How to Unclog a Shower Drain Naturally
Shower drains commonly get clogged from hair and soap. Many times these clogs can be cleaned from the drain fairly quickly, with natural products that are environmentally friendly. It's a good idea to use baking soda and vinegar at least once a month to prevent clogs. These products can also be used when a clog doesn't respond to a plunger.
Shower drains become clogged from soap, shampoo, and hair. Although most drains have a cover, this does not prevent everything from passing through. Eventually hair and other materials narrow down the inside of your pipe, causing a slow drain and clog.
Fortunately most shower drains can be cleaned fairly easily, without using chemical drain cleaners. Although chemical drain cleaners are effective against shower clogs, they should be used as a last resort. Chemical drain cleaners are not environmentally friendly, and they can actually harm the good bacteria in septic tanks.
Items Needed
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Plunger
- Auger
- Screwdriver
Instructions
- Plunge your drain. Run a bit of hot water, and fit the plunger over the drain. Plunge deeply. If this doesn't clear the clog within a few minutes, move on.
- Pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Alternate between the two of them until you have used both products. You will want to wait until all the water has drained out before you do this step. Allow to sit at least 15 minutes.
- Run hot water into the drain. Your clog should be clear. If not, you will need to use your plumbing auger.
- Unscrew the drain cover on the wall of your tub. Set aside.
- Insert the snake auger down the drain until you hit the clog. Secure the auger and start snaking. Continue to snake until you feel the clog give away. Pull the auger out every few minutes to clear the end of material.
- After you push through the clog, remove the auger and run hot water to ensure the drain is clear.
- Replace the drain cover.