A clogged bathtub drain is one of the most annoying household plumbing issues. You go to take a relaxing bath, only to find the water pooling around your feet with no escape down the drain. Even worse, the clog causes dirty standing water to accumulate, creating an unpleasant mess.
While it may be tempting to call a plumber, unclogging a bathtub drain is often a quick and easy DIY fix. With a few everyday household products, tools, and some elbow grease, you can get rid of the clog and get your bathtub draining correctly again.
This article will walk us through the steps to unclog a bathtub drain when standing water is backed up.
Steps to Prepare for the Task
Before you can start working on the clogged drain itself, take a few preparatory steps:
Safety First
Safety should always come first when dealing with standing water, slippery surfaces, and potential blockages, especially when tackling tasks like bathtub drain removal. Be sure to exercise caution when unclogging a drain to avoid injury. Wear shoes to protect your feet, roll up long sleeves, and use gloves when entering the water. Never reach into a drain with your bare hands, as sharp objects could be stuck in the clog.
Remove the Drain Cover
The drain cover is the often decorative grate over the physical drain opening. Removing it provides full access to the drain and allows you to see exactly what you’re working with. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen and lift off the cover. Place it safely out of the way so it doesn’t get knocked into the whole tub.
Scoop Out Excess Water
Before starting, use a small plastic cup to scoop out and discard as much standing water as possible. The less water in the tub, the easier it will be to clear the clog and see what you are doing. Be careful not to scoop out so much that you dump hair and debris from the clog onto yourself.
Prepare Your Tools
Gather your supplies in one place before getting to work. Having everything ready to go will make the process faster and easier. We’ll briefly review the specific tools for different unclogging methods.
Turn Off the Faucet
Make sure to turn off the bathtub faucet while you work. If left on, additional water will continue flowing down and could overflow. Shut it off to keep the water level contained while unclogging.
Roll Up Your Sleeves
This job may get messy, so roll up your sleeves and have some rags ready to clean up. You may also want to place a towel on the bathroom floor before the tub to catch any splashes or drips.
Okay, now we’re ready to attack that clog! Let’s look at some of the most effective methods.
Using a Plunger
The suction force of a plunger is often enough to pop out simple clogs. Follow these steps to try clearing your bathtub drain with this standard household tool:
Select a Sink Plunger
You’ll have better luck unclogging a tub with a standard round sink plunger than a flange or accordion toilet plunger. Sink plungers create a tight seal and have less space for water to escape.
Position the Plunger
Form a tight seal over the drain opening by pressing the plunger straight down. Slowly push down until the water inside the plunger fills the cup halfway up. Too much water, and you’ll lose suction power.
Plunge Vigorously
Work the plunger up and down rhythmically 10-15 times in a row. On the down stroke, apply extra pressure to force the cup to the bottom of the drain opening. Keep your strokes smooth and constant for the best drainage effect.
Repeat as Needed
If the water doesn’t start draining after a few rounds of plunging, reposition the plunger to find a better seal. You may also want to partially fill the tub with water to increase the downward pressure. Repeat the plunging process until the clog is dislodged.
Using elbow grease and a trusty plunger is an effective unclogging method. But if you still have standing water after several plunging attempts, it’s time to bring in the big guns.
The Baking Soda and Vinegar Remedy
This DIY drain cleaner is made with two ingredients you likely have in your kitchen. The chemical reaction generates pressurized bubbles that help break up blockages. Here’s how to mix it up:
Start with Baking Soda
Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain opening. Coat the inside of the pipe. This will react with the vinegar to create an expandable fizz.
Follow with Vinegar
Next, add about 1/4 cup of household vinegar. For extra bubble power, use hot vinegar. Carefully pour it down the drain in a steady stream.
Seal the Drain
The reaction needs time to work, so boost it by sealing the opening. Place a damp rag or plug over the drain. This concentrates the fizzing effect directly on the clog.
Let It Sit
Leave it alone for at least 15 minutes as the baking soda and vinegar work their magic. Set a timer if needed. This allows the solution to penetrate and loosen the blockage fully without escaping down the pipe.
Flush with Boiling Water
After letting it sit, pour a large pot of boiling water down the drain. This flushes away any leftover debris and cleaning solution. The intense heat can also help melt and clear grease clogs.
Repeat if Needed
Repeat the baking soda and vinegar treatment if your bathtub drain still has standing water. Saturate the drain and let it sit overnight before flushing.
With this practical approach, you can harness simple kitchen ingredients to bust through grimy clogs. But a mechanical snake is your best bet for the most stubborn drain blockages.
