How to unblock a shower drain?

savemoney

I used Sainsburys unblocker last week left it for 20 minutes then poured hot water down.

Seems to have done the trick. I also put down biocarbonate soda and then some white vinegar white fizzed up and then used more hot water

nabiabdul

ive used most of the suggestions above but the best thing ive ever used is a generous squirt of fairy washing up liquid straight into the plug hole followed by a kettle of boiling water.cheap washing up liquid doesnt work.

morg_monster

wow Myrtle that Immac idea is serious logical thinking! I will remember this next time I block the shower with my hair!

spinningsheep

cheers Ebe Scrooge, I tried the bicarb and vinegar and it had no effect, did the caustic soda tonight and then flushed it with boiled water half an our later, and hey presto, my slow draining shower is now fine. Will never use a drain unblocking product again now!

richardc1983

We tried everything once and then this was all that was left to try...

We borrowed a wet and dry vac and put this over the sink hole and it sucked the blockage out!!!

Worked a treat and flowing water again!

SplanK

willa wrote: »

Caustic soda (and follow instructions carefully) usually works where the expensive branded stuff doesn't. Usually found in little shops rather than supermarkets.

i vote for this as well

I got mine from B&Q - none of this pants expanding foam effort - just a liquid you pour down the drain, leave it half a day then flush out with VERY HOT (but no boiling) water... does the trick every time!

Although it would be best to pour the stuff directly down the plug hole - trying to avoid its contact with anything else!

Debt_Free_Chick

Another vote for caustic soda. But use it carefully if using the granular type. I've put too much down the sink and had it clump together to form a solid lump in the u-bend :eek:

Fleeting_Glimpse

Hi...try the plunger again first but fill the shower tray right up with water first. Get someone to block the basin or bath waste/overflow whilst you do it if they are connected togather.

If not....this is more for a professional to do but you can have a go if you want...go to a plumbers merchants and ask for a bottle of 'drain opener'. BE CAREFULL....THIS IS HYDROCHLORIC ACID!!! follow the instructions!!

If not..you need to call a plumber or take all the waste pipes to bits. There may not be enough fall on them causing it to block.

Sometimes also there is a 'non return' valve on the waste pipe somewhere if they are joined to a sink or bath waste...these can become blocked.

keith969

Fleeting_Glimpse wrote: »

If not....this is more for a professional to do but you can have a go if you want...go to a plumbers merchants and ask for a bottle of 'drain opener'. BE CAREFULL....THIS IS HYDROCHLORIC ACID!!! follow the instructions!!

I think that it's concentrated sulphuric acid actually, but anyhow... do not use this indoors, its far too dangerous (and will corrode anything metal).

Fleeting_Glimpse

Yes it prob is sulphuric thinking about it...anyway...if you feel confident enough to pour some of this liquid down your shower waste without getting it on your hands (wear gloves) or the plastic tray ( if you do get any on ...just rinse it off) then go for it. Or someone like me could come and do it for you and charge you £65.

Its not that dangerous....just follow the instructions.