Home » Misc » How to clean drain bathtub

How to clean drain bathtub


5 steps to stop slow emptying |

Homes & Gardens is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s why you can trust us.

(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. 

How to Unclog a Bathtub| Mr. Rooter Blog

You roll out of bed and make your way into the bathroom. You’re ready for a refreshing shower to start your day off right. But as you lather up your hair, you realize the water is creeping up around your ankles. Before your next shower, you need to unclog that bathtub drain! (Not to mention those grimy bath toys the kids play with.)

Chemical drain cleaner may come to mind first, but this is a harmful way to unclog drains for a few reasons. First, repeated use of harsh chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to trouble later on. Second, pouring toxic substances down the drain pollutes the municipal water supply.

It’s much better to use natural methods and home remedies to unclog a bathtub drain. Here are the top suggestions from Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighbourly company.

Tips on How to Unclog a Bathtub

You have a few options for unclogging a bathtub drain without chemicals.

Remove easy-to-reach gunk
Start by removing the stopper. If your tub has a pop-up drain plug, insert a screwdriver under the cover, loosen the screw, and remove the plug. As you lift it out, you may find that hair and other debris have accumulated here. If you’re too grossed out to remove this gunk by hand, bend a wire coat hanger into a hook using needle-nose pliers. Then, fish out any foreign material from the drain with this handy tool.

Sometimes, simply removing and cleaning these parts will get things moving. Send a blast of hot water down the drain to finish the job. If the tub still backs up, the blockage is located further down, and you’ll need to try other home remedies to unclog the bathtub drain.

Pour boiling water down the drain
Boil a large pot of water and pour it slowly down the tub drain. The goal is to dissolve the soap scum and dislodge the hair buildup. Pouring a cup of baking soda followed by one cup vinegar can also loosen things up.

Use a plunger
With the stopper removed, you can clear the drain with a plunger. First, you should plug the overflow drain to create a vacuum. To do this, remove the cover plate below the bathtub faucet and insert a washcloth or hand towel into the hole so air can’t escape.

Next, set the plunger over the drain and fill the tub with a few inches of hot water. Apply several thrusting motions to attempt to get things moving.

Use a plumber’s snake
If the clog remains despite your efforts with a plunger, it’s time to break out the heavy artillery. An auger, or plumber’s snake, features a long, flexible cable with a coiled spring at one end and a hand crank on the other. You can purchase or rent one for the job.

Insert the cable into the drain and turn the crank until you reach the blockage. Push and pull the cable to help it become embedded in the clog. Then, turn the crank in the opposite direction to pull the cable back out. If the coiled spring comes up empty, try inserting it into the overflow drain to clear blockages that lie beyond the drain trap.

Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Help Clearing Clogged Drains

While you should be able to unclog the bathtub yourself, you may not have the time, patience, or capability to do the job yourself. Fortunately, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to help. We offer quick, affordable drain clearing to get your tub flowing smoothly again.

To schedule services with one of our courteous plumbers, please contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing today!

This blog is made available by Mr. Rooter LLC, for educational purposes only to give the reader general information and a general understanding on the specific subject above. The blog should not be used as a substitute for a licensed plumbing professional in your state or region. Check with city and state laws before performing any household project.

Categories:

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

Content:

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 some quick cleaning tricks, but resource mschistota. ru recommends not to bring the drain to a blockage, but to resort to preventive measures.

Drain cleaning easy

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.

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

Plunger

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.
  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.

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

  1. Insert the object into the pipe 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.

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 hook or a hook bent from hard wire 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 sewer.

How to remove the siphon and clean it:

  1. First, place a piece of cloth directly under the siphon to absorb moisture and place 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).
  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.

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.

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 agent, 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.

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.
  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.

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. The first measure of protection is to install a mesh over the drain that will hold the hair and prevent it from entering the pipe. A special device for trapping and removing hair, which is sold as a set with siphons, will also help keep the bathtub clean.

Preventive measures include the already mentioned plunger and gels/powders for dissolving debris. But do not abuse the funds so as not to damage the pipes.

