How to clear clogged bathtub drain

It is frustrating when your tub takes 20 minutes to drain after a bath or water creeps up over your ankles during a shower. But you probably don’t need to call a plumber to fix the problem. Here is a complete guide about how to unclog a bathtub drain.

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Why Is the Bathtub Clogged?

Your bathroom likely contains more drains than any other area in your home, which increases the chances of encountering a clog in your bathtub or shower. Fortunately, unclogging a bathtub is a straightforward task. Various factors can cause clogs in bathtub or shower drains. The method for clearing a bathtub drain varies based on the severity of the blockage. Hair is the most common cause, particularly if someone in your home has long hair. However, long hair and the hair shed during showering or shaving can block bathtub drains. Soap residue and debris, such as dirt or sand, can also slow your drains, and sometimes complete blockage.

Why Is the Bathtub Clogged?

Steps to clear clogged drain of bathtub

Step 1

First of all, remove the bathtub stopper or strainer from the drain.
Some drains are easily removed with your hands, while others could require a wrench or pliers. The bathtub strainer can be removed by lifting it with your fingernail or by sticking a flat screwdriver underneath and prying it up. However, to find the best way to unclog a bathtub drain, consult any manufacturer instructions that may be included.

Step 2

Next, check the drain flow by running the tap. Push down a drain stick and try to pull any gunk or debris you can loosen.

Step 3

You can use commercial drain cleaners or clog removers to dissolve the bathtub drain clog. These cleaners are made to maintain your bathroom and bathtub drains and help prevent clog-causing buildup.

Some other ways to clear bathtub drains

Boiling Water

Boiling Water

Pour boil water slowly down the drain.
This technique is not useful for all types of clogs but it can dissolve most soaps fairly quickly. Try this method, if it not works then it’s time to move to another method.

Use of Plunger

A plunger is best tool to prevent bathtub clogging.
Before you begin to plunge the tub aggressively, add some water. A tiny bit of petroleum jelly applied to the plunger's rim can improve the seal.

Use of Plunger

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking Soda and Vinegar

It is a completely natural way to clear a clogged bathtub drain. After adding 1 cup of baking soda to the drain, wait five to ten minutes.
After that, let the mixture do its magic by pouring a cup of white vinegar down the drain. This method can be effective for light blockages because the vinegar and baking soda work together to dissolve the unpleasant buildup, but you might need to finish by pouring some hot water down the drain.

Manual Removal

If your bathtub drain is clogged, you can clear it by hand. To find the blockage, put on rubber gloves, take off the drain cover, and peer down into the drain. If you see any nearby, try to remove as much of the drain-clogging stuff as you can with your fingertips.

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