How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain

There’s nothing worse than stepping into a warm shower to find your tub is not draining. A clogged bathtub drain is an annoying yet common occurrence in most households.

Many things can clog a bathtub drain – hair, shaving cream, foreign items, and more. So, you may have to face this issue at one point or another.

Although it’s frustrating, this issue is easily fixed. There are several methods you can try. Keep reading to learn how to unclog a bathtub drain.

Assess The Stopper and Strainer

If your bathtub drain features a stopper or strainer, assess these first. Sometimes things like hair can get wrapped around the stopper, causing a blockage. Remove the strainer (if you have one) and wipe clean any gunk or hair with a towel.

Then, remove the stopper. You may need a screwdriver to do this, or it may be pulled right out. Inspect it for build-up or hair and wipe clean with a clean towel. Replace the stopper and strainer, then run your shower to see if the problem has been resolved.

Boiling Water

Simple, yet effective, this trick can dislodge any gunk further down in your pipes. Fill an entire pot of water and heat it to a boil. Once boiling, quickly walk it to your tub. You want the water piping hot when it reaches the bathroom, so do this swiftly, while being careful not to burn yourself.

Simply dump the pot of boiling water carefully down the drain.  Wait a minute, then turn on the shower to see if the problem has been resolved.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Another powerful method is mixing baking soda and vinegar to make a gunk-destroying solution to pour down your drain.

To use this method, follow these steps:

• Remove and clean the strainer and stopper first.
• Pour 4-6 cups of boiling water down the drain.
• Pour ½ cup of baking soda down your drain, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar.
• Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Boil some more water and pour another 4-6 cups down the drain.

When finished, run your shower to see if the issue has been resolved.

Final Thoughts

The above methods are effective in most scenarios. Though many may use chemical de-cloggers, these products are harmful to your plumbing and can cause issues down the line. So, it’s always best to avoid chemical de-cloggers when possible.

In the case of a severe clog, you may need to hire Open Drains to remove the clog. If the above methods aren’t working, calling a pro is your best bet.