How to Fix a Clogged Bathtub Drain

Doing some handy work at home can sometimes make yourself feel good after a successful job. So before spending a fortune on small fixes at home, try to do it yourself first. One example is a clogged tub drain that sometimes give a headache if it happens at your most unexpected moment.

Remember that hair and soap are the most common culprit of clogging in the bathtub. So when the time comes, you can be ready to fix it using the appropriate method. Here are a number of methods that you can use if you think it is suited to solve your problem. Here are some ways to deal with clogged tub drains.

Drain Claw Method

  • First thing that you need to do is to remove the strainer in which hair and soap usually accumulate. This located inside the drain that requires the use of a screwdriver.
  • The stopper must also be removed wherein most bathtubs have stoppers not strainers. This is likewise found in the drain. But these do not have screws making it easier to remove.
  • Try to check if there is gunk found around the stopper or strainer. Over time, gunk can build up and accumulate around it. So you need to clean it, particularly if there are other obstructions like hair and soap scum.
  • Insert a drain stick to clear out dirt build up. It will bend once it reaches the drain trap. After which, try pulling it out to gather more gunk. It is possible that you gather more hair and soap that has caused the congestion.
  • Try running down water in the drain to check if the solution was a success.
    Return the stopper or strainer to its original position and restore the screws using a screwdriver.

Chemical Drain Cleaning Method

  • Purchase chemical drain cleaners from the store. Choose one with sulfuric acid or potassium hydroxide to clear out the drain. Just make sure that the produce is well suited for the type of clog present in your system.
  • Don’t forget to read instructions on the packaging before apply this method. If it requires you to wear protective gear, then do so to avoid accidents.
  • Ensure that no water is present in your bathtub. After which, you can pour the needed about into the tub drain. Secure protective gloves or masks to ensure safety. About half a bottle or nearly 32 ounces of chemical must be used.
  • Wait another fifteen or thirty minutes to allow the chemicals to settle and do its job.
  • Once it has settled, flush the drain with cold water and try to look if the clogging has subsided.
  • If the drain remained clogged, this is the moment to phone a plumber to ease things for you.

Final Thoughts

There are other methods that you can try such as baking soda and vinegar to melt unwanted stuff from clogging your drains. Others use toilet plungers to deal with clogged tub drain, while others apply drain snake or auger. Fixing home drains can sometimes be challenging and fun. But at the end of the day, getting the job done depends on your willingness and effort.

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