How to Clear a Clogged Shower Drain
It is frustrating when you are taking a shower and realize the water is not going down the drain. Suddenly you're up to your ankles in water. Hair, soap scum and other debris cause clogged shower drains. You can buy commercial products to unclog shower drains. Most of these products contain ingredients that are poisonous. You likely have everything you need to naturally unclog a drain right inside your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Flashlight
- Wire hanger or needle-nose pliers
- Large pot
- 2 gallons water
- ¾ cup baking soda
- ½ cup vinegar
- Drain plug or rag
Instructions
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1
Remove the drain cover, if applicable. Pry off the cover or use a screwdriver to loosen the screws, depending on how the cover is attached.
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2
Grab a flashlight and shine it down the drain hole. If you see hair or other debris within reach, use your fingers to pull it out. For debris that is visible but further down into the drain, unbend a wire hanger or use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull out the debris.
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3
Fill a large pot with 1 gallon of water. Place the water on the stove and bring it to a boil.
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4
Pour the boiling water slowly and carefully down the drain. Use caution so not to burn yourself.
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5
Dump ¾ cup of baking soda into the drain. Immediately pour ½ cup of vinegar down the drain. Cover the drain hole right away with a drain plug or rag to prevent the fizz from coming up the drain.
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6
Let the baking soda and vinegar remain in the drain for about 15 minutes. Fill the large pot with another gallon of water and bring it to a boil while you are waiting.
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7
Pour the boiling water slowly down the drain after at least 15 minutes has elapsed. Repeat the process of baking soda, vinegar and boiling water if necessary. It may require more than one attempt to completely unclog the drain.
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References
- Photo Credit down the drain image by pix29 from Fotolia.com
