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Tub drain unclogger


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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.

the best and effective bathroom drain cleaner, a good sewer pipe cleaner

Content:

Release forms
Purpose of sewer cleaners
Variety of anti-clogging products
Powder "Floop" for cleaning pipes
Bugs "Pothan" for blockages
Universal drug "Mole"
Tiret Turbo (Tiret Turbo)
Mister Muscle
pipes
How to keep pipes intact? nine0005 Use of funds in private houses with septic tanks

From time to time, all property owners are faced with the problem of poor patency of drains in sewer pipelines. In order not to have to often call a plumber, it is necessary to periodically use special means for cleaning pipes from blockages for the purpose of prevention. They will not only clean the sewage disposal system, but also disinfect it.


Forms

On sale you can find such types of modern tools that help to cope with blockages: nine0003

The properties possessed by this or that means for cleaning pipes and sewers do not depend on the form of release. It affects the usability of the product.

In the event that the drain is filled with water, it is better to give preference to the gel. They are specially made in a thick consistency. They are poorly soluble in water. The gel should be squeezed out into a drain filled with water, then it will slowly settle down and fall into the area where its action is required. nine0003


As for liquid means for eliminating blockages in the sewer system, it is most convenient to pour such compounds into the drain - this is done carefully, avoiding splashing. True, you need to remember: they may contain caustic components that can harm the condition of ceramics, enamel and even stainless steel.

Granular preparations are also convenient to use, since they are free-flowing and evenly distributed over the surface to be cleaned. nine0003

Experts recommend that when choosing a product for clearing pipe blockages, first of all, pay attention not to the release form, but to its properties, since this is primary.

Purpose of sewer cleaners

Manufacturers produce three main groups of these products:

  1. For the elimination of fatty plugs. This tool should be used when the drain in the kitchen sink is clogged.
    2. nine0026 For dissolving hair. In the event that the drain in the bathroom is clogged, this will be the best choice.
  2. Universal application. This tool is recommended to be used when it is difficult to determine what the blockage consists of, since it was formed in a common sewer pipe. Most likely, it contains both hair and fat deposits.

It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the purpose of this or that remedy, since the correct choice depends on how quickly the problem will be fixed. nine0003

Variety of anti-clogs

Going to the store in order to find a good remedy for blockages in pipes, you can see a large assortment of these products. Some of them are more expensive, others are quite cheap. But in this case, expensive products may not be the best. Among the funds offered to consumers, there are budget options that can perfectly cope with the elimination of blockages formed in the sewer pipeline.

The main purpose of all chemical compounds for cleaning sewers is prevention. Plumbers recommend that within a month, at least once, treat the drain points with the product you like. As a result, the sewer system will function without problems.

Also, treatment with drugs should be performed when a deterioration in the flow of waste water is detected. If she began to leave slowly, you need to fall asleep or pour the remedy. The problem will disappear, and then there will be no need to contact a specialist. nine0003


Quite often, compounds from blockages in pipes help to eliminate severe pollution, but not in all cases. The reason for such a poor effect from the use of the product is not always its poor quality, but the fact that it is not able to dissolve the cork.

For example, during repairs, rags, small pieces of construction debris, etc. fell into the sewer. All this can be removed from the pipeline, but it will be difficult to do it exclusively mechanically and even in this way. Eliminate such pollution with the help of special devices, for example, a plumbing cable. nine0003

Before contacting a plumber for help, you should apply a blockage cleaner. The range of these products in domestic stores is huge.

Fluop Pipe Cleaning Powder

Sold packaged in bags weighing 60 grams. It is produced in two types. In the first option, the product in the green package must be filled with cold water, and in the second option (red package) - hot. The powder belongs to the universal sewer cleaners, as it dissolves fats and hair plugs, and also corrodes organic matter. "Floop" can not be used to clean the toilets. nine0003

It is necessary to fill this powder only inside the sewer riser so that it does not get on the bathtub, sink. The cleaner, even when dry, is extremely toxic, so gloves and protective clothing should be worn when using it.


The contents of the package are poured out, filled with water and waited for 15 minutes. During the reaction, it is necessary to ensure ventilation of the room, do not bend over the drain and inhale the fumes. nine0003

After 15 minutes, turn on cold water and rinse the drain. The cork should eventually dissolve. If this does not happen, the tool can be reapplied. It is not recommended to use "Floop" for the third time in a row. Usually one sachet is enough.

Bugs "Pothan" from blockages

It is a universal granular agent that eliminates blockages in pipes. Differs in active action and high concentration. To use it, water is removed from the drain so that there is about 5 centimeters of dry pipe. nine0003

The granules are carefully poured and filled with a small amount of water. At the same time, the arm is held outstretched, and the head is turned away from the drain.


