How the Heck Do I Unclog My Bathtub Drain? - Biard & Crockett

How the Heck Do I Unclog My Bathtub Drain?

tub clogged

If you’ve ever had a clogged bathtub drain, you know how frustrating it can be. Water backs up in the tub, making it impossible to take a relaxing soak!

Even worse, the water can start to smell bad if it’s not drained soon …

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to easily unclog your bathtub drain.

The plunger method

First, try using a plunger. Make sure to cover the overflow hole with your plunger before you start to create a tight seal. Of course, if the drain has an unscrewable stopper, you’ll want to remove that first.

Next, push and pull the plunger up and down vigorously for a minute or two. If the water starts to drain, you’re in luck! Continue to push and pull the plunger up and down vigorously until you feel the clog start to give. Now, keep in mind that the clog could be caused by any number of things, from hair to soap scum to grease. So, you may need to use a little elbow grease (and maybe even some dirty words) to get it moving!

The wire hanger method

If the plunger doesn’t do the trick, try using a wire hanger. Straighten out the hanger and then make a small hook at the end. Slowly insert the hanger into the drain and feel around for the clog. Once you’ve found it, hook onto it and pull it out. Keep in mind that if a clog is mostly made up of long hair, it could be collected just underneath the drain stopper, because it tends to wrap around this part and cling together. So in that case, you may find that the problem is easier to solve than you thought, because after unscrewing the stopper, you will see the hair clog and simply pull it out in one long strand!

The baking soda and vinegar method

If you’re looking for a more natural way to unclog your drain, try using baking soda and vinegar. This method works best if the clog is caused by soap scum or grease. Simply pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, and then follow it with 1/2 cup of vinegar. Cover the drain with a plug or rag and let it sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the plug or rag and run hot water down the drain to flush out the clog.

Get help from a professional plumber

Of course, some clogs are more serious, and the longer they stick around, the more damage they can do. For example, if a clog is severe enough, it could eventually cause your pipes to burst, because the water has nowhere to go and is exerting too much pressure on the pipes. If you’ve tried all the above methods and nothing seems to be working, it may be time to call an expert plumber for professional drain cleaning service.

So don’t let a clogged bathtub ruin your relaxation time in your Orange County home. Instead, give us a call anytime at (714) 602-1299, or schedule an appointment online, and we can help you solve the problem that’s really a “drain”!

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