Dealing with a clogged or slow-draining bathtub can be frustrating, but before resorting to harsh chemical drain cleaners, consider trying some simple homemade solutions first. With a few everyday household items and a little elbow grease, you can get your bathtub drain cleaned and working again.
If the clog persists, you might want to explore bathtub drain removal as the next step in resolving the issue. By incorporating this method, you can access the source of the problem more effectively and ensure a thorough cleaning process. So, before reaching for commercial products, consider these DIY solutions and, if necessary, explore the option of bathtub drain removal to tackle the issue from a different angle.
Why Bathtub Drains Clog Up
Bathtub drains can get clogged for several reasons:
- Soap scum buildup – When soap and shampoo residue accumulate over time, it leaves a filmy residue that sticks to the sides of the drain. As more builds up, it traps other gunk and debris, eventually blocking water flow.
- Hair clumps – Loose hairs shed while bathing get washed down the drain. They cling together and tangle, forming a tight plug.
- Dirty pipe gunk – Small bits of dirt, skin cells, and other grime stick to the inside of the drain pipe. Over time, they accumulate and impede water drainage.
- Mineral deposits – Hard Water contains mineral deposits like calcium and magnesium. As Water evaporates, these deposits are left behind, forming a scale on the drain walls.
- Toiletries and bath products – Oil, creams, and thick liquids like bath bombs and masks can stick to pipe walls and accumulate. They trap other debris passing through, blocking the drain.
- Kid’s toys – It’s not uncommon for a toy car or plastic figure to accidentally go down the tub drain. These can get firmly lodged in the drain pipe.
Regular maintenance and cleaning can prevent serious clogs from forming. But even the most well-maintained drains can get backed up or run more slowly over time. It’s time to give the pipes a deep clean when that happens.
Getting Started with Drain Cleaning
Before you begin cleaning the tub drain, gather together some basic supplies:
- Plunger
- Baking soda and vinegar
- Boiling Water
- Wire coat hanger or zip-it tool
- Protective gloves
- Old toothbrush
- Safety goggles
Make sure to sweep hair and debris off the drain cover before beginning. This prevents loose gunk from getting pushed deeper into the pipe when you start plunging.
You’ll also want to have towels or rags on hand to wipe up any splashing or overflow. For particularly stubborn clogs, keep a bucket nearby to catch drain water.
When using harsh chemical drain cleaners, work in a well-ventilated area. Open windows and turn on fans to keep fumes from building up. Consider wearing a protective face mask, too, for safety.
Okay, let’s go through each step to unclog a bathtub drain.
1. Plunging
The go-to starting point for clearing simple clogs is a trusty plunger. When positioned directly over the drain, the suction force can loosen debris and get Water flowing freely again.
Step 1: Fill the tub with a few inches of Water. Make sure the drain is fully submerged.
Step 2: Firmly position the plunger over the drain opening to form a tight seal.
Step 3: Work the plunger up and down rhythmically 10-15 times. The pressure changes will pull against the clog.
Step 4: Start slow and gentle when plunging, then increase force. Pull straight up for the most effective suction.
Step 5: Still blocked? Repeat steps 2-4, removing the plunger to let dirty Water flush between cycles.
Step 6: Check if the Water is draining normally. Flush with hot Water to rinse away loosened gunk.
A quality sink plunger with a curved bell shape provides the best suction for bathtub drains. Take care not to scratch enamel surfaces when plunging.
If plunging fails to clear the clog, it’s time to bring in the homemade drain cleaners.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
These familiar pantry staples team up to dissolve soap buildup, break up hair, dissolve fatty oils, and scour the drain pipes.
Step 1: Remove the drain stopper or strainer plate so you have complete access.
Step 2: Pour 1 cup baking soda down the drain opening. Let it sit for a few minutes to coat the clog fully thoroughly.
Step 3: Follow with 2 cups of hot white vinegar. It will fizz and bubble, reacting with the baking soda.
Step 4: When the foaming stops, pour hot tap water down the drain – around 1-2 gallons. This flushes away, dissolving gunk.
Step 5: Check drainage. Repeat steps 2-4 if the Water still drains slowly.
Combining alkaline baking soda and mild acidity vinegar provides a safe but effective one-two punch. Allow the homemade cleaner to work its magic overnight before rinsing for severely clogged drains.
3. Boiling Water
For organic clogs caused by hair, soap scum, and grease, boiling Water can be used to melt and loosen the blockage.
Step 1: Bring several pots of Water to a rapid boil on the stovetop.
Step 2: Carefully pour the boiling water down the drain in stages – around 1-2 gallons total.
Step 3: Wait 15 minutes so the hot Water can soften and dissolve the clog.
Step 4: Flush with cold water for a minute to wash the debris down the pipes.
Step 5: Check drainage. Repeat steps 2-4 until Water runs freely.
The heat melts oils and grease, while the rapid flow will help dislodge hair and soap grime. For best results, follow up by flushing the drain with a hot baking soda and vinegar treatment.
Caution – boiling Water poses a significant scald hazard. Use proper protective gear when pouring.
4. Wire Hanger Snake
A wire hanger can be bent into a handy homemade snake for drains clogged deeper in the pipe.
Step 1: Untwist a sturdy metal wire hanger. Form a small hook on one end.
Step 2: Feed the hook end into the drain opening. Twist gently while pushing in.
Step 3: Spin the hanger to snag hair and debris when you hit a clog. Pull out carefully.
Step 4: Scrub any grime with an old toothbrush and flush with hot Water.
