An expert has recommended a simple DIY trick to unblock a drain and avoid expensive call-out fees. Brian Toward, CEO of bathroom retailer Wholesale Domestic, suggests using two everyday household products that can be purchased for approximately £1 at most supermarkets. He explains that when combined they produce a chemical reaction that generates pressure and assists in breaking down any build-up causing the obstruction.
How to Unblock a Shower Drain with Baking Soda and White Vinegar
With 1,900 average monthly UK searches for the phrase 'how to unblock a shower drain', it's a widespread problem many households encounter. Blocked shower drains rank amongst the most frequent domestic plumbing problems. The typical expense of calling out a plumber to clear a shower drain generally begins at £70 or above, so many people are seeking more affordable DIY solutions.
He advocates using baking soda and white vinegar. Both products together can be acquired from Tesco, for example, for as little as £1.10, and this straightforward, budget-friendly method could help households dodge plumber call-out charges. According to Brian Toward, by utilising the two everyday kitchen staples and a kettle, homeowners can sidestep call-out charges, while maintaining their bathrooms free from aggressive chemicals.
Step 1: Add Baking Soda
Brian explains: "Take roughly half a cup of standard baking soda and pour it directly down the plughole. If you have a smaller drain opening, you might find it helpful to use a funnel to make sure the powder goes straight down into the pipe rather than sitting on the surface of your shower tray."
Step 2: Pour in White Vinegar
He continued: "Pour half a cup of white vinegar down the drain, right on top of the baking soda you just added, and you'll immediately hear it start to fizz and bubble. This chemical reaction creates a buildup of carbon dioxide gas, which expands inside the pipe, building pressure that helps to dislodge and loosen any grime that's holding the blockage together."
Step 3: Leave It to Work
"Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes," Brian explains. "If you've got the time, a couple of hours or even overnight will give you much better results for more stubborn blockages. If you have a plug or drain cover, pop it back in to force the fizzing reaction downwards."
Step 4: Flush with Boiling Water
For the final step, he explained: "Once the time's up, boil your kettle and carefully pour the hot water straight down the drain. The heat will wash away the loosened grime and flush the baking soda mixture through your system, leaving your pipes clear and smelling fresh."
Why Do Baking Soda and White Vinegar Work Well Together?
Baking soda and white vinegar are effective because they are on opposite sides of the pH scale, which helps them tackle various kinds of dirt. Baking soda, being a base, is great for dissolving grease and dirt, while vinegar, an acid, is perfect for breaking down hard water stains. This combination creates a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas, building pressure to dislodge blockages.
