What is good to unclog a 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.
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.
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;
- 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;
- 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.
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.
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;
- 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.
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;
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.
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 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;
- 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.
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How to remove a blockage in the bathroom with improvised, folk or professional means
Contents
- Causes of mud plugs
- Plunger always at hand
Causes of mud plugs
Sooner or later, lumps of hair, wool, particles of rags and other substances collect in the pipes, which form a mud plug and prevent the passage of sewage. Also, one of the causes of blockage can be fatty deposits, which contribute to the sticking of household contaminants. In order to understand what to do when the pipe is already clogged, it is important to determine the nature and degree of clogging.
Clogged drainpipeIf this happened in an apartment building, then first you need to find out whether it is a local blockage (in the apartment sewer distribution) or a common house blockage (in the sewer riser). When the blockage is local, you can deal with it on your own, but with a common house, you can’t do without a specialist.
It is very easy to determine: it is enough to turn on the water at two points (bathroom and kitchen) and observe: the water does not drain only at one of the points, which means local blockage; stands at both points - the pipe riser is clogged and you can safely call a plumber. And you can deal with local blockage on your own. You just need to follow a number of rules and listen to the advice of experienced people.
Removing blockages mechanicallyThere are several methods for cleaning pipes from blockages:
- thermal - using hot water, boiling water;
- chemical - with corrosive preparations;
- mechanical - using a plumbing cable, opening the siphon cup;
- pressure cleaning - with a plunger.
Attention! Do not use the thermal method on pipes that may not withstand elevated temperatures.
Sometimes filling out an application to call the master and waiting for him can take several hours. A blockage in the sewer makes it impossible to use both the water supply and the sanitary unit as a whole.
A plunger is always at hand
A good housewife has all the necessary tools at hand for any situation. Plunger is one of the most important household items. Without his help, you can not do with blockages in the bathroom or in the sink in the kitchen. Cleaning a blockage in the bathroom with a plunger is a little more difficult than in the sink. When removing such a blockage, it is necessary to close the overflow hole with a plug or a second plunger in order to create a vacuum in the place of cleaning.
Plunger removal of blockagesHow to properly clean a bathroom pipe with a plunger:
- Lubricate the bottom of the rubber cup of the plunger with petroleum jelly.
- Align the plunger with the hole in the tubs.
- Seal the bathtub overflow with a plug or a second plunger.
- Draw water to cover ¼ cup of the plunger.
- Make several forward movements.
- Remove blockage.
Please note that the bathtub and washbasins are interconnected and the shocks generated by the plunger reach them. Be sure to cover the drain holes to prevent the contents from sloshing out.
Plunger allows you to clear the blockage in the pipes without the help of specialistsTip: sometimes the problem is solved by unscrewing and cleaning the siphon cup.
If the blockage cannot be cleared the first time, repeat the procedure again. Please note that only those blockages that are located close to the drain can be removed with a plunger, if the pipe is clogged behind the siphon, then you should choose another method.
Rope is the way to go
If the plunger proves useless, then the problem is much more serious. We'll have to resort to heavier artillery - a plumbing cable. The length of the plumbing cable is usually no more than 3.5 m. In order to clear the blockage in the pipe, it is necessary to insert it into the drain hole.
Slowly turning the handle located on one end of the cable, it is necessary to insert the device until it rests on the blockage with the other end. With a sharp rotational movement, you need to pick up the blockage in the pipe and perform a back and forth movement, thus clearing the clogged pipe.
Plumbing cable with nozzles for clearing blockages in pipesOn the opposite side of the handle, the cable has the shape of a drill, thanks to which the mud plug is loosened and its small fractions immediately pass further along the sewer, and the main part of the blockage clings to the cable and is pulled out. When removing the cable from the drain hole, you should immediately wipe it from dirt so as not to stain all the contents of the pipe.
Attention! Take precautions when working with sewer blockages. Work in thick rubber gloves, wear goggles and a mask so as not to pick up an infection.
Do not work on the cable alone. It is difficult for one person to cope with both the direction of the cable and its rotation in the pipe. In addition, the cable is made of elastic steel, and can spring and injure you.
Chemistry will cope with any blockage
What to do if a pipe that is clogged cannot be cleaned by either the plunger or the cable, and even cleaning the siphon does not give the expected results? In this case, you have to resort to chemicals. With the help of chemistry, you can clean any blockage without applying the slightest effort.
Clog cleaner chemicals require careful adherence to instructions for useWhen choosing a drain cleaner, all active ingredients of the selected product should be considered. Some of them are so aggressive that they can only be used in cast iron pipes. And some can be used exclusively for plastic piping.
Very important!!! When working with any chemical preparation, maximum care and protective equipment is required.
To achieve the desired result, it is necessary to pour the amount indicated on the label into the drain hole and wait until it does its job. Then open the warm water and clean the sewer pipe with water from the blockage and the flooded product.
Observe safety precautions when working with chemicals. Avoid contact with skin or mucous membranes. You should also be careful not to get such products on chrome surfaces, otherwise it can not only clean the pipe, but also clean the mixer from the chrome coating.
Chemicals easily cope with almost any blockage in pipesAlso, chemicals are used for preventive purposes, small doses of the substance, diluted with water, are poured into the drain hole and wait a few minutes for the drug to begin to act. Then washed with running warm water. This procedure is carried out at least 1 time per month.
Tip: if you are afraid of harming the environment, use folk remedies to clear the blockage in the bathroom. They are not as effective, but they are safe.
Folk remedies
Whatever the people came up with to clear blockages in pipes with the help of improvised means. I poured citric acid, sucked up the blockage from the pipe with a vacuum cleaner (this method is highly not recommended - it leads to the purchase of a new vacuum cleaner), but not all of these manipulations were effective enough. In practice, it turned out that it is best to eliminate blockages in the bathroom with soda and vinegar.
If you don't want to use mechanical pipe cleaners, traditional methods are for you- Cleaning with soda. ½ pack of soda is poured into the drain hole, after 5-10 minutes it is poured with hot water.
- Vinegar cleaning. 4 tbsp is poured into the drain hole. l. soda and poured with a glass of vinegar. The hole is closed. In 10 minutes. washed with a liter of boiling water, and then with a large stream of hot water.
There are a lot of various methods invented by ordinary people, each housewife tries to invent her own unique way to clean a clogged pipe in the bathroom, but often these are all futile gestures. For the most part, folk remedies are suitable for kitchen sinks, because they cope better with grease blockages, but cleaning with vinegar is also suitable for the bathroom.
Prevention of blockages
Prevent blockages from having to be clearedIn old, worn pipelines, the likelihood of a dirt plug is increased due to gaps and roughness on the inner surface of the pipe. The best prevention of blockages is the timely replacement of sewer wiring and risers. Also, in order to avoid blockages, it is necessary to install a removable grate on the drain hole, which will trap unwanted contaminants and small things that accidentally fall into the drain.