Using a Drain Snake for Tough Clogs
A drain snake, also called an auger, uses a winding metal cable to scrape out debris physically. Follow these steps when a clog calls for the big guns:
Select Your Snake
A 1/4-inch diameter snake is best for bathtub drains. Avoid using more giant 3/8 or 1/2-inch snakes that could damage the narrow pipe. A hand crank snake lets you control the cable, but a drill-powered version provides extra power for difficult clogs.
Protect Your Hands
Wear thick gloves to protect your hands from grime, sharp edges in the drain, and any chemicals from other unclogging attempts. Never grab the spinning snake cable with bare hands.
Feed in the Cable
Standing water helps lubricate the snake, so pour some in if needed. Feed the tip into the drain opening as far as it will go, keeping a firm grip on the snake.
Crank the Handle
Turn the crank clockwise to spin the cable against the edges of the drain. This auger motion works the tip through the packed gunk, scraping it away a bit at a time.
Retract Slowly
Go slowly when pulling the snake back out, keeping it rotating clockwise. This brings the gunk up and out rather than pushing it further down. Look for hair or debris clumped on the cable.
Repeat as Needed
You may repeat the process several times before the drain is noticeable. Also, try angling the snake tip in different directions on tough clogs to clear out all areas.
Drain snakes provide reliable power for busting even the toughest clogs. Be patient and thorough for the best results.
Preventing Future Clogged Drains
A little effort up front can help avoid a backed-up bathtub in the future. Try these proactive steps:
- Use a drain protector – Install a hair catcher over your drain to keep strands from slipping down the pipe. Check and clean it regularly.
- Avoid dumping grease – Let cooled cooking grease solidify before discarding in the trash rather than pouring it down the drain.
- Pour slowly – Avoid gulping the drain by pouring the water in a controlled, steady stream when washing hair or anything slick.
- Limit oil-based products – Products like bath oils and thick conditioners can leave a residue that sticks to pipe walls.
- Flush with hot water – After bathing, make it a habit to run the hot water for a minute to flush residue down the pipes.
- Use an enzyme cleaner monthly – Prevent gunk buildup by pouring a monthly enzyme cleaner treatment down the drain. Let it sit before rinsing.
If you unclog the same drain repeatedly, it may be time to call a professional plumber. Chronic clogs could indicate pipe damage, improper slope, or roots growing into the line. A plumber has the right tools and camera equipment to thoroughly inspect the drain and determine the source of recurring clogs. They can advise you on any necessary repairs to keep things flowing smoothly.
With some plumbing know-how and a few everyday household items, you can likely handle an occasional DIY drain unclogging. Just remember always to exercise caution when working with standing water. With the proper preparations and methods, you’ll relax in a steaming, bubbly, clog-free bathtub again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of clogs are most challenging to clear?
Heavy deposits of hair, soap scum, and thick grease are the most difficult to dislodge from a drain. They form dense masses that can withstand the force of a plunger or snake. Repeated treatments with baking soda and vinegar can help dissolve the gunk.
How can I avoid getting my hands dirty?
Wear protective rubber gloves and avoid reaching directly into the drain or standing water. Use tools like a snake or plunger with long handles to work from a distance.
What should I do if the clog returns after unclogging?
Recurring clogs usually mean a more significant issue, like a partial blockage further down the pipe. Try snaking the drain for several feet down the pipe. If the clog keeps returning, it’s best to call a plumber to inspect and repair any damage.
Is it safe to use drain cleaner chemicals?
Commercial drain cleaners contain very harsh caustic chemicals. They can be effective but also dangerous if mishandled. Safer DIY options like baking soda, vinegar, hot water, and a snake tend to work just as well without the high risks.
How can I avoid a big mess during unclogging?
Lay down towels and roll up sleeves before starting. Have a bucket or cup ready to scoop out standing water into the tub. Work slowly and carefully. Wipe up any spills or splashes immediately as you go.
In Summary
Dealing with a clogged, water-filled bathtub drain can be annoying and unpleasant. But armed with the right tools and techniques, you can likely clear out the blockage yourself without calling a plumber. Begin by prepping the area and removing excess water. Try a simple plunger first, then turn to a baking soda and vinegar treatment if needed.
Break out a mechanical drain snake to grind through the tough debris for severe clogs. When learning how to remove a bathtub drain, it’s essential to emphasize preventive measures for long-term maintenance; installing hair catchers and periodically flushing the drain with hot water will keep drains clear, serving as a proactive strategy to prevent a future bathtub backup. With some elbow grease and patience, you’ll once again enjoy relaxing soaks without standing in dirty water.
