A blocked bathtub drain is a problem that many households face, especially if there are long-haired residents. It’s understandable that plumbers can take time and money. In that case, you might rather learn how to unclog your bathtub drain.
This guide will show you how to unclog your bathtub drain using simple, expert steps. You can also follow similar steps to unclog your shower drain.
Home remedies to unclog a bathtub drain
If you’re having trouble unclogging a bathtub drain, there are several home remedies you can try. One of the easiest ways to clean a bathtub drain is to use baking soda or vinegar, which are both excellent clog removers. Pour half of the mixture down the drain, wait an hour, then rinse the drain. This will break up clogs and prevent foul odors.
Another method to clear a blocked tub drain is to plug the drain. If this doesn’t work, you can try using vinegar and baking soda to clear it out. This mixture combines with hot water to break up soap scum and hair buildup. It should froth up, which means that it’s working to loosen the blockage.
Baking soda and vinegar are excellent clog removers, and they’re great for cleaning any tub. Pour one cup of each into the drainage area, and then wait five to ten minutes before pouring in another cup of white vinegar. The vinegar and baking soda will help dissolve the waste and unclog the drain.
Another option for unclogging a bathtub drain is to use a plunger. This is a simple tool you can find at a hardware store for less than $3. You can use a plunger to push and pull the drain, but you’ll need to be careful, since a clogged drain will make the process harder than it’s worth.
Another simple home remedy is boiling water. This method will break down hardened grease and make water run smoothly again. Be careful, though, as boiling water can damage PVC pipes. You can also use liquid dish-washing detergent, which will help dissolve grease. Just make sure that you do this method carefully, as it can burn you.
Another homemade remedy is a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This will clear up a partially clogged drain and remove the odors. Repeat this process as necessary.
Using a drain snake to unclog a bathtub drain
You can use a drain snake to unclog clogged bathtub drains. A drain snake works by latching on to the clog and pulling it back up through the drain. To snake a bath drain, first remove the stopper or overflow plate and insert the drain snake cable into the drain. Next, insert the snake until it feels the blockage and then turn it to pull the blockage out.
A drain snake has a handle that extends from the head. Insert it into the drain pipe and turn the handle in a clockwise direction. If you feel resistance, push the handle in further. Once the snake reaches the clog, the cable should turn clockwise. You will feel increasing tension as the snake feeds deeper into the clog.
The cable of a drain snake has a coiled cable. Once the cable reaches the obstruction, tighten the cable clamp. Rotate the handle slowly while the cable goes deeper into the drain. Be careful not to press too hard as you try to push the snake.
Before using a drain snake to unclog clogged bathtub drains, make sure to wear protective rubber gloves to avoid injury. First, locate the overflow cover on top of the bathtub. This is connected to a trip lever. When you remove the overflow cover, you will have to turn the lever backwards to release it.
If the clog is a smaller one, a flat tape snake will work just fine. If the clog is large, a cable snake with a corkscrew end will work well. A cable snake with a long cable will have better leverage.
The bathtub drain may be clogged for several reasons. The most common culprit is hair, which sticks to the pipes and builds up. Other causes are soap scum and hard water. If you are unsure of how to remove the drain stopper, consult the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re unable to remove it with your fingers, you may need to use pliers or a wrench.
Another option is to use a wire coat hanger to fish out the clogged debris. It has a tiny hook at the end and can be pushed down the drain until you meet resistance. By doing this, you’ll have the chance to remove debris, accumulated soap scum, and even hair from the drain. If that doesn’t work, you can use a drain catcher or place a plastic bag over the drain to keep out hair.
Using a high-efficiency accordion style plunger to unclog a bathtub drain
To use an accordion-style plunger to unclog a bathtub drainage system, you need to first insert the plunger into the drain. Ideally, you should fill the plunger cup with water so that it is submerged in the drain water. You may want to add more water if you need to, and you should try to plunge forcefully at first. After a few times, you should be able to clear the clog and drain the water away.
You can find a plunger at hardware stores, home improvement stores, and even some grocery stores. There are a number of online retailers that sell these products as well. However, if you need a plunger right away, a local store is probably your best bet. However, if you want to buy one online, you can often get a better price and a wider selection.
You can also use a cup plunger to unclog a bathtub, but be aware that it only works on flat surfaces. This type of plunger is best suited for kitchen and bathroom sinks. It can easily form a seal on a flat surface, which means that you must apply a lot of force to unclog it.
If your plunger cannot remove the clog, you can use a coat hanger as a plunger. To use a coat hanger to unclog a bathtub drain, first place the hook inside the drain. Next, twist it in a circular motion to release all of the hair that’s blocking the drain. Then, carefully shake the hook out of the drain and dump it into the waste basket. Then, you can repeat the procedure several times to unclog the drain. If this does not work, you may have to try other methods.
A bellows-style plunger is another type of plunger that you can use to unclog a bathtub drain. It is similar to a pair of bellows, and works by pushing air into the drain. Be careful, however, as it has the potential to scratch the drain, so you need to use one that’s not made of plastic. You should also ensure that you have enough water in the drain before using a bellows-style plunger.
Using a handheld drum auger to unclog a bathtub drain
Before you attempt to unclog your bathtub drain using a handheld drum auger, it is important to wear protective gloves and place a drop cloth beneath the drain opening. You should also remove any pipes that are attached to the drain, such as an elbow and trap. Once you have removed these obstructions, pull the auger cable in and out of the drain pipe, using a push and pull motion.
If the clog is too thick, a hand drain snake may be ineffective. In such a case, a power auger is necessary, or a plumber may be needed. Despite the difficulties, patience is the key to clearing the clog. It is also important to use a brand-new drain snake, as the corkscrew end of a used drain snake may have clogs embedded.
A hand-powered auger is not recommended for bathtubs, as they are expensive and are not made for this purpose. However, a drum auger will work well in other places, such as toilets and sinks. If the drainpipe is too long for a handheld drum auger, you should hire a professional plumber to perform the job.
Before using a handheld drum auger to unclogged a bathtub drain, make sure to wear protective gloves and eye protection. Also, make sure to remove the overflow plate before introducing the auger. Then, take care not to damage the stopper assembly and linkage. Once you have removed the overflow plate, feed the auger through the drain and elbows.
When using a handheld drum auger to unclogged a bathtub drain, you must make sure to feed it into the drain completely and then feed it back into the drum. You may need to do several attempts until you clear the clog. If the drain continues to clog, check the overflow plate and the linkage. If the problem continues, you can try using a sewer jetter to clear the clog.
If your bathtub drain is still blocked, you need to call an expert Dayton plumber. They have the tools, expertise and knowledge on cleaning your drains so rest assured that the problem will be fixed in no time.