When your shower or bathtub drain is clogged, it can cause major headaches. As a homeowner, it’s important to know how to fix a clogged bathtub drain so you can get back to your daily routine. Read on for a list of five tips to help you unclog a bathtub drain to let the water flow freely once again.
1. Boiling Water
Shampoo and soap can cause a gunky buildup to clog your bathtub drain. To combat the problem, boil a pot of water on the stove, and slowly pour it down the drain.
While this tip might not work for all types of clogs (such as matted hair), the hot water can dissolve most soaps fairly quickly. Try this method first to see if it unclogs the drain and if not, it’s time to move on to another method.
2. How to Fix a Clogged Bathtub Drain with a Plunger
A plunger is one of the most popular tools to prevent bathtub clogging. How successful you are will depend on the nature of the clog as well as the design and size of your drain.
Take a plunger and add some water to the tub before you start plunging vigorously. A small amount of petroleum jelly around the rim of the plunger can help to create a better seal. Keep in mind that there are different types of plungers for different drains. If you have questions, please refer to our article about how to use a plunger correctly.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Drain clearing chemicals can erode your pipes and cause more issues down the road. Baking soda and vinegar is an all-natural solution that may help to unclog a bathtub drain without causing problems for your plumbing system. Start by pouring one cup of baking soda down the drain and let it settle for at least five to 10 minutes. Baking soda also helps with drain smells.
Next, pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain and allow the mixture to work its magic. You may need to finish by pouring some boiling water down the drain, but this method can work well for mild clogs as the baking soda and vinegar activate to dissolve icky buildup.
4. Manual Removal
A more aggressive way to learn how to fix a clogged bathtub drain is to simply remove it by hand. You may want to wear a pair of latex or rubber gloves before you start the process.
Remove the drain cover (look for any screws) and then look down into the drain to see if you can identify the clog. If you notice hair and other drain-clogging materials within reach, simply use your fingers to try and pull out as much as possible. It’s important to clear out hair buildup in your shower or tub drains periodically to prevent worse buildup. You can also use a strainer that fits into your drains to catch hair and prevent clogs.
5. Try a Plumber’s Snake
A plumber’s snake is a handy clog-removing tool you can find at almost any hardware store. Push the snake down the drain slowly until you think you have reached the clog. Start turning the handle of the snake until you bring it back up and out of the drain. Once you’re done, run some water to test the drain to confirm that the clog is completely removed. It’s a good idea to have a drain snake handy at home in case you run into any other clogs down the road.
Say Goodbye to Clogs
A clogged drain can cause all kinds of headaches, which is why it’s important to know how to fix a clogged bathtub drain the right way. Try these tips and when in doubt, always consult with a professional plumbing service for help. If you’d like to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, contact us today by visiting our website or call (248) 542-8022.
