How to Clear a Clogged Bathtub Drain

Did you know that unclogging your bathtub drain doesn’t need to take all day? In fact, if you know the right tricks, a clogged bathtub drain is hardly a problem at all. However, if you’ve never done it before, you might be wondering how to unclog a bathtub drain in the first place.

Fortunately for you, this article will guide you through the various ways you can unclog your bathtub drain. You will also learn how to prevent bathtub drain clogs and when to identify when your clog is severe enough to call a professional plumber.

First, let’s take a look at the common reasons your bathtub might not be draining.

The Most Common Causes of a Clogged Bathtub Drain

Everyone has to deal with a clogged bathtub at one point or another. However, some might have to deal with a clogged bathtub more often than others, depending on what is going down the drain. The most common cause of a clogged drain is hair.

Your bathtub drain functions not only to catch excess water but also to catch anything that falls off of your body. Even if your hair is short, as more and more strands wash down the drain over time, it can start to build up in the drain and pipes. If you have long hair or if someone in your household has long hair, this is even more of a problem since long hair can get caught in the drain more easily.

As this hair continues to build up, it will block up the drain pipes and make water drainage take longer. Another common cause of bathtub drain clogs is soap scum. Soap scum is the soap that becomes solidified with time.

More likely than not, you already know what soap scum looks like. It is commonly found on the walls of showers and bathtubs as a hard, soapy residue that is hard to remove. This residue also builds up in your bathtub’s pipes.

With time, this soap scum can make it difficult for water to flow down the drain as it should.

The last cause we will discuss is debris such as dirt and sand. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or have kids that love to play in the dirt, your bathtub might have a difficult time washing away all that gunk. This is because dirt and sand consist of heavy particles that can easily build up in your drain and cause clogs.

How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain

Now that you know about the common causes of a clogged drain, you no longer need to wonder “why my bathtub isn’t draining.” How to prevent bathtub drain clogs is the easy part: simply avoid letting anything other than water fall down your drain. However, what if you already have a clog that you need to deal with?

Luckily, there are several ways you can approach a clogged bathtub drain. One of the most common and convenient methods is to use a plunger. While plungers are usually used for toilets, they can be great for other drains as well.

This is because of how a plunger uses suction to unclog whatever might be stuck in your drain.

For this method, make sure your bathtub is full of water and that your plunger is partially submerged. When you start plunging, plunge with all your strength so whatever is in your drain is dislodged.

However, a plunger might not always work for bathtub drains. This is especially true if your clog is due to a clump of hair. This is because the plunger will not be able to dislodge the hair with suction alone.

Use a Plumber’s Snake

A plumber’s snake is the next best thing after a plunger. A plumber’s snake is a long auger that can be inserted far into your drain. As you insert the auger, you will usually be able to feel when it has hit the clog.

When this happens, gently use the handle on your plumber’s snake to reel the auger back in so it can drag the clog up with it. Depending on the severity of your clog, you may need to do this several times. Afterward, try running the water to make sure it drains as it should.

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

If you don’t want to use harsh chemicals to clean your drain, baking soda and vinegar is your next best option. This is because these two components won’t damage your pipes but are still strong enough to clean quite well.

For this method, you will need around a full cup of white vinegar and half of a cup of baking soda. Dump the baking soda into the drain first so it can coat the pipe and the clog. Then, pour the vinegar into the drain.

When the two components are mixed, you will notice that they will begin to foam. This is a good sign that the baking soda and vinegar are starting to give your bathtub drain a deep clean. Let this mixture foam in the drain for a few minutes.

Then, pour hot water down the drain to rinse it out. Afterward, if your clog isn’t too severe, your drain should be as good as new.

Call a Plumber

Sometimes, if you have a serious clog on your hands, you’ll need to call a plumber for a clogged bathtub drain such as plumbingprosdmv.com. You might be wondering when to call a plumber for a bathtub drain clog. The answer is when you’ve tried all the other methods and still find yourself dealing with a clog.

While a plumber might be costlier than home methods, the results are usually better and faster. It will also be much less trouble for you.

Dealing With a Clogged Bathtub

You now know all about how to deal with a clogged bathtub drain. You know what causes clogs, how to treat them, and when it’s time to call a plumber. With this information, clogged drains will no longer be a headache for you.

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