for approximately three minutes. This should help remove any blockages from 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 |
FAQ
What can I tell whether my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower takes longer than normal to empty, or water is pooling around your feet when you shower, it’s an indication that your drain may be partially or fully clogged. Also, a smell of rottenness emanating from the shower could indicate a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to clear a shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. You could also try a mix of salt and baking soda, followed by boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger could also be helpful.
Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners to free my shower?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners since they are laden with harmful chemicals that could harm your pipes in the long run. These chemicals also can harm the environment and pose health hazards to those who handle them incorrectly.
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, it’s recommended to call a professional plumber such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumber in Perth for assistance. Other indications that you require professional help include the appearance of water in the toilet or other drains, strange noises of pipes gurgling or odors of foul smells emanating from the drains even after cleaning them.
What is the cost to get a blocked shower drain cleared by an experienced plumber?
The cost for fixing a blocked shower drain can be different based on the severity of the issue and the location you reside. On average, it costs between $100-$300 for a plumber to remove the shower drain. However, more extreme cases that require pipe repairs or replacement could be priced between $500 and $1000.
Conclusion
The process of unblocking the shower drain can be stressful and time-consuming, but there are many alternatives to try before turning to harsh chemicals. If you decide to use vinegar and baking soda or a wire hanger or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, ensure you take the necessary steps to prevent future blockages by using a hair strainer within your shower or shower, and then running hot water following every use, and not the practice of pouring grease down your drains. If none of these options work, it’s an appropriate time to seek professional assistance. If you’re having trouble with persistent or declining plumbing issues at Perth , contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumber today!
Additional Information
- Blocked Drain Emergency? Here’s What You Need to Know About DIY vs. Professionals
- Blockage of Drains: Plumbing Tips and Solutions
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
- Say Goodbye to Blocked Drains: A Decade of Preventive Steps for Your Home
- Unblock Your Drains with Ease: The Power of Blocked Drain Jetting
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains and Their Simple Solutions
- Bid Farewell to Clogged Drains: The Step-by-Step Do-It-Yourself Guide
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Overcoming Stubborn Clogs with High Pressure Drain Cleaning
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
