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Drain clogged tub


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(Image credit: BC Designs/Darren Chung)

Blocked bathtub drains are a common issue that few households escape, particularly when there are long-haired people in residence. Plumbers take time and money, so it’s only natural that you might prefer to learn how to unclog a bathtub drain yourself. 

Hair is by far the worst bathtub drain-clogging offender, alongside soap build-up and residue from bath oils and conditioner, so this isn’t as off-putting a job as unclogging a toilet. However, if your bath has drained slowly ever since it was first installed, the issue is likely to be down to the gradient of the pipework beneath or a more serious sewerage issue, which is when you’ll need to call in a professional. 

This guide will tell you how to unclog a bathtub drain in simple, expert steps; you can take similar steps to unclog a shower drain.

How to unclog a bathtub drain

Prevention is often better than cure. ‘If you find your bathtub is constantly getting clogged, then make a few changes to stop it happening again,’ says David Cruz, plumbing expert at MyJobQuote . ‘A simple strainer will prevent hair clogging the drain. And regular drain cleaning with a ready-made cleaner or even just hot water can help keep soap residue at bay.’ It’s worth adopting the same tactics to avoid the need to unclog a sink, too.

If you are currently experiencing a blocked bathtub, the experts recommend simple bathroom cleaning tips are often the best way to deal with the problem. Here’s how to unclog a bathtub in five steps – we’ve ordered them by ease, so work through step-by-step until your bath empties in a timely manner. 

You will need:

1.

Remove obvious obstructions

If you have a traditional drain stopper on a chain, accessing the drain opening on your bathtub will be a breeze. However, most modern baths support some form of integrated drain stopper – be it pop up, click-clack (a.k.a. toe-touch) or trip-lever. In this instance you will need to remove it to gain better access to the drain. The majority screw off, but some may require a screwdriver to pop the drain stopper. 

Once you have taken the drain stopper out of the equation – and you may find a clog of hair/gunk comes with it – take a good look down the drain, using a torch if required. If you can see any obvious obstructions, use your fingers, small tongs or a wire coat hanger to drag them free.  

2. Boil the blockage away

Assuming there is no standing water in your bath, the next easiest solution for unclogging a bathtub is the good old boiling water trick. ‘Pouring boiling water down the drain will help you get to the areas that may be out of reach. Boiling water is ideal for clearing grease and soap that has stuck together – the heat will activate it and help get things moving,’ explains Chris Wootton, Managing Director, of cleaning service Poppies .  

Just a liter or so of boiling water should suffice. Once it has cleared, try running the faucet to see if things have speeded up. If not, it’s worth trying one more kettle full before moving on to step three. 

3. Use a plunger

Before using a plunger you will need to plug the bath’s overflow to create the necessary vacuum. Most overflow covers screw off, then you can simply plug the hole with a damp face cloth or large slab of putty (like Blu Tack).  

‘To execute the plunger technique properly, remove the drain stopper and fill the water up by a couple of inches. Take a sink plunger, not a toilet plunger, and place this directly over the drain before pumping it up and down a few times, taking pauses to see if the water begins to drain,’ says Trinity Owhe, Design Expert, Victorian Plumbing . ‘Repeat this a few times until, with luck, the blockage is gone.’

4. Add baking soda and vinegar

Cleaning with vinegar and baking soda is a good way to clear a blockage in a bathtub drain. 

‘Baking soda and white vinegar are a great home remedy for unclogging a bathtub drain. Pour some bicarbonate soda into the drain and let it sit for 15 minutes before pouring white vinegar down the drain,’ says Trinity Owhe, Design Expert, Victorian Plumbing. 

‘The chemical reaction that occurs creates a strong foam-like substance that might dislodge any blockages and will also help neutralize unpleasant odors. Once the mixture stops fizzing be sure to rinse this away with water,’ she adds.

5. Invest in a plumber's snake 

If your blockage is still refusing to budge, it’s time to tool up and learn how to use a drain snake or one of the range of tools, readily available from hardware stores or online, designed to delve deeper into your drain. Plumber’s snakes, hair snakes and long, flexible pipe-cleaners are all brilliant for breaking through blockages further down the pipework underneath your bath.  

‘A metal plumber’s snake that is about 9ft long is best for accessing any obstructions that can’t be removed by hand. They’re easy to use and very effective,’ says Ben Chalk, Chartered Construction Manager, GIR Services .  

(Image credit: Future PLC/Linda Clayton)

What can I pour down my bathtub drain to unclog it?

Boiling water should be your first port of call. ‘Baking soda and vinegar are also great natural alternatives to chemical solutions. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, wait a few minutes for it to set, then pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain,’ advises Chris Wootton, Managing Director, of cleaning service Poppies.

