How to clear clogged drain in bathtub
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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:
- Sink plunger (we like this one from Amazon )
- Bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar
- Pluming snake (we like this one from Amazon )
1.
Remove obvious obstructionsIf 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.
A few tips on how to clean the drain from blockage with your own hands
Cleaning the drain with soda, vinegar and a plunger
In the kitchen or in the bathroom, a clogged drain is incredibly annoying. And you can't even ignore the problem. Sooner or later, the blockage will become so large that the water simply will not flow down the pipe into the sewer. The situation will be especially aggravated if households have a habit of trimming their beard over the sink or taking a bath with long hair loose. However, we do not rule out more extreme options. So what to do when the water does not go down the drain or this process is very slow? The answer is, of course, one: clean! nine0005
But cleaning the drain is not always easy, but it is possible.
Many tools have been developed and applied to solve the problem. So before you call the plumber, try the following tips:
Rinse with boiling water
One of the first and easiest things you can do is simply rinse the drain with a pot of boiling water. The popular option, we will not deny, and it does not guarantee that you will cope with blockages easily and simply, guaranteed. But if nothing serious is stuck in the pipe and the blockage was not caused by any greasy corrosive substance, but only a slow flow of water is observed, a pot of boiling water is the first thing to deal with the problem. nine0005
What to do:
Wait until all the stagnant water has completely drained from the sink, boil a liter or two of water (you can use a kettle or a saucepan). Go to the non-functional “moydodyr” and fill it up.
The procedure can be repeated.
WARNING! Note: The boiling water trick works best on metal pipes (cast iron pipes are the standard).
If you have PVC pipes (that is, plastic), long-term use of water with a temperature of more than 80 degrees can soften the pipe joints or even melt them. nine0035
If it is not known whether plastic or cast iron pipes are installed in the bathroom, it is better not to risk it with strong boiling water and large volumes of water. Just turn on the hot water faucet and wait a minute or two. But not more. If the blockage has not disappeared, we move on to more effective folk artillery.
Make your own cleaner
Branded pipe cleaners are only effective on certain types of blockages. Of course, you can run to the store and buy a bottle of commercial cleaner, but before that, you can try making your own chemical blockage fighter. nine0005
As some seasoned plumbers say, a store-bought cleaner should be the last resort in clearing a clog.
So, if you are sure that nothing has entered the pipe, and the blockage is caused by greasy deposits, try making a cleaner from vinegar and baking soda.
Found in any home.
This is how it's done. Baking Soda Pipe Cleaner Guide:
Take half a cup of baking soda and pour the white powder directly into the clogged drain; nine0025 we merge there, directly into the drain pipe, 1 glass of vinegar (half is possible). The reaction of extinguishing soda with vinegar will begin with the release of carbon dioxide. Attention! If the blockage is close to the surface of the tub/sink, the ongoing reaction may start throwing the homemade product up out of the pipe. It is desirable that this does not happen, cover the scene with something.
For toilets, simply skip the mixing step and rinse as soon as the vinegar is added.
As soon as the reaction subsides a little, add the rest of the vinegar, if you have not poured out the entire glass. Let the mixture work for half an hour (or longer if you have time) and then just rinse the drain with hot water.
P.S. You can also use a few Alka-Seltzer tablets (known as a good hangover fighter, but can also overcome small blockages) to get a similar effect, although not as powerful.
Plunger
When none of the suggested solutions worked, it's time to take on the classic home plumbing tool - the plunger! Few people will enjoy working with this tool - it makes such unpleasant sounds when pumping pipes, and traces of rubber if the valve is not made of very high-quality rubber, and the maintenance of pipes can also upset, but what you won’t do, if only the water is again flowed as it should - down, and did not stand in an unpleasant dirty pool in the sink or bathroom. nine0005
Life hack. Do you know how to properly use a plunger (its classic type)?
1. There must be no water in the sink or tub.
2. It is advisable to plug the drain holes of other sinks and tubs (with a cork or even just a damp cloth. This will create the necessary pressure in the pipes).
3. We put the tool over the drain, firmly pressing the edges and begin to actively press and pull the handle. Ten to fifteen times, after which we quickly remove the valve of the plumbing tool.From plum. nine0025 You, to your dislike, will see how pieces of blockage begin to float out of the drain hole along with dirty water. The meaning of the plunger is precisely this - working like a pump, pump out all the rubbish that has accumulated and interferes in the pipe. Thus, water, air and dirt are pumped out.
Repeat as many times as necessary to break through the blockage.
When you're done (you'll know this when the water runs down the drain quickly and freely), rinse the sink and add the same baking soda and vinegar or clog cleaner inside. So that the blockage does not form in the same place again. nine0005
Alternatively, if you don't have a tool handy, you can achieve a similar effect (with a big, big stretch of "similar") with an empty juice or milk carton - just place it upside down over the drain hole and squeeze it to send a jet of air from the box straight down the drain. If something is just stuck in the path and not far from the drain, this might even help.
What about toilet clogs?
