Tub is clogged
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.
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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 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 clear a blockage in a bathtub removal at home, how to clean a drain in a bathroom, how to clear a blockage in a 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. nine0013
nine0013 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; nine0013
- 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; nine0013
- If the cable rests against an obstacle, then it is worth pulling it out a little and returning it back, with a little force;
- 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.
nine0013
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. nine0013
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; nine0013
- Unscrew the screw in the drain hole in the bathroom using a screwdriver. 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 than to clean the pipes in the bathroom. nine0003
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; nine0013
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; nine0013 Folk remedies to fight 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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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 against blockages in pipes. Instructions on how to remove the sludge in the 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% vinegar into the hole, immediately close the hole tightly with a cork;
- Wait half an hour, turn on the hot water and rinse the sewer pipe well. 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 puzzle 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.
At least once every 6 months. Suitable for both industrial and folk remedies; nine0013 - several times a month it is necessary to flush the waste pipe by pouring boiling water into it or by opening a tap with hot water for a few minutes;
- at the moment when the washing machine drains the water (after a wash cycle with hot water and powder), you can increase the effect by using a plunger. Movements should be holding or reciprocating.
The problem of blockages in the sewer pipe has been accompanying a person for many decades. 3a this time, many options for solving it were invented: plungers, cables, various chemical preparations. According to plumbers, in most cases a plunger is enough. If it didn’t help, you can connect the cable to the work, and then do the final cleaning of the pipe with the help of a chemical or natural remedy for blockages. nine0003
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How to clear a blockage in a bathroom. How to clear a blockage in the bathroom. Clean and Remove Clog in Bathroom
Problems with clogged drains can often be fixed with simple, affordable solutions. How to clean blockages in the bathroom with the help of improvised means, you will learn from this article. There are three most effective and proven methods for solving the problem: mechanical, thermomechanical, chemical. Each of them is applicable only in a specific case. nine0003
The easiest way to clear a blockage in the bathroom
When the blockage is in the siphon, it is collapsible (all modern plastic models) and easy to reach, you can unscrew the cup and clean out the accumulated pollution, substituting a container in advance to drain a small amount of waste. How to break through a blockage in the bathroom if the siphon is not separable and is located in a hard-to-reach place? A plunger will come to the rescue: in half a minute of reciprocating movements you will get an excellent result.
This method can remove corks from soap, sand, hair. nine0003
Clean bathroom blockage with hot water
When there is no plunger, the least expensive, relative to the effort involved, is to flush the pipeline with hot water. Often the cause of poor drainage is soap buildup in the siphon and pipe, which will dissolve and wash out if you open hot water for twelve to fifteen minutes. In general, in order to prevent situations when the bath is clogged and an urgent search for a solution begins, do, at least once a month, flush with plenty of hot water. This will keep the system in good condition without taking it to extremes. nine0003
How to clean the bath from clogging with chemicals
Chemicals will speed up the removal of soluble deposits in the siphon and partially in the pipeline. In addition to traditional cleaners like Mole or the lesser known Tiret, baking soda and vinegar can solve the problem. The necessary actions are a minimum: pour half a glass of soda into the drain hole and then pour in the same amount of vinegar.
After a quarter of an hour, it remains only to flush the sewage system for nine to fourteen minutes with hot water. Soluble formations on the pipeline walls will also be partially eliminated. nine0003
Cleaning the pipe in the bathroom with a plumbing cable
The device that will give the best result of mechanical removal of blockage is a plumbing cable. If the pipe in the bathroom is clogged, then the plug of hair or thread will have to be slowly pulled out, without stopping the rotation, with a hook-shaped nozzle or better than a spring. The cable should be fed by an assistant wearing tight rubber gloves, which ensures uniform tension and the absence of turns during rotation. Soap growths that have narrowed the duct will have to be removed with a ruff tip and rinsed with hot water during this. nine0003
Clean the clogged bathtub in Kyiv
Do you want to get a quick result of cleaning a clogged bathtub, shower, hydro box, jacuzzi or don't know how to clear the blockage in the sink? Krot-Service technicians know what to do and how to remove the most difficult blockages using special equipment.
