Drains unblock ‘quickly’ without plumber with 2 household items

Ever wondered how to quickly unblock a smelly shower drain without having to call out an expensive plumber? With 1,900 average monthly UK searches for the term ‘how to unblock a shower drain’, it’s a common issue many people face.

With this in mind, Brian Toward, CEO of bathroom retailer Wholesale Domestic, has recommended using two household items that can be bought for about £1 at most supermarkets. He says that together they create a chemical reaction that builds pressure and helps dislodge any grime that’s holding the blockage together.

He recommends using baking soda and white vinegar. Both items together can be purchased from Tesco, for instance, for as little as £1.10, and this simple, inexpensive trick could help people avoid plumber call-outs.

Blocked shower drains are among the most common household plumbing issues. The average cost of calling out a plumber to unblock a shower drain typically starts at £70 or more; many people are looking for cheaper DIY alternatives.

According to Brian Toward, by using the two common kitchen ingredients and a kettle, homeowners can avoid call-out fees, all while keeping their bathrooms free from harsh chemicals.

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, 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 added: “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 said: “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.”