‘The mildly acidic solution should break down more severe clogs and following up by pouring boiling water down a few hours later should help clear any lingering debris. In the event this doesn’t work, you may need to resort to chemicals or unblocker – there are lots of reasonably priced and effective drain unblockers on the market,’ adds Chris.   

Linda graduated from university with a First in Journalism, Film and Broadcasting. Her career began on a trade title for the kitchen and bathroom industry, and she has worked for Homes & Gardens, and sister-brands Livingetc, Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, since 2006, covering interiors topics, though kitchens and bathrooms are her specialism. 

5 Tips for How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain

How-To,

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.

90,000 how to eliminate the blockage in the bathroom with improvised, folk or professional tools

Content

Even the cleanest bathroom can become clogged. Of course, neat owners encounter this problem much less often, but blockage cannot be ruled out. In order to be fully equipped and not to get confused in case of a problem, you need to have several important tools on the farm and carefully study how to clear a blockage in the bathroom.

Causes of mud plugs

Sooner or later, lumps of hair, wool, particles of rags and other substances collect in the pipes, which form a mud plug and prevent the passage of sewage. Also, one of the causes of blockage can be fatty deposits, which contribute to the sticking of household contaminants. In order to understand what to do when the pipe is already clogged, it is important to determine the nature and degree of clogging. nine0003 Clogged drainpipe

If this happened in an apartment building, then first you need to find out if it is a local blockage (in the apartment sewer distribution) or a common building blockage (in the sewer riser). When the blockage is local, you can deal with it on your own, but with a common house, you can’t do without a specialist.

It is very easy to determine: it is enough to turn on the water at two points (bathroom and kitchen) and observe: the water does not drain only at one of the points, which means local blockage; stands at both points - the pipe riser is clogged and you can safely call a plumber. And you can deal with local blockage on your own. You just need to follow a number of rules and listen to the advice of experienced people. nine0003 Removing blockage mechanically

There are several methods for cleaning pipes from blockage:

Attention! Do not use the thermal method on pipes that may not withstand elevated temperatures. nine0003

Sometimes filling out an application to call the master and waiting for him can take several hours. A blockage in the sewer makes it impossible to use both the water supply and the sanitary unit as a whole.

A plunger is always at hand

In the arsenal of a good housewife, all the necessary tools are at hand for any situation. Plunger is one of the most important household items. Without his help, you can not do with blockages in the bathroom or in the sink in the kitchen. Cleaning a blockage in the bathroom with a plunger is a little more difficult than in the sink. When removing such a blockage, it is necessary to close the overflow hole with a plug or a second plunger in order to create a vacuum in the place of cleaning. nine0003 Removing a blockage with a plunger

How to properly clean a bathroom pipe with a plunger:

  1. Lubricate the bottom of the rubber cup of the plunger with petroleum jelly.
  2. Align the plunger with the hole in the tubs.
  3. Plug the bathtub overflow with a plug or a second plunger.
  4. Fill with water to cover ¼ cup of plunger.
  5. Make several forward movements.
  6. Remove blockage.

Please note that the bathtub and washbasins are interconnected and the shocks generated by the plunger reach them as well. Be sure to cover the drain holes to prevent the contents from sloshing out. nine0003 Plunger allows you to clear the blockage in the pipes without the help of specialists

Tip: sometimes the problem is solved by unscrewing and cleaning the siphon cup.

If the blockage cannot be cleared the first time, repeat the procedure again. Please note that only those blockages that are located close to the drain can be removed with a plunger, if the pipe is clogged behind the siphon, then you should choose another method.

Rope - the effective way

If the plunger is useless, then the problem is much more serious. We'll have to resort to heavier artillery - a plumbing cable. The length of the plumbing cable is usually no more than 3.5 m. In order to clear the blockage in the pipe, it is necessary to insert it into the drain hole. nine0003

Slowly turning the handle located on one end of the cable, it is necessary to insert the device until it rests on the blockage with the other end. With a sharp rotational movement, you need to pick up the blockage in the pipe and perform a back and forth movement, thus clearing the clogged pipe.

Plumbing cable with nozzles for clearing blockages in pipes

On the opposite side of the handle, the cable has the shape of a drill, thanks to which the mud plug is loosened and its small fractions immediately pass further along the sewer, and the main part of the blockage clings to the cable and is pulled out. When removing the cable from the drain hole, you should immediately wipe it from dirt so as not to stain all the contents of the pipe. nine0003

Attention! Take precautions when working with sewer blockages. Work in thick rubber gloves, wear goggles and a mask so as not to pick up an infection.

Do not work on the cable alone. It is difficult for one person to cope with both the direction of the cable and its rotation in the pipe. In addition, the cable is made of elastic steel, and can spring and injure you.

