How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower only to realize that the water hasn’t been draining then you’ll be aware of how frustrating it can be. Not only does it slow down your morning routine but it can also be difficult to clean after having finished. While chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The good news is that there are plenty of ways that you can unblock the shower drain, without the need for harsh chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are natural ways to unblock the drain of a shower for example, baking soda or vinegar or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- Use the baking soda method and vinegar: collect supplies, remove the drain cover and other garbage, pour baking soda, followed by vinegar. Allow 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method: straighten out wire hanger, leaving one end as it was, create a hook at the end, insert it inside the drain to catch hair and debris out.
- For wet/dry vacuums switch the vacuum to "wet" mode, cover overflow drains by a cloth or tape, join the hose and create an airtight seal. Turn on the vacuum for 3 minutes.
- Be prepared for blockages in the future by using hair strainers in your shower. You can also run hot water after each use, and not running grease down your drains.
Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To begin take the following steps:
- 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 the small brush or toothbrush to get rid of dirt or hair from the edges of the drain. 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 one Cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain immediately using a cloth or a rag to ensure the reaction doesn’t go over the top!
Step 4: Wait
You should wait for around 30 minutes while the mixture works its magic. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Clean using Boiling Water
Remove the cover carefully and flush it with boiling water. This will help remove any remaining debris and make sure that the water flows smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusted wire hanger
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as straight as you can, but leave the other end with its original shape.
Step 2: Design a Hook
Create a small hook at the top of the wire you just straightened.
Step 3: Search for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain, and then fish looking for hairs and debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you’re in possession of an air-tight vacuum, this method might be the best option for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum on "liquids" or "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close Drainage
Cover drains that are overflowing with the use of duct tape or a damp cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to Drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and allow it to run for around 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 |
Common Questions and Answers
How can I tell whether my shower drain is clogged?
If your shower takes longer than normal to empty, or water is pooling on your feet during your shower, it’s a sign that your drain might be partially or fully clogged. Also, a smell of rottenness coming from the shower area may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to free a shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also try a mix of salt and baking soda followed by boiling water. Plunging the drain with a plunger may also help.
Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners to remove the blockage in my shower?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners as they contain toxic chemicals that can harm the pipes over time. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health risk to those who handle the products improperly.
What should I do if I need to call a professional plumber for my shower drain that is blocked?
If the DIY method doesn’t work in unblocking your shower drain, it’s recommended to call a professional plumber such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber in Melbourne for assistance. Other signs that you should seek professional help include water backing up out of other toilets or drains, strange gurgling noises from pipes, or foul odors coming from the drains even after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to fix a clogged shower drain fixed by a plumber?
The cost for fixing the problem of a blocked shower drain will vary depending on the severity of the issue and the location you live. On average, it costs between $100 and $300 for a plumber to unblock the shower drain. However, more serious cases that require pipe repairs or replacements could cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be frustrating it is, however, there are plenty of natural methods to try before making the switch to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use vinegar and baking soda, 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 pouring grease down your drains. If none of these options perform, it could be time to get professional assistance. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble or persistent plumbing problems with your plumbing in Melbourne , contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber today!
Additional Information
- Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
- Your Ultimate Guide to Clearing and Unblocking Clogged Drains with Ease
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Drain Maintenance 101: A Decade of Simple Ways to Prevent Blockages in Your Home
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- Preventing Leaks and Blockages: Understanding Pipe Relining Services
- Is It Time for a CCTV Drain Inspection? Here's What You Need to Know
- Say farewell to clogged drains with these most effective solutions
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