For toilets, however, you will need a different tool. Regular plungers won't help here, it's just not the best shape to go down a narrow toilet drain, so you'll need a toilet plunger, which can be purchased at almost any hardware store. nine0005
There are a lot of devices in modifications (manual, pneumatic), there are even these:
We don’t know how effective it is ...
what you need to make sure is that you have a good seal between the plunger and the drain hole before you start... and don't forget about personal hygiene - wear gloves and wash your hands after plumbing work. nine0005
Make or buy a plumbing cable
The so-called plumbing cable is the big gun in the fight against blockages. Usually plumbers come to the call, including with these devices. Having bought a cable, be sure to read the instructions and watch a video on the Internet on how to use it. The fact is that it is quite easy to make a hole in plastic pipes and, instead of solving the problem, aggravate the situation.
Video taken from the YouTube channel "Progress Way Online Store"
Therefore, we would not recommend using such a powerful anti-clog weapon on your own in such a delicate environment as pipes. And do not forget that when cleaning pipes, it is necessary to disconnect the siphon from the sink / bathroom or toilet. If you don’t know how it’s done, it’s also better not to take risks, otherwise a flooded bathroom or kitchen is not the most pleasant and easily solved problem...
removal with improvised tools: wire (do not forget to round off the end by making a loop out of it and something like a hook), for example. It can be made from an old hanger or a thin wire. nine0005
True, such a device cannot reach the far corners of the pipes, so it can only be used as the simplest replacement for a professional tool.
Failed?
If none of the methods above worked, it's time to call a plumber. Perhaps the blockage occurred far from the siphon and cannot be reached by standard means, or they simply do not have enough, as they say, power.
Then the services of a professional who knows everything about pipes will come in handy! nine0005
How to clear a blockage in the bath elimination at home, how to clean the drain in the bathroom, how to clear the blockage in the bathroom
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. nine0167
Cold water does not completely dissolve the fat and it settles on the walls of the pipes. nine0167 Methods for removing blockage in the bathroom
All existing methods are conventionally divided into several groups:
- mechanical. For such cleaning, special cables are used, closed in a spiral and having a metal brush at the end. These devices cope well with dense blockages that have formed plugs in the pipe;
- hydraulic. The effect is based on the movement of a strong stream of water or air, which destroys the resulting accumulation of dirt. In everyday life, plungers are common, professionals often use hoses equipped with sprayers at the end. With such a device, it is possible to remove the zacop even very far from the bath itself; nine0167
- chemical. The technology of their work is based on the chemical reaction and the splitting of the dirt that makes up the cop. In the role of such means, both ready-made, store-bought compounds, and home remedies prepared from improvised ingredients can act.
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 9mm. 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 clearing the blockage using a sanitary cable:
- Remove the siphon, wash it and clean it of visible dirt;
- Insert the cable into the hole of the pipe and, turning, gradually push it inward; nine0167
- If the cable rests against an obstacle, then it is worth pulling it out a little and returning it back, with a little effort;
- 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;
- The operation must be repeated several times, regularly washing the cable with soap;
- 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.
nine0167
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. nine0167
For better sealing, the overflow hole must be plugged with a rag in a cellophane bag; Remove blockage in siphon
Due to its curved shape, the siphon often becomes clogged. 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:
- 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;
- 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; nine0167
- Use a screwdriver to open the screw in the drain in the bathroom. Remove the flask and remove the corrugation attached to it;
- Place all elements in hot water with powder or soap.
Remove the lid of the sump and clean the dirt from it; - Wash each part thoroughly;
- 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 to clean the pipes in the bathroom. nine0005
There are several types of chemicals that allow you to deal with the problem, how to remove the blockage in the bathroom:
- liquids;
- gels;
- powders;
- granules.
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; nine0167
As part of Bagi: PABs, concentrated alkali, acids of non-organic origin. Thanks to this aggressive composition, the product dissolves hair, paper and food waste in a few minutes. When working with Bagi Potxan, the use of gloves is a prerequisite. After completion of work, the room must be well ventilated; nine0167 
In this case, the composition contains hydrochloride and sodium hydroxide, active salts and various surfactants. 3a bottle with a volume of 750 g will have to pay from 60 to 80 rubles. Sanfor is characterized by fast action (only 10-15 minutes) and efficiency, removes hair, fat and other contaminants. At the same time, special means of protection will not be required; Folk remedies for fighting blockages
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. nine0005
Popular folk remedies, based on their effectiveness, availability and frequency of responses to the request: "request in the bath, elimination 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. nine0005
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 a scum in a bathtub with a solution of soda and vinegar:
- 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;
- Pour a glass of 9% acetic acid into the hole, immediately close the hole tightly with a cork;
- 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:
- water - 1 liter;
- soda - 500 g;
- salt - 200 g.
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 rack your brains over the question: clogged bathtub how to clean it at home. The methods are simple and do not require much time or effort:
- close the drain with a grate with small cells, so coarse particles of hair and cod will not get into it;
- Even if there is no blockage, the sewer pipe must be cleaned regularly.