Chemistry will cope with any blockage

What to do if a pipe that is clogged cannot be cleaned by either the plunger or the cable, and even cleaning the siphon does not give the expected results? In this case, you have to resort to chemicals. With the help of chemistry, you can clean any blockage without applying the slightest effort. nine0003 Clog cleaner chemicals require careful adherence to instructions for use

When choosing a drain cleaner, all active ingredients of the selected product should be considered. Some of them are so aggressive that they can only be used in cast iron pipes. And some can be used exclusively for plastic piping.

Very important!!! When working with any chemical preparation, maximum care and protective equipment is required. nine0003

To achieve the desired result, it is necessary to pour the amount indicated on the label into the drain hole and wait until it does its job. Then open the warm water and clean the sewer pipe with water from the blockage and the flooded agent.

Observe safety precautions when working with chemicals. Avoid contact with skin or mucous membranes. You should also be careful not to get such products on chrome surfaces, otherwise it can not only clean the pipe, but also clean the mixer from the chrome coating. nine0003 Chemicals easily cope with almost any blockage in pipes

Also, chemicals are used for preventive purposes, small doses of the substance, diluted with water, are poured into the drain hole and wait a few minutes for the drug to begin to act. Then washed with running warm water. This procedure is carried out at least 1 time per month.

Tip: if you are afraid of harming the environment, use folk remedies to clear the blockage in the bathroom. They are not as effective, but they are safe. nine0003

Folk remedies

Whatever people came up with to clear blockages in pipes with the help of improvised means. I poured citric acid, sucked up the blockage from the pipe with a vacuum cleaner (this method is highly not recommended - it leads to the purchase of a new vacuum cleaner), but not all of these manipulations were effective enough. In practice, it turned out that it is best to eliminate blockages in the bathroom with soda and vinegar.

If you don't want to use mechanical pipe cleaners, traditional methods are for you
  1. Cleaning with soda. ½ pack of soda is poured into the drain hole, after 5-10 minutes it is poured with hot water.
  2. Vinegar cleaning. 4 tbsp is poured into the drain hole. l. soda and poured with a glass of vinegar. The hole is closed. In 10 minutes. washed with a liter of boiling water, and then with a large stream of hot water.

There are a lot of various methods invented by ordinary people, each housewife tries to invent her own unique way to clean a clogged pipe in the bathroom, but often these are all futile gestures. For the most part, folk remedies are suitable for kitchen sinks, because they cope better with grease blockages, but cleaning with vinegar is also suitable for the bathroom. nine0003

Prevention of blockages

Prevent blockages from having to be cleared

In old, worn pipelines, the likelihood of a dirt plug is increased due to gaps and roughness on the inner surface of the pipe. The best prevention of blockages is the timely replacement of sewer wiring and risers. Also, in order to avoid blockages, it is necessary to install a removable grate on the drain hole, which will trap unwanted contaminants and small things that accidentally fall into the drain. nine0003

It is always better to remove dirt from the outside than to take it out of the pipe, while pouring the contents of the sewer pipe into your bathroom and flooding your neighbors.

Get a plunger and a plumbing cable so that they are at hand at the right time

Do not hide the plunger and the cable far away, they should be in an accessible place. In a panic, in the event of an accident and the eruption of the contents of a sewer pipe, there is not always time to remember where you threw the plunger you bought several years ago. You need to act quickly. nine0003

How to eliminate the blockage in the bathroom using improvised means: Video

https://youtu.be/2_nrs0ouum4

Cleaning pipes from blockages: photo

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How and with what to clean the bathroom drain from hair: mechanical and chemical methods

Contents:

Bathroom clogs are definitely not a pleasant sight: cleaning the bathroom drain from hair can be quite problematic due to accumulated water and a terrible sewer smell. There are several quick cleaning methods, but the resource mschistota.ru recommends not bringing the drain to a blockage, but resorting to preventive measures. nine0003

Easy Ways to Clean the Drain

The drain hole of the bathtub is most often clogged with human hair: it tangles ugly and interferes with the passage of water. The bundle gradually collects other small debris: pet hair, threads, pieces of soap, etc. If such a blockage is not eliminated, an unpleasant odor will appear. Most often, the problem of hair accumulation worries the owners of a bath with a cross drain plug.

There are other causes of frequent blockages besides neglecting to clean plumbing: this is the abundance of drained debris and problems in the sewer system itself. Try to control the amount of debris that gets into the tub. Entrust plumbing repairs and replacements to professionals. nine0003

Hair clogs in bathtub drains can be removed mechanically and chemically. Let's start with cleaning with various objects.

Vantuz

Vantuz - the first assistant in case of blockages in plumbing. This object with a rounded rubber nozzle breaks through the blockage in the pipe through pressure.

