Hopping into the bathtub or shower and discovering it’s draining slowly or is clogged up can be frustrating. It means you have some unclogging work waiting for you. Before you get on the phone with your plumber, did you know it could be a simple fix?
You can use several tricks to unclog your tub or sink drain without too much stress. If you’re ready to learn about them, then relax and read further. Here are a few paragraphs on how to clean out a clogged tub drain.
- When the Problem Is the Strainer or Stopper
Sometimes, a buildup on the strainer or the stopper could be what is causing the problem. In this case, all you have to do is remove them. Use a screwdriver for any screws and then clean out the gunk, scrubbing where necessary. Then replace it and check if the draining happens properly now. If not, the following methods could help.
- How to Clean Out A Clogged Tub Drain Using a Drain Stick
First, remove the strainer or the stopper. Then insert the drain stick, which comes with small claws. It is also flexible and can twist whichever way is necessary to go down. At some point, you will hit the drain tap, which is usually where there is a buildup.
Pull out the drain stick after hitting the point mentioned above. The claws on it will come away with hair and help pull the gunk out. Then test to see if the water runs freely now. If it does, replace the strainer or stopper just how you found it, and you’re good to go. Don’t forget to clean the stick if you intend to use it in the future.
- How to Clean Out A Clogged Tub Drain Using Chemical Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are another excellent option for unclogging your drain. When purchasing one from your local store, please ensure that it is for your bathtub system. The instructions on the back will tell you that.
Follow all the instructions as stated and use whatever protective equipment they suggest on your cleaner too. It could be goggles or hand gloves. Please make sure to follow the instructions explicitly.
If you have any standing water in your tub due to the clogging, you may also have to remove it. This is so that the cleaner can work faster. Pour in the drain as requested, and then wait between 15 – 30 minutes. The drain should be working after that.
You can test this by flushing cold water down the drain. If it is not working, please call a professional plumber. We do not suggest trying another cleaner at this point because the chemicals could mix in a bad way and become dangerous.
- How to Clean Out A Clogged Tub Drain Using Baking Soda
For baking soda, first, remove and clean out your strainer or stopper. While doing this, you can bring water to boil in a kettle. Fill the kettle if possible. Once the water boils, pour directly down the drain. Remember to avoid it splashing.
If this works, then there is no need to go further. If it doesn’t, pour a quarter cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar into the drain. Then allow it to sit for 15 – 20 minutes. While waiting, bring water to boil in a kettle again. When ready, pour the boiling water down the drain. The water should react with the baking soda and clear things down there. Please note that this only works for small clogs.
- How to Clean Out A Clogged Tub Drain Using a Toilet Plunger
For a toilet plunger to work, you’ll need water. So first, take out the strainer or stopper and clean them. Then, fill your tub with water. Please make sure the water level submerges the plunger as that is the only way it’ll work.
Next, place the plunger over the drain and then press and pull rapidly. You’ll have to use force and may get splashed here, so be prepared for that. Pressing and pulling about ten times should remove the gunk and get the water flowing. Best of luck!!!