Cleanliness of the bath is in your hands. Do not ignore the first signs of blockage: it will be more comfortable for you to take water procedures in a clean bath with a quick removal of used water.

How to clean a blockage in the bathtub removal at home, how to clean the drain in the bathroom, how to clear the blockage in the bathroom

Each of the owners of apartments at least once faced with an unpleasant problem: the bathtub has accumulated how to clean it in home conditions. It is complicated by the fact that the lock does not allow the use of all plumbing fixtures in the apartment, including the bathroom. Also, the bathtub may become contaminated with wastewater penetrating into it through a clogged drain pipe. Therefore, timely and quick removal of blockage in the bathroom is an important and urgent problem.

A variety of both chemical and mechanical agents are available for this job. It is possible to remove a blockage of almost any complexity without the participation of a plumber, exclusively by one's own forces. To begin with, it is worth getting acquainted with those methods that are available to most home craftsmen.

  • long service life of the sewer and its deterioration. Over time, roughness forms on the walls, trapping dirt and grease;
  • long period without hot water. Cold water does not completely dissolve the fat and it settles on the walls of the pipes.

    • Methods for removing blockage in the bathroom

    All existing methods are conventionally divided into several groups:

    Sanitary cable

    This device is one of the most reliable and successful solutions for removing clogging. It is chosen by thousands of home craftsmen for use in their apartment. As a rule, the cable has a length of about 10 meters and a diameter of 6 to 9 mm. For ease of rotation, there is a handle at its end, the spiral is placed in a metal tube so as not to damage the hands during operation. For maximum cleaning, there is a brush made of metal wire or a tip with sharp peaks at the end.

    Steps for removing the blockage using a sanitary cable:

    1. Remove the siphon, wash it and clean it of visible dirt;
    2. Insert the cable into the hole of the pipe and, turning, gradually push it deeper;
    3. If the cable runs into an obstacle, then it is worth pulling it out a little and returning it back, with a little force;
    4. When reaching the stand, remove the cable and wash it from dirt. The distance to the riser can be determined by eye using external communications and marked on the cable with the help of electrical tape;
    5. The operation must be repeated several times, regularly washing the cable with soap;
    6. It is important not to make sudden or quick movements, as the inner walls of the plastic pipe may be damaged, which will only increase the frequency of occurrence of blockages.

    How to dissolve hair in a bathtub drain? First, it is worth removing the main lump. It is possible to eliminate the blockage, which was formed due to the ingress of hair into the drain, in another mechanical way. Hardware stores sell small (up to 50 cm), plastic snakes with serrations on the edges. They easily pass into the opening of the siphon and pull out the stuck hair from it.

    Bathtub

    This item must be in every apartment. Bathtub is one of the quickest and easiest ways to eliminate clogging in the bathroom without dismantling the pipes. The device is a construction with a wooden or plastic handle, at the end of which there is a rubber sphere. With vigorous pressure on the lever, the sphere shrinks and pushes the air flow into the sewer pipe. In this way, under the influence of a hydraulic shock, the cop is removed and washed away further along the riser.

  • Close the drain plug and fill the tub with hot water. Then, remove the cork and give boiling water to completely fill the pipes;
  • Place a plunger over the drain hole and press down on it about 7-10 times. For better sealing, the overflow hole must be plugged with a rag in a cellophane bag;
  • Remove the plunger and check the ductility of the pipe. If the water still goes bad, repeat the whole procedure again.

    • Remove blockage in siphon

    Due to its curved shape, the siphon often clogs. When removing the blockage, the siphon must be removed, since the plumbing cable does not pass through its opening. Before installation, the siphon should be thoroughly cleaned from accumulated dirt. How to clean the siphon in the bathroom:

    1. Place a rag or a basin with low sides under the siphon. Water is always present here, therefore, it is worth thinking in advance about where to drain it;
    2. Loosen the plastic nuts located at the overflow outlet and the corrugation connected to the sewer pipe. No special tool required, they can be opened by hand;
    3. Unscrew the screw in the drain hole in the bathroom using a screwdriver. Remove the flask and remove the corrugation attached to it;
    4. Place all elements in hot water with powder or soap. Remove the lid of the sump and clean the dirt from it;
    5. Wash each part thoroughly;
    6. Reinstall the siphon in reverse order. Check each joint for tightness. To do this, it is enough to open the water and apply a gray rag to the place of connection.

