Drains can be unblocked quickly without a plumber using a £1 household item recommended by an expert. The moment water stops draining and a bad smell emerges can be frustrating, but a tiny supermarket staple can shift everything.
Common Problem, Simple Solution
With 1,900 average monthly UK searches for 'how to unblock a shower drain', it is a frequent household issue. Brian Toward, CEO of bathroom retailer Wholesale Domestic, suggests using two household items available for about £1 at most supermarkets. Together, they create a chemical reaction that builds pressure and helps dislodge grime holding the blockage together.
He recommends baking soda and white vinegar. Both can be purchased from Tesco for as little as £1.10, offering an inexpensive alternative to plumber call-outs.
Cost Comparison
Blocked shower drains are among the most common plumbing issues. The average cost of calling a plumber starts at £70 or more. By using common kitchen ingredients and a kettle, homeowners can avoid these fees while keeping bathrooms free from harsh chemicals.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Add baking soda
Brian says: "Take roughly half a cup of standard baking soda and pour it directly down the plughole. If you have a smaller drain opening, use a funnel to ensure the powder goes straight into the pipe."
Step 2: Pour in white vinegar
He adds: "Pour half a cup of white vinegar down the drain on top of the baking soda. You will hear fizzing and bubbling as a chemical reaction creates carbon dioxide gas, building pressure to dislodge grime."
Step 3: Leave it to work
"Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes. For stubborn blockages, a couple of hours or overnight gives better results. If you have a plug or drain cover, place it back to force the fizzing downwards."
Step 4: Flush with boiling water
"Once the time is up, boil a kettle and carefully pour hot water down the drain. The heat washes away loosened grime and flushes the mixture through, leaving pipes clear and fresh."
Both baking soda and white vinegar can be bought from Tesco for as little as £1.10.
