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 your tub 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 onto 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 to plunger vigorously. A small amount of petroleum jelly around the rim of the plunger can help to create a better seal.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar
If you’re not a fan of using chemicals, this all-natural solution may help to unclog a bathtub drain. Start by pouring one cup of baking soda down the drain and let it settle for at least five to 10 minutes.
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.
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.
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 want to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, contact us today.
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