Clumps of hair and soap residue over time can clog your bathtub drain. Instead of having to shell out a plumber, first try to unscrew the clog yourself! If your bathtub drain hasn't stopped flowing completely, but is still flowing slowly, then you probably don't need drastic measures. Consider reading all of the methods below to determine which one is right for your clogged drain. You may also need to use two or more methods at once to unblock the entire drain in your bathtub, so don't give up if your first attempt doesn't work.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Using a Cleaning Stick
Step 1. Open the filter on the water line
Hair and soap often accumulate at the bottom of the filter, which is in or above the drain. While many filters can be removed manually, some filters have screws that must be removed as well. Unscrew the screw with a suitable screwdriver.
- If you don't know which type of screwdriver to use, match the tip of the screwdriver to the screw head.
- The shape and size of the screwdriver tip should fit easily into the screw head.
- Turn all the screws surrounding the filter until they are removed. Then, place the screw in a safe place while you unblock the drain.
Step 2. Remove the drain cap
Some drains have a cover instead of a filter, and this cover is also located inside the drain. These caps are easier to remove because they are not held in place with screws. You just need to twist and lift to release it.
Step 3. Remove any build-up around the filter and cover the drain
There may be a lot of dirt build up on the filter and drain cap over time. Remove any hair or soap residue; You may need to scrub the filter and drain cover depending on how much dirt has accumulated.
Step 4. Insert the cleaning stick into the water line
When the cleaning wand is inserted deep enough, it will touch the curved part of the pipe. Continue to press the cleaning wand through this arc. This cleaning wand is flexible and will bend with it.
Step 5. Pull the cleaning stick out
The end of the wand has multiple hooks, so it can pick up clumps of hair, and allow you to pull them out. Wipe the dirt off the cleaning wand in case you want to save it for later use. Hair and soap can build up in even a few months, so these cleaning wands are often useful.
Step 6. Check the tub's water flow to see if the blockage has been opened
If this method doesn't work, try another method.
Step 7. Reattach the drain cap the same way you removed it
If the water can flow again, you can now reinstall the filter or drain plug. The filter must be re-installed by screwing it on the top of the drain, while the drain cap can be installed directly.
Method 2 of 5: Using Chemicals
Step 1. Purchase a drain cleaning chemical at the store
Drain cleaning chemicals will open drains using chemicals such as potassium hydroxide or sulfuric acid. When used properly, this material will open most clogged drains. Choose a type of drain cleaner at your local hardware store or convenience store.
- Make sure the product fits your water line; on the back of the packaging, it will be stated what type of pipe is suitable for the product.
- Buy products that are specifically designed for bathtubs.
- If you're confused about where to find a cleaner, or which one to choose, ask a store clerk for help.
Step 2. Read the instructions on the back of the cleaning package
This is a guide from the cleaning agent manufacturer, and all drain cleaners may have slightly different instructions for use. Some cleaning products may require you to wear protective eyewear, pour only a certain amount of liquid, and so on. Reading the guidelines on the back of the package is essential when it comes to using safe chemical drain cleaners.
Step 3. Remove the stagnant water in the tub
You may need to use a large bucket or bucket to remove any excess water that is standing in your tub.
Step 4. Pour the recommended amount of cleaner into the drain
Drano, for example, requires you to pour half a bottle (1 l) of liquid into a clogged drain. On the other hand, Crystal Lye Drain Opener requires you to pour only 1 tablespoon. Be careful not to splash the chemical when you open the bottle and pour it into the water line.
- Clean up spilled liquid immediately.
- Wear gloves whenever you use any chemical.
Step 5. Wait for the results
Many cleaning products state that 15 - 30 minutes is sufficient, so leave the chemical in the drain for that time. Turn on the timer to calculate the time precisely.
Step 6. Rinse the drains with cold water
The drains should be fine again after waiting for 15 - 30 minutes. Turn on the cold water faucet in the tub, and the water should immediately run into the drains.
Step 7. Call a professional plumber if your plumbing isn't working
Mixing different chemicals can be dangerous, so don't try a different cleaning product if the first didn't clog the tub drain. At this point, you should contact a professional plumber for help.
Method 3 of 5: Using Baking Soda
Step 1. Clean the drain cover and filter
You will notice a buildup of hair and soap residue under the lids and strainers located in or above the drains. Remove the screw that is on the filter, and remove the cap by turning and lifting it. Remove any accumulated dirt or hair.
Step 2. Bring water to a boil in a teapot
Fill the kettle to the brim with water, as there is no exact measure of how much water you should use. Let the water boil. You can use a large pot if you don't have a teapot at home.
Step 3. Pour boiling water directly into the drain
Hot water may open drains instantly. Remember to be careful not to splash the hot water, as this could injure you. Now, turn on the faucet both bath to see if the water can flow normally.
Step 4. Pour cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar into the drain
If pouring hot water down the drain doesn't open the blockage, use baking soda and vinegar to remove any build-up.
Step 5. Wait 15-20 minutes
Let the baking soda and vinegar sit in the drain for 15-20 minutes. You can use the timer tool to calculate the time.
Step 6. Bring the water to a boil again in the kettle
Again, fill the kettle with water and bring to a boil.
Step 7. Pour hot water directly into the drain
The water will react with the baking soda and vinegar, and will open the drains. Check the tub drain to see if this method worked to unblock it, and try another method if this doesn't work. Using baking soda and vinegar doesn't use any chemicals, and generally works to open small blockages, so it may not always work.
Method 4 of 5: Using a Toilet Vacuum
Step 1. Scrub the filter or drain cap to remove dirt
Remove the screw on the filter with a suitable screwdriver. Turn and lift the drain cover to open it. Scrub the filter and drain plugs to remove any hair and soap residue that has built up.
Step 2. Fill the tub with a few cm of water
You will need to fill it until it is enough to submerge the toilet suction; water is needed by the toilet vacuum to be able to suck dirt.
Step 3. Use a toilet vacuum to suck out anything that is clogging the drains
Place the suction funnel over the drain, then press and release quickly. You'll need to expend some effort here, and be careful you might get splashed. Most likely, dirty water and dirt will quickly drain out of the drain when you suck it up.
- After about 10 suctions, check to see if dirty water and dirt can come out of the drain.
- Consider trying harder if nothing comes out of the drains yet.
- Keep sucking until the water can flow through the drain when you lift the vacuum.
- If no dirt is coming out of the drain, you may need to use another method.
Method 5 of 5: Cleaning the Filter and Drain Cover
Step 1. Remove the filter
Dirt buildup on filters and drain caps often causes slow water flow. Remove the screw on the filter with a suitable screwdriver. Then, place the screws in a safe place while you clean the filter. The drain cap is easier to remove because it doesn't screw in, so you just have to twist and lift to remove it.
- Most bathtubs have a filter or drain cover.
- This method is usually effective at opening small blockages, so if your drains are very clogged, it may not be as effective.
Step 2. Remove any build-up of dirt around the filter or drain cap
There is a lot of dirt that may have accumulated on the filter or lid. Remove any hair or soap residue; You may also need to scrub the filter and drain caps.
Step 3. Reattach the drain cap the same way you removed it
The filter must be reattached by screwing it back into the drain, while for the drain cap, you can attach it directly.
Step 4. See if this method works
Turn on your bathtub faucet to see if the water flows properly. If not, then you need to try another method.
Tips
- Use rubber gloves when cleaning drains.
- Avoid mixing many chemicals at once. This can be dangerous.
