Is there a delay in the draining of your bathroom sink? Clogged shower drains become a problem when not cleaned frequently. The main culprit for clogging this shower drains is the entangled hair. Soap and mineral-laden hard water also contribute to choking the drains.
There are many solutions to unclog the drain using chemical agents like- bleach, Drainex, or sulphuric acid and natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, or caustic soda. The hair can also be eliminated by pulling it manually or by using tools like a plunger or a wire hanger.
Read further to learn how to unclog a shower drain with bleach or some other agents. If any of these quick fixes don’t work, try calling a plumber!
How to unclog a shower drain with bleach
Bleach is the most used and easily available drain cleaner. Maximum clog removers contain bleach i.e., sodium hypochlorite as a cleansing ingredient. Certain bleaching agents work like wonders in unclogging the drains and getting rid of foul odor.
Home bleach, or as we call it, Liquid bleach and is used quite a lot to clear choked drains. The chemical should be used cautiously as it reacts with the iron pipes and can be harmful. However, regular non-gel bleach isn’t very effective because it passes down the drainpipe quickly.
Steps to use bleach:
- Take a cup of bleach and pour it in the shower drain.
- Wait for approximately 15 minutes and pour hot water into the pipe.
Do not let it sit for a long time as it may corrode the pipes. There are commercial cleaning agents that effectively remove the accumulated water and dirt.
Given below are some chemical agents that can be used to unclog the shower drain:
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Drano Gel drain clog remover
This is a gel-based cleanser that sits in the pipes and removes the clogging. The main ingredients of Drano are- caustic soda, bleach, and hydrogen peroxide. It operates actively to restore the drain to a clear flowing state.
Shower drains are easily clogged with soap scum, hair residue, and other toiletry gunk, but Drano is tough on them. It can be used on all pipelines and pipe fittings.
After using Drano, the affected area has to be neutralized with lemon juice or white vinegar. Pour enough to immerse the area and let it rest for 5-10minutes. This eliminates the residual bits of the agent from the pipe and prevents its corrosion.
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Vinegar + Baking soda
This is the very homely method of removing the clogs. Take one to two cups of baking soda and shove it down the drain and then pour the vinegar inside. There will be sputter in the pipe, which will push all the hair, filth, and scum that has mounted up. Allow it to sit for a minimum of one hour or more so overnight. Later flush it with hot water.
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Caustic Soda
Caustic soda occurs to be one of the strongest chemicals to dissipate blockages in the drain pipe. However, precaution has to be taken while using it. Wear an eye shield and a pair of rubber gloves for safety. Caustic soda is available in any nearby hardware shop, yet handle it prudently. Take cold water and caustic soda in the ratio of 1:1, i.e., one cup of soda in one liter of water.
Mix it well with a wooden stick or spoon. It soon begins to heat, and the bubbles form. Pour this mixture into the congested drain and wait for 25-30 minutes. Next, rinse the drainpipe with boiling hot water. Also known chemically as Sodium hydroxide, it causes awful skin burns.
Chemicals that are quite powerful to unblock the tiny clogs can damage the eyes and skin and subsequently harm the environment. These chemical agents are heavy on the pocket, too, so one should resort to DIY solutions.
You can use some economical and eco – friendly methods to unblock the drains in the house, with materials in your kitchen cabinets that you possibly have already.
How to unclog shower drain with Boiling Water?
This is probably the easiest way to get rid of the blockages. Boil an adequate amount of water in a vessel on the stove. Slowly pour the water in the drain in 2-3 shifts, giving the water some time to work during every pour. Be very careful while carrying the hot steaming water pot to the shower drain. However, you opt for other methods than the boiling water as it is very risky and less effective.
The Severity of the Clog
Some clogs only constitute partial blockages. Your water drains in this instance, but it drains slowly. This is because, along with the interior of the pipe, an accumulation of soap scum or hair filth has accumulated, limiting the diameter of the pipe and restricting the volume of water that can move through. Partial blockages are weaker and therefore are more expected to act DIY techniques that are smoother.
Few clogs block the drain entirely, and simple DIY solutions are not enough to get rid of it. In such cases, you are left with a bathroom full of accumulated water and might need the assistance of chemical agents and some unclogging tools. In the shower area, be especially specific to get rid of the chemical debris from the surfaces so that your next shower is nice and fresh.
Following the unclogging process
Now, as you’ve cleared your clogged drain and the water is flowing freely, it very important to prevent it from further blockage. Install a hair catcher/strainer on the shower sink to trap the gunk and hair.
Cleaning the drain frequently with gushing water after every two days can also save you from the hassle of tedious chemical cleaning. Sometimes specialized pieces of equipment are not required to clean the drain.
Understanding how to clear a drain with baking soda or salt helps to maintain the balance in the environment. Store-bought cleaners should be avoided as much as possible and should only be used while facing stubborn clogs. Eco-friendly options keep our surroundings and water safe and clean.
Thank you for reading!