In most cases, a slow draining or clogged bathtub drain can be easily fixed without the use of chemicals. While you can hire a reasonably priced plumber to fix the clog, a professional plumber will use some quick do-it-yourself tricks to unclog the bathtub drain. All you need are a few household items to remove what is causing the problem.
Before we look at solutions for unclogging a bathtub drain, let's look at possible causes:
- Soap Scum - Soap scum buildup can also clog your bathtub. Soap scum can build up inside the drain and solidify over time until it causes a clog.
- Dirt and debris - If your child takes a shower after playing outside, dirt and debris can be washed away and quickly build up in the drain. This is especially true if the shower water flow is slow. Have them rinse outside to remove the dirt before taking a shower.
- Hair - We lose 50 to 100 hairs a day. Some of this hair runs down the drain and sticks to the sides of the pipe. Over time, the hair builds up and adheres to substances that run down the drain, such as soap scum and dead skin.
- Hard Water - Hard water is also one of the main culprits of clogged bathtubs. Hard water contains a lot of minerals that can collect on the sides of the pipes and build up over time. Additionally, water with a high pH can worsen the problem and accelerate the accumulation of minerals in your pipes.
How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain Using Non-Chemical Methods
Method 1: Remove Easily Accessible Dirt
Hair and other debris can often cause a clogged bathtub drain. The best way to unclog a bathroom drain is to remove the stopper and fish out the debris.
How to Remove Foreign Debris from a Drain:
- Remove the stopper. If your tub has a pop-up drain stopper, insert a screwdriver under the cap, loosen the screw, and remove the stopper.
- Remove the debris by hand, or bend a wire coat hanger into a hook with needle-nose pliers. Fish the foreign object out of the drain and place it in a trash can.
- Flush the drain with hot water to ensure that any excess debris passes through the pipe.
If the tub is still clogged, the clog may be located deeper and you will need to try other home remedies to unclog your tub drain. Addressing the clog early will help ensure that the problem doesn't worsen, leading to problems like sewage gushing out of the tub.
Method 2: Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain
You can use boiling water to dissolve soap scum and remove hair buildup. If your tub isn't draining properly, this may be the solution.
How to Pour Water Down the Drain:
- Boil a large pot of water (at least 10 cups)
- Slowly pour the hot water down the bathtub drain
- If boiling water doesn't fix the clog, pour in one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar to unclog the clog. Let it sit for 20 minutes
- Flush the drain again with boiling water
Method 3: Use a Plunger
How to Choose the Right Plunger
Cup plungers and flanged plungers are the two main types. Cup plungers are the most common type of plunger and are best for unclogging bathtub drains. Flange plungers are better for unclogging toilet drains.
When choosing a cup plunger, be sure to choose a large cup plunger designed for sinks and bathtubs. The cup should be large enough to cover the entire drain opening.
How to Place the Plunger over the Drain
Place the plunger over the drain so that the cup forms a good seal around the drain opening. Make sure the cup is fully submerged.
How to Use a Plunger to Form a Good Seal
To make a good seal with the plunger, press down firmly on the plunger handle. This creates a vacuum that helps clear the clog.
How to Use a Plunger Effectively
After you have formed a good seal with the plunger, push it in firmly up and down for a few minutes. Make sure you apply a lot of force to the plunger handle.
If the clog is severe, you may need to flush for several minutes to unclog it.
Method 4: Use a Pipe Auger
If the clog still won't go away despite your efforts with the plunger, it's time to use the heavy weapon. An auger, or pipe auger, has a long, flexible cable with a coil spring on one end and a hand crank on the other. You can buy or rent one to do the job.
How to Choose the Right Pipe Auger
There are two main types of pipe auger: manual and electric. Manual pipe auger is less expensive but requires more effort to use. Electric pipe auger is more expensive but also easier to use.
When choosing a pipe auger, it's important to consider the size and type of clog you're trying to clear. For small clogs, a manual pipe auger will suffice. For larger or more stubborn clogs, an electric pipe auger is a better choice.