    Chemical stain removal

    All chemical stain removers are very popular. This is due to numerous commercials and reviews about them by other buyers. According to the manufacturers themselves, their products can cope not only with congestion, but also dissolve hair, fat, lime deposits, paper and food debris. At the same time, the compounds are completely safe for both metal and plastic pipes.

    On the shelves of the store you can find a lot of tools than to clean the pipes in the bathroom.

    There are several types of chemicals that allow you to deal with the problem, how to remove the blockage in the bathroom:

    How to use each of them is described in detail on the packaging. In most cases, it is enough to pour/pour the contents of the bag or bottle into the drain hole and wait.

    According to independent surveys, the following brand names of constipation products are preferred by buyers:

    Mole. A well-known brand that has been popular on the market for more than a decade. This is a means of domestic production, distinguished by an affordable price. On average, 1 liter of Mole costs about 50-60 rubles. The composition includes: potassium and sodium hydroxide, surfactants, acetic acid. For use, it is necessary to pour Mole into the drain hole and leave to act for a period of 1.5 to 3 hours. After opening the faucet, rinse the pipes well. According to the manufacturer, one time is enough to completely eliminate the blockage;

    Home remedy for blockage

    From the ingredients that are in every home, you can prepare no less effective means for cleaning the sewer pipe. In this way, you can save the budget and avoid possible allergic reactions to ready-made means of industrial production. There is another indisputable plus of folk remedies - they are so accessible that they can also be used as a preventive measure.

    Popular folk remedies, based on their effectiveness, availability and frequency of responses to the request: "request in the bath, removal in the home."

    Hot water

    Boiling water is one way to get rid of a blockage in the bathroom. According to many users, it is from spilling the pipe with hot water that all manipulations for cleaning it should begin. The water for this operation does not need to be heated additionally, the one that comes from the tap is sufficient. With the help of this simple method, it is possible to remove fat frozen on the walls of the pipe, as well as soften or remove a very small zacop. If only hot water is not enough, then you should move on to more serious methods.

    When using this method, it is important to consider the technical characteristics of the PVC pipe. The maximum allowable temperature for it is 70 degrees. Staying inside the tube of boiling water at 100 degrees is not desirable for more than 4-5 minutes.

    Soda with vinegar

    This composition shows itself well in the fight against various contaminants in the kitchen or sanitary ware, and also effectively fights blockages in pipes. Instructions on how to remove the sludge in the bathtub with a solution of soda and vinegar:

    1. Pour 250 grams of soda into the drain hole (this is about half of a standard package), pour lightly with water and wait for complete dissolution;
    2. Pour a glass of 9% acetic acid into the hole, immediately close the hole tightly with a cork;
    3. Wait half an hour and turn on the hot water to thoroughly rinse the sewer pipe. A greater effect can be achieved by pouring, first, boiling water from a kettle, and only then dilute it with hot water from the tap.

    Salt and soda mixture

    From these two powders it is necessary to prepare an aqueous solution in the following proportions:

    Mix everything well and boil until the components are completely dissolved. The hot solution must be poured into the drain hole and tightly closed with a stopper. It will take about 2-3 hours to cool down. After this, the drain pipe must be rinsed with hot water for several minutes.

    Caustic soda

    This is even more caustic sodium when compared with ordinary baking soda. The action of castic soda is more pronounced, it is used most often in the form of an aqueous solution. Mixing proportions: 200 g of caustic soda per 1 liter of boiling water. Pour the liquid into the drain, according to tradition, plug it with a stopper and wait 2-3 hours. Afterwards, rinse well with hot water.

    Measures to prevent blockages

    Proper prevention will allow you to avoid the problem of blockage in the future and not puzzle over the question: clogged bathtub how to clean it at home. The methods are simple and do not require much time or effort:

    The problem of blockages in the sewer pipe has been accompanying a person for many decades.

    Learn more