Are you stuck with the water in the bathtub not draining? Worry not. A bathtub filled to the brim has its own challenges which can become overwhelming, yet not everyone requires extreme solutions such as chemical solutions or plumbing services to fix the problem. Here you shall have several natural and safe ways to follow to unblock your bathtub drain.
1. ๐งผ How Can I Clear a Standing Water Bathtub Drain Clog?
Before using these methods, remove any blockages, such as hair, soaps, scum, and other clots that may be on top of the drain. This could help clear minor blockages. Then, try the following natural method using baking soda and vinegar:
- Step 1: Remove visible blockages.
- Step 2: Make a paste of baking soda and vinegar of equal size and pour into drain
- Step 3: Wait 15-30 mins.
- Step 4: Flush with hot water.
This mixture helps in breaking down organic debris like soap scum and hair, which often leads to drain clogs.
2. ๐ก Best Method to Unclog a Bathtub Drain
The method depends on how bad the clog is. For minor clogs, home remedies often work. For tougher blockages, you might need to use these tools:
- Baking Soda & Vinegar: Effective for minor organic clogs.
- Plunger: Great for dislodging debris thatโs near the drain.
- Drain Snake: Ideal for reaching deeper or more stubborn clogs.
These types of methods can help clear most bathtub draining issues without needing a plumber.
3. ๐ก Home Remedies to Fix Bathtub Drain Blockages
The simplest and most cost-effective are traditional methods that help eliminate clogs. Here are some more remedies:
- Salt and Baking Soda: Half a cup of this mix pour into the drain and leave it for 15 minutes finally, rinse with hot water.
- Dish Soap and Hot Water: The soap used in dishes can help dissolve grease piled in your pipes. Use dish soap to pour into the drain then follow it with hot water.
These techniques are ecofriendly and safe for your pipes.
4. ๐ง Plunger Process to Unclogging a Bathtub Drain
A plunger can be very useful for clogs particularly when there is a water pool in the tub already. Here how to use it:
- Step 1: Check that there is enough water to cover at least the plunger cup.
- Step 2: Put the plunger cup over the hole and then apply pressure down firmly.
- Step 3: There must be an energetic vigorous submerging for 1 โ 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Check if the water starts to drain. If not, repeat the process.
A drain snake is necessary if plunging does not work
5. ๐ธ How Much Does It Cost to Clear a Bathtub Drain?
Unclogging a bathtub drain cost depends on your decision:
- DIY Method: Home remedies and tools like plungers or drain snakes typically cost under $20.
- Professional Service: $100-$250 depending on the severity of the clog and location.
DIY options are far more budget-friendly, especially for minor clogs.
Discover our latest blog on How to Unclog a Toilet 2024
6. ๐ฑ How to Prevent Future Clogs
After unclogging your bathtub drain, it is important to maintain order to avoid future blockages:
- Use a Drain Cover.
- Regular Monthly Cleaning with baking soda and vinegar.
- Flush Hot Water Every Week.
- Avoid Grease.
These preventative measures will keep your drain functioning properly over time.
7. ๐งด Whatโs the Best Bathtub Drain Unclogger?
Depending on the clog, here are the best options for unclogging:
- Natural Solutions (Baking Soda & Vinegar): For minor clogs caused by organic matter.
- Plunger: Effective for surface-level blockages.
- Drain Snake: Best for reaching deeper and more stubborn clogs.
- Chemical-Free Cleaners: Good at clearing tough deposits but not friendly with pipes if used frequently.
The utilization of very high range of chemical compounds is discouraged especially in cleaning services because it can lead to corrosion of the pipes and is also environmentally unfriendly.
8. ๐ What to Do if the Snake drain Wonโt work?
When the snake drain does not seem to penetrate or pass through the drain, it is either reaching the wall of the drain or the blockage is extremely difficult to overcome.
- Step 1: Ensure you’re using the right size drain snake.
- Step 2: Try approaching the clog from the overflow drain.
- Step 3: If it still wonโt go through, it may be time to contact a plumber.
9. ๐ How Can I Snake the Overflow of a Tub Drain?
If you canโt access the main drain, try snaking the tub through the overflow drain:
- Step 1: Remove the overflow plate located beneath the faucet.
- Step 2: Insert the snake into the overflow opening.
- Step 3: Gently push until you feel resistance, then rotate the snake while pushing further.
This can help clear clogs that are deep within the plumbing.