How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain
Nothing is worse than wanting to take a soothing bath and discovering that the water in your bathtub is filthy! Although a blocked bathtub can seem like the end of the world, anyone can actually fix it. Are you interested in finding out how to unclog a bathtub drain? You’ve arrived at the right blog! We’ll teach you how to do it and how to detect when it’s time to call in the pros. But first, let’s go over why bathtubs clog, so you don’t make these mistakes and clog them in the first place.
Why Do Bathtubs Clog?
Even though you might not notice a sluggish draining tub right away, there may be a blockage developing if the water takes longer to drain after you’ve turned off the faucet. The more debris that builds up and the more deeply embedded the clog is, the harder it will be to clear from a slow draining tub the longer you put off fixing it. The earlier you address the problem, the better, as is the case with many things in life.
A blockage that limits water flow is the most frequent cause of a bathtub that drains slowly. These clogs, which are more common in homes with long-haired individuals, are frequently made of knotted hair, grime, grease, and soap. Clogs can also result from the dumping of oil, grease, or other solid materials down the drain; additional foreign objects that can cause this including toys or even pieces of jewelry that could’ve gone down the drain. Now, let’s say something has accidentally clogged that bathtub drain of yours. How can you unclog it?
How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain
Although clogged bathtubs can be annoying, there are a number of ways to solve the problem, from easy DIY fixes to more complex ones. So let us make your life easier by teaching you how to unclog a bathtub drain.
- Remove Obvious Obstructions
Eliminate any obvious obstructions first. It should be simple to access if you have a conventional drain stopper. Modern baths may have incorporated stoppers, such as pop-up or trip-lever models, which require unscrewing or the use of a screwdriver to remove. After removal, examine the drain with a flashlight and use a wire coat hanger, tiny tongs, or your fingers to remove any debris that is visible.
- Boil the Blockage Away
Pour a liter of boiling water down the drain if there isn’t any standing water. This can assist in unclogging soap and grease. Repeat again if needed, and see if the drainage becomes better.
- Use a Plunger
To generate a vacuum, plug the bathtub overflow. After removing the drain stopper, add a few inches of water to the tub. Pump the sink plunger up and down several times while checking to see if the water drains. Continue until the obstruction goes away.
- Include Vinegar and Baking Soda
A solution of vinegar and baking soda can be used to dissolve mild to moderate obstructions. First, pour half a cup of baking soda and then a cup of white vinegar down the drain. After letting it froth for fifteen minutes or so, rinse it with hot water. Because vinegar might hasten corrosion, this procedure might not be appropriate for older homes with metal pipes.
- Use a Plumber’s Snake
A plumber’s snake can be used to clear tough obstructions. To gain access to the drain, remove the overflow plate, stopper, and drain strainer. To unclog the drain, feed the snake into it until you encounter resistance, then twist and push. Repeatedly run hot water down the drain to clear it.
- Commercial Chemical Clog Removers
If everything else fails, you might want to use a chemical clog remover. These products dissolve obstructions with the use of caustic chemicals. Pay close attention to the directions and refrain from combining various chemicals. Be advised that repeated use can lead to environmental impact and pipe damage.
- Call a Plumber
The most dependable course of action is to hire a plumber if you’ve tried everything else or if you just want professional assistance. Even though it’s the priciest choice, it guarantees a secure and efficient clog removal.
Now that you’ve learned how to unclog a bathtub drain, if you feel comfortable trying a few do-it-yourself methods to unclog the bathtub, you may be able to avoid calling a plumber in the case of a slow draining bathtub. But, calling a plumber can be a fantastic answer if you don’t have the time, if you’ve tried everything but your bathtub still doesn’t drain correctly, if you don’t feel secure using equipment or chemicals, or just don’t want to get messy. And the best part is, if you don’t know who to call, you can just contact us at Local Service Pro Plumbing and we’ll take care of you like family!