Three minutes later, water is turned on, after which a violent reaction begins, in which foam and toxic gases are released. This is an effective remedy for blockages in pipes that have formed near the drain hole, since the granules do not get inside. The disadvantage of the drug is the high cost and too poisonous smell. nine0003

Krot universal drug

Products for clearing blockages under this name are sold in the form of granules, liquid, gel in plastic bottles. "Mole" fall asleep or poured directly into the drain. When working with granules, they are filled with water, their heads are turned away and air is not inhaled. Wash off after 1-2 hours.


The composition works effectively, dissolving the main part of the traffic jams. At the same time, it is sold at lower prices compared to similar cleaners. Many housewives believe that "Mole" is the best remedy for clogged pipes. See also: "What are the means for Mole pipes - features of sewer cleaning." nine0003

Tiret Turbo (Tiret Turbo)

Available in the form of liquid, gel, granules. One bottle should be enough for 2-4 applications. According to the manufacturer's instructions, Tiret is poured into the drain, left for 5 minutes and then washed with a large volume of water. Consumer reviews about this tool are ambiguous, since it helps one well, while others note its low efficiency.


Everyone who used Tiret talks about the presence of an unpleasant odor that is released when cleaning the sink in the kitchen. A possible reason for this phenomenon is the dissolution of fatty deposits or organic sediments. In addition, the cleaner has a high price and a large amount of product is required to eliminate the blockage. Of the advantages, only the presence of a lid with special protection against small children can be noted. nine0003

Mr. Muscle

A candidate for being called the best sewer cleaner, according to housewives, is "Mr. Muscle", produced in granules.

The cleaner is very effective and able to cope with difficult plugs, it corrodes everything except metal, but it does not damage the pipeline and siphons and does not have a strong smell.


The granules are poured into the pipe and only then poured with cold water, they wait 1 - 2 hours, sometimes the time is increased, for example, leaving the product overnight. nine0003

Application of anti-blockage agents in pipes

When using sewer pipe cleaners, remember that they are chemically active compounds and must be handled with extreme care. Before use, carefully read the instructions on the packaging of the product.

It describes the standard recommendations that must be followed in order not to harm one's own health:

  1. Open windows and doors, turn on ventilation.
  2. Wear rubber gloves and goggles.
  3. Avoid contact with skin.
  4. When pouring granules and powders, pouring gels and liquid formulations, keep your arm outstretched. Keep your head away from the drain where the cleaner is poured. In the absence of a respirator, try not to breathe. When you want to pour water, do it without breathing and with your hand outstretched.
  5. Once the reaction has started, do not lean over the drain hole and leave the room. nine0027
  6. When flushing pipes, first spray water in a thin stream so as not to splatter.

All of the above measures must be followed. All cleaning compounds, like other household chemicals, must be hidden in a place where children cannot reach. Even empty packaging from products emit a strong harmful odor, so they should be immediately thrown into the trash.

How to keep pipes intact?

Cast iron pipes are becoming less and less common, as they have been replaced by plastic pipe products for laying water pipes and sewers. Companies that make cleaning pipes products develop formulations in such a way that they do not damage plastic products. See also: "How and with what to clean sewer pipes in a private house - methods and methods from an experienced master." nine0003

Of the chemicals listed above in the article, only Flup can sometimes dissolve individual elements of the sewer system, such as a corrugated hose or a siphon glass. True, the destruction of plastic is possible if the time allotted for the action of the agent is exceeded.


To exclude the possibility of damage to the sewer. The product manufacturer's recommendations must be followed. If after the initial processing the plug could not be eliminated, you can try again, but if there is no manufacturer's prohibition on this. In some cases, the blockage may be far away in the pipeline and then a cable cannot be dispensed with. nine0003

Use of funds in private houses with septic tanks

Sewer systems in private households are distinguished by the fact that effluents are usually diverted to septic tanks or to local treatment facilities, where sewage is processed by bacteria. If you use a pipe cleaner in the bathroom, bathroom or kitchen, then a large amount of chemically active preparations will enter the sewer. As a result, microorganisms simply die. See also: "How to get rid of the smell from the pipes in the bathroom - we solve the problem once and for all." nine0003


In order not to affect the quality of wastewater treatment, it is necessary to add bacteria from time to time - the colonies will then begin to multiply. The recovery will take about a month or more. And if at this time the sewer is clogged, what to do?

In this case, experts suggest not using pipe blockage products, but pouring bacteria into the system for cesspools. The solution is prepared according to the instructions and then poured into the sewer, after which it is advisable not to use it for a day. During this time, deposits in the pipes will be processed by bacteria, and the pipelines themselves will not be affected. nine0003

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

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