How to Insert a Pipe Auger
To insert a pipe auger into a drain, remove the drain plug or strainer. Then, insert the end of the pipe auger into the drain opening and crank the handle to feed the cable into the pipe.
Be careful not to over-twist the handle, or you could damage the drain. If you feel resistance, stop turning and try to twist the handle to clear the clog.
How to Place a Drain Pipe
Once you have inserted the drainpipe into the drain, turn the handle to feed the drainpipe cable into the drain. Keep turning until you reach the clog.
If you are unable to clear the clog with the drainpipe, you may need to remove the P-trap. A P-trap is a curved pipe located under a sink or tub. It is used to trap debris and prevent it from entering the drain.
To remove the P-trap, loosen the nut that holds it in place. Once the P-trap is loose, carefully remove it and pour out any debris inside.
How to Clear a Clog with a Drain Pipe
Once the drainpipe reaches the clog, twist the handle to try to dislodge it. You may also need to turn the handle to feed the cable further into the pipe.
Continue shaking and twisting the handle until the clog is cleared. After clearing the blockage, rinse the drain with hot water to get rid of any leftover debris.
Method 5: Vacuum the Clog
When neither a plunger nor boiling water works, the best way to unclog a bathtub drain is with a wet/dry vacuum (also known as a commercial vacuum). A commercial vacuum can suck out the clog, making the job clean and efficient.
How to Clear a Clogged Drain
- Remove the drain plug or filter.
- Insert the end of a shop vac hose into the drain.
- Seal the end of the hose with a damp rag.
- Turn the commercial vacuum on to the suction setting.
- Slowly run water to help with suction.
- If the clog doesn't clear, change the exhaust setting to 10 seconds and then back to the suction setting.
- Turn the commercial vacuum off once you hear the clog moving through the hose.
- Carefully remove the hose from the drain.
- Use a rag and needle-nosed pliers to clean out the debris (if hair is stuck around the drain).
- Rinse with hot water to make sure any remaining debris is passed through the pipe.
How to Use Chemical Drain Cleaners
How to Choose the Right Chemical Drain Cleaner
Acidic and alkaline chemical drain cleaners are the two primary varieties. Acidic drain cleaners are more effective at dissolving clogs, but they are more corrosive to pipes. Alkaline drain cleaners are less corrosive, but they may not be as effective at dissolving clogs.
When choosing a chemical drain cleaner, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Type of clog: Hair, soap scum, and other organic matter clogs are best removed with acidic drain cleaners. For clearing grease-induced blockages, alkaline drain cleaners work best.
- Age of pipes: If your pipes are older, it is best to avoid using acidic drain cleaners, as they can corrode the pipes and cause leaks.
- Type of pipe material: Some chemical drain cleaners are not suitable for use on certain types of pipes, such as plastic or cast iron pipes.
How to Use Chemical Drain Cleaners Safely
Chemical drain cleaners can be harmful if used improperly. Here are some safety guidelines:
- Always carefully read and adhere to the product's label instructions.
- Wear goggles and eye protection when using chemical drain cleaners.
- Open windows or doors to ensure proper ventilation of the area.
- Avoid splashing chemical drain cleaners onto your skin or clothing.
- If chemical drain cleaners get on your skin or clothing, rinse them off immediately with water.
- Never mix chemical drain cleaners with other cleaning products, such as bleach.
How to Flush a Drain After Using a Chemical Drain Cleaner
After using a chemical drain cleaner, always rinse the drain thoroughly with hot water. This will help remove any remaining chemicals from the drain and prevent them from corroding the pipes. Here's how to flush a drain:
- Pour one gallon of warm water down the drain.
- Wait 10 minutes.
- Fill the drain with one more gallon of warm water.
- Continue flushing the drain with hot water until you are sure all the chemicals have been removed.
How to Prevent a Clogged Bathtub Drain
There are several ways to prevent a clogged bathtub drain
- Install a drain filter: A drain filter will catch hair and other debris before it enters the drain.
- Clean your drain regularly: Clean your drain regularly with a drain cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.
- Avoid pouring grease and debris down the drain: Avoid pouring grease and debris down the drain whenever possible. If you must pour grease down the drain, always rinse it out with hot water.