6 Things to Know About Unclogging Your Bathtub Drain

Wednesday, February 8th, 2017
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Dealing with a clogged drain can be frustrating, but you might not need to call a plumber right away. With a few inexpensive tools, many drains can be easily cleared. Knowing when and how to tackle a clog yourself can help prevent further damage to your plumbing. Here are some essential tips for unclogging your bathtub drain on your own.

1. How plumbing drains are constructed

All drains share a similar construction. At the bottom of the drainpipe lies a curved section known as a trap. The trap beneath a sink typically has a U-shape, while most bathtubs feature a slightly curved trap designed to retain water. This design prevents sewer gasses from rising through the pipe. Over time, both types of traps can become clogged with hair and soap scum, leading to blockages. A slow-draining pipe is usually a sign of a partial obstruction.

2. Clearing out a simple clog

If you have a clog, see if you can spot what is blocking the drain. Clogs in bathtub drains are often caused by soap scum and hair. If you can see hair creating the blockage, you can reach in and pull it out. Try using a bent coat hanger to hook onto the clog and pull it out. You can also use a pair of tweezers or needle nose pliers to pull the hair out.

3. Using a plunger to remove a clog

If the clog is too deep within the bathtub drain, you may not be able to see it or pull it out. If this is the case, you can try using a plunger. Be sure to block the overflow outlet with a rag before putting the plunger over the drain. Put enough water in the bathtub to cover the plunger. Push up and down five to six times. The pressure should clear the clog and open the pipe. The water should drain away as you lift up the plunger. If these steps do not work the first time, keep trying.

4. Snaking a bathtub drain for tough clogs

If a plunger does not work to clear a blockage, you may have to use a pipe snake. This tool is a long, flexible steel cable with a handle. The snake must be fed down the overflow plate opening. Start by feeding about three feet of the cable into the opening, turning as you push forward. The snake should break up the clog by pushing it through the pipe or grab hold of the blockage so you can pull it out. You can call a plumbing company to remove these difficult clogs if you do not know where to find a drain snake.

5. Don’t use chemicals to clear clogs

Some people use chemicals to clear a bathtub drain, but they can cause damage to your plumbing. Chemical drain cleaners work to dissolve clogs, which is why they are popular. Be aware that they are highly caustic. Plumbers do not use chemicals to remove clogs because of these reasons, so you should try to avoid them as well.

6. Preventing clogs in your bathtub drain is best

To protect your plumbing, it is best to prevent clogs from happening in the first place. There are a few things you can do to stop blockages from building up.

  • Don’t drop small pieces of soap down the drain because they will build up.
  • You can also use strainers to stop hair and soap from creating clogs in your bathtub.
  • Once a month, run hot water down your drain to keep it clean.
  • Do not pour grease or oil down your drain because they can solidify and cause a blockage.
  • Always try to remove hair from the surface of the drain after each use.
  • You can also pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain every few months. The baking soda should be washed away with about half a cup of vinegar. This mixture should sit in the drain for several minutes before you follow with hot water.

Need the help of a professional plumber?

Some bathtub drain clogs are too stubborn to tackle on your own. If you encounter a drain blockage that you can’t fix, reach out to the experts at Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical Inc. in Amarillo, Texas. We provide comprehensive commercial, industrial, and Residential services across the Texas Panhandle and Tri-State area, including Amarillo, Borger, Dumas, and Pampa. For more information, call us at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us via email.