How to Unblock a Shower Drain with Bicarbonate Soda in Cumbria

Are you facing problems with clogged shower drains in your home in Cumbria, North West England? As a resident, you may be worried about expensive plumbing services to get your shower drain unclogged. Fear not, as Drainage Cumbria, a drain unblocking company in Cumbria has got you covered.

In this article, we will discuss how you can unblock your shower drain with bicarbonate soda, commonly known as baking soda, and vinegar. Our step-by-step guide will help you save money and time by doing it yourself.

Why Do Your Shower Drains Clog?

Before we begin with the solutions, let's take a moment to understand why shower drains clog in the first place. Here are some common reasons:

1. Hair: Hair is the most common culprit when it comes to clogged shower drains. As you wash your hair, some strands may break off and wash down the drain, eventually getting accumulated in the p-trap of your shower drain. This can create a buildup that restricts water flow.

2. Soap and Shampoo Scum: As you use soap and shampoo, they leave behind residues that can accumulate over time and cause blockages.

3. Minerals: In areas with hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium can accumulate in your shower drain over time, leading to blockages.

4. Foreign Objects: It's not uncommon for small objects like jewellery, small toys, or even razor blades to accidentally fall down the shower drain, potentially leading to blockages.

Bicarbonate Soda and Vinegar as a Solution

Bicarbonate soda, also known as baking soda, is a natural, safe, and cheap option to unclog shower drains. It works in conjunction with vinegar to produce carbon dioxide, which helps loosen and dissolve clogs.

To unblock your shower drain with bicarbonate soda and vinegar, follow these easy steps:

1. Boil some water and pour it down the drain to help clear any existing buildup. This will help the soda and vinegar solution reach the blockage more effectively.

2. Pour a cup of bicarbonate soda down the drain. Make sure that it evenly coats the drain and settles down well.

3. Pour a cup of vinegar down the drain, creating a chemical reaction with the baking soda. As this reaction occurs, you will see bubbling and fizzing, and this indicates that the solution is working to dissolve and loosen any blockages.

4. Cover the drain with a drain stopper or a cloth, and let the solution sit in the drain for about 30 minutes. This will ensure that the solution has enough time to work on the blockage.

5. After 30 minutes, boil some more water and pour it down the drain to flush out any residual bicarbonate soda, vinegar, and loosened clogs.

You may need to repeat these steps several times to completely remove the clog. If this solution doesn't work, it's recommended to call a plumbing professional like Drainage Cumbria.

Other Tips to Prevent Shower Drain Blockages

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips that you can follow to prevent shower drain blockages:

1. Use a drain strainer that will catch hair and other large particles that can potentially lead to clogs.

2. Regularly clean the strainer and the drain pipe to remove any accumulated hair and soap scum.

3. Pour boiling water down the drain once a week to help dissolve and flush away any buildup.

4. Avoid pouring cooking oil and grease down the drain, as they can solidify and cause blockages.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a clogged shower drain can be a nuisance, but it doesn't have to be a huge expense. With bicarbonate soda and vinegar, you can easily unclog your shower drain yourself. However, if you find these methods ineffective or if you experience repeated blockages, it is best to call professionals like Drainage Cumbria.

We hope this guide was helpful in providing practical and easy solutions to your shower drain problems. For further assistance, feel free to contact us at Drainage Cumbria on 01228 734162. We are a drain unblocking company in Cumbria, North West England dedicated to providing affordable and effective drainage solutions.