Step 5: Repeat, going deeper until you unclog the blockage.
Straightening out the hanger allows you to craft a skinny snake that can slide deeper than a plunger. Go slowly and gently when scraping and pulling to avoid scratching the pipe.
A zip-it cleaner tool is a safer option for plastic pipe drains than a wire hanger. Feed the zip-it in and out to grab hair and gunk clogging the pipe.
5. Chemical Drain Cleaners
If DIY methods fail to open the drain, commercial drain cleaners offer an easy solution. Look for ones designed specifically for bathtub and shower clogs.
Step 1: Don protective gloves and goggles before handling cleaners.
Step 2: Add drain cleaner to the tub according to product directions. Most formulas are concentrated.
Step 3: Let sit for the recommended time to allow chemicals to dissolve the clog – usually 15-30 minutes.
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with hot water for several minutes to flush away the dissolving gunk.
Step 5: Repeat if needed for severe clogs. Give cleaners time to work before rinsing.
Powerful cleaners contain harsh lye or sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin and surfaces. Always check manufacturer warnings before using.
For eco-friendly options, look for enzymatic drain cleaners made from plant extracts instead of toxic chemicals. They use bacteria to digest organic matter naturally over 1-2 days.
6. Removing the Drain
If you’ve tried everything and the tub drain remains hopelessly clogged, the last resort is to remove the drain apparatus entirely.
Step 1: Slide a bucket or pan under the drain pipe to catch Water.
Step 2: Unscrew the drain plate using pliers or a wrench. Set parts aside carefully.
Step 3: Unscrew the ball rod and connect the pivot rod below.
Step 4: Loosen the slip nut connecting the curved trap piece. Pull up to detach.
Step 5: Inspect the pipes. Clean out hair, soap scum, and debris with a toothbrush or pipe cleaner.
Step 6: Reattach the drain pipes in reverse order, securely tightening all connections.
Step 7: Run Water to check for leaks before replacing the drain plate.
Taking apart the drain requires unscrewing pipes under the tub, so have a towel and bucket ready to catch water spills. Make sure to keep all hardware parts together for reassembly.
If the drain removal approach doesn’t solve the clog, the drain pipe might be blocked further down the line. In that case, you may need to snake the pipe from the main drain access point. Or call in a professional plumber to inspect and clear the blockage using high-powered equipment.
Preventing Future Clogs
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of drain-cleaning cure. Here are some tips to keep bathtub drains free-flowing:
- Use a drain catcher to trap loose hairs and debris before they go down the pipes. Clean out the catcher regularly.
- Limit hair and soap buildup by wiping down the tub after each use.
- Pour a small amount of baking soda or non-toxic drain cleaner down the drain weekly. Let it sit, then flush it with hot water.
- Flush pipes monthly with boiling water, baking soda, and vinegar treatment for deep cleaning.
- Avoid dumping oil, grease, and harsh chemicals down the drain. These can stick to pipes.
- Keep bath toys in a basket so they don’t accidentally fall into the drain.
- Check for drain leaks regularly and repair any cracks or damage in the pipe.
With consistent care and maintenance, you can prevent soap scum and hair from accumulating into monster clogs. But even clean drains eventually slow down over years of use. By using the DIY methods in this article, you can get your bathtub drain flowing freely again without calling a plumber.
FAQs
Q: What is the fastest way to unclog a bathtub drain?
A: Use a chemical drain cleaner explicitly designed for bathtub clogs for the quickest results. Look for fast-acting formulas that dissolve hair, soap scum, oils and grease. Let the cleaner work 15-30 minutes before rinsing.
Q: What should I avoid putting down the bathtub drain?
A: Avoid pouring fats, oils, paints, chemicals, food waste, and other debris down the drain. These can stick to pipe walls and lead to clogs. Hair, soap, and skin cells are the main culprits. Use drain catchers to prevent buildup.
Q: Can I use a plunger on a bathtub drain?
A: A plunger can be very effective for loosening simple bathtub drain clogs. Use a plunger designed for sink drains – the curved bell shape seals tightly over tub drains. Plunge vigorously 10-15 times to dislodge debris.
Q: How do you unclog a bathtub drain with baking soda and vinegar?
A: First, pour 1 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 2 cups heated white vinegar. As it foams and bubbles, the reaction helps break up the gunk. Flush with boiling Water to wash debris away. Repeat if needed.
Q: When should I call a plumber for a clogged bathtub drain?
A: If DIY methods like plunging, snakes, and drain cleaners don’t unclog the drain, call a plumber. They have the equipment to inspect pipes and clear stubborn clogs or blockages further down the line. Avoid damaging drains with improper tools.
In Summary
Clogged drains don’t stand a chance against these homemade cleaning methods. With a few simple ingredients and tools, you can dissolve tough clogs and get your bathtub draining freely again.
Start with a thorough plunging to dislodge surface debris. Then use baking soda and vinegar or boiling Water to break up deeper blockages. For drains clogged down the pipe, a wire hanger snake or zip-it tool can latch onto hair and gunk when inserted into the drain opening.
Addressing a malfunctioning shower tub handle involves careful steps; if commercial drain cleaners prove ineffective and the issue persists, consider removing the drain apparatus for cleaning. In cases of stubborn clogs, it might be prudent to enlist the expertise of a professional plumber to snake the line and inspect potential underlying issues beneath the bathtub.
Stay on top of maintenance to minimize bathtub clogs in the future. With some simple care, you can avoid repeatedly dealing with the dirty job of drain cleaning.