Has your bathtub drain clogged itself? Don't waste your money on a plumber if you can clear it yourself! If your bathtub has not completely stopped up, you may not need to utilize any drastic measures. Follow each step sequentially if the preceding step does not work.
Step 1
Remove the drain cover and clean under the surface of the drain. You will find that hair has accumulated underneath the drain, particularly if your drain uses a screw to hold itself into place.
- Some drains have tub stoppers per installed. On those, first pop up the stopper and twist to unscrew, then just remove the plate with the trip for the stopper and carefully remove the stopper assembly. This would be a good time to try the "bent hangar" method because this usually has hair and any other articles which have been stuck to the stopper. Replace the stopper the same way.
Step 2
Use a bent wire hanger to clear deeply inset clogs. First straighten the coat hanger out, then make a hook in the end. Use it to pull out any hair and other particles that are in your drain. Pull the gunk out. Do not push it in. Pushing it in can clog your drain more than it already is.
Step 3
Use hot water. This works best if your drain is not completely clogged. Get a pot with a few cups of hot, but not boiling water. Carefully pour the water directly into the drain. Avoid splashing the hot water. Kettles are useful for easy pouring. Let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes before using the plunger. Many plumbing professionals now do not recommend using boiling water on the possibility that it may melt or liquify any sealants or wax or rubber gaskets used for the plumbing fittings or connections.
Step 4
Combine 1/3 cup baking soda with 1/3 cup vinegar in a large liquid measuring cup, pitcher or bowl. Quickly pour the entire contents of the container down the drain. The faster you can do this, the better, because the fizzing action will gradually die out.
Step 5
Use a plunger. Turn on the hot water and fill your tub with enough water to cover the clog. Pull with the plunger about 10 times to ensure that you fully clear the clog. The moving water underneath the drain will help to clear up the drain more quickly.
- Stuff a wet cloth into any holes used to drain overflowing water (similar to the holes found in sinks to prevent overflowing). These are often located directly under the stop lever. This will help to create a vacuum and make your plunger more effective.
Step 6
Try a "snake" that you can purchase at any hardware store. It is a spring steel cable with a spring on the plumbing end and a crank on the user end. It can go up to 15 to 25 feet away winding down into the pipes, collecting debris. This is what most plumbers (by the time they're called in) get the most success with.
Step 7
Use a shop vacuum. Remove the inside bag and filters. Set it up for vacuuming liquids. Be sure to cover up vent to prevent a mess. Put hose on drain before turning on shop vacuum. When it is on tight and vent is covered. Have a second person turn on vacuum. This will draw all debris up the water trap and into the vacuum. The clog occurred going down the drain. It will be more easily cleared drawing it back than packing it down.
Step 8
Consider calling a plumber before using chemical products.. Drain cleaners contain caustic chemicals that will dissolve any clogging particles in your drain, but after a while will also corrode your metal pipes. If you do choose to use such a product, be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