How to properly clean a bathtub with a plunger:

  1. Position the rubber nozzle so that it completely covers the drain hole.
  2. Fill the tub with a small amount of water to cover the rubber pad. nine0006
  3. Push down on the plunger handle and lift it sharply to push through the blockage. Sometimes it takes a few minutes to work. For convenience, choose plungers with a long handle.

Tip
The plunger can be used not only when the drain is extremely clogged. Periodically draw water into the container and clean it.

Rope

Plumbing cable - a savior in the most difficult situations. This is a long thin metal object with a convenient handle for rotation. nine0003

How to get rid of hair in the pipe with a rope:

  1. Insert the object into the tube and carefully push it as far as possible.
  2. Turn the knob.
  3. As soon as the resistance becomes noticeably weaker, move the cable back and forth. When the blockage breaks through, remove the cable and turn on a strong pressure of water to finally push the debris into the sewer.

Important
Be careful when mechanically cleaning the drain, especially if the pipes are plastic. nine0003

Remove manually

If there is not much hair, it is easy to reach it with your hands. It is advisable to do this after each use of the bath. A more tenacious tool is a knitting or hard wire bent hook with a fairly long handle. In any case, use protective rubber gloves to avoid touching the dirt.

From time to time it is worth opening the siphon itself and cleaning it from the inside, especially if an unpleasant smell enters the room from the sewerage. nine0003

How to remove the siphon and clean it:

  1. Start by laying a piece of cloth right under the siphon so that it absorbs moisture, and put a bucket underneath. Protect the floor from dirt.
  2. Slowly unscrew the lock nut, then remove the flask.
  3. Water for the water seal from the opened siphon will immediately pour into the bucket, and some of the debris will fall out there.
  4. Check with a hand or a hook that a large lump of dirt is not stuck in the body of the siphon (reluctant to come out, for example, toothpicks stuck across). nine0006
  5. Clean the siphon with a cloth and detergent. Try to clean it from plaque.
  6. Reassemble the siphon in reverse order, check the tightness by turning on the water.
  7. The siphon is also recommended to be opened and cleaned for preventive purposes, without waiting for the pipe to become clogged. It is enough to do this once every 2-4 months, depending on the number of people in the family.

Sometimes removing the flask is not enough. If a lump of dirt (from rust, feces of pets and babies, etc.) has grown in the pipes, you have to disconnect the siphon from the overflow and drain, clean the pipes with a hook or cable, wipe with a ruff or napkin. After that, having assembled the structure back, it is necessary to carry out dry cleaning. Such problems are especially typical for old corrugated pipes older than 10 years. nine0003

A tricky way to quickly clean a pipe without taking it apart:

  1. Unscrew the drain cap.
  2. Cut a long strip of wide tape.
  3. Insert the tape into the drain hole and run it along the walls.
  4. Hair and other debris will stick to tape.
  5. Repeat the procedure a couple of times to collect as much debris as possible.
  6. Complete the procedure by flushing the pipe with water.

How to remove a blockage

Unlike solid objects (jewellery, toys and their parts, toothpicks or cotton swabs, etc.), hair can be dissolved in the bathroom drain. For this, both industrial and some folk remedies are suitable.

Industrial product

A lot of products are produced for blockages, but it is better to choose one that says "dissolves hair and wool. " Also read the instructions: not all chemicals are suitable for use in a certain type of sewer pipe. For example, aggressive "Mole" is not recommended for plastic. nine0003

Cleaners are liquid (gels) and dry (powders). The latter type is combined with a small amount of water, and usually it shows more efficiency.

Advice
Never overexpose the product, fill it strictly for the time indicated in the instructions, otherwise the pipes may deform and have to be replaced. Also, do not rush to wash it off, let the chemistry work, and after washing off, do not use the bathroom for a while so that the product cleans the far sections of the pipe. nine0003

Remember to wear protective gloves and ventilate the bathroom after using chemicals.

Soda and vinegar

If you don't have time to run to the hardware store for professional products, use what is always at hand. Ordinary soda and vinegar do an excellent job with various dirt and blockages.

How to remove the blockage with the folk method:

  1. If there is water in the bathroom that does not go through the pipe, drain it. nine0006
  2. Now pour about half a pack of baking soda down the drain.
  3. Turn on the hot water tap after a couple of minutes. The soda will sizzle and go deeper into the pipe.
  4. Instead of water, you can pour a glass of table vinegar. A violent reaction will begin, which will clear the blockage. After the hissing stops, turn on the hot water.

Tip
Manufacturers of chemical pipe cleaners recommend using them as a preventive measure every 1-2 months. nine0003

Tip from Miss Clean magazine: Consider why the drain gets clogged with hair quickly. Check your health if your hair is shedding a lot. Also, when washing your hair, do not scrub the skin, do not pull out the hair, use mild shampoos and conditioners.

How to prevent hair from getting in

Preventing hair from clogging the drain is the main task of the hostess.

Learn more