Dealing with a bathtub that will not drain can be frustrating. Imagine having to wait for minutes for the water to drain after a bath or feeling water rise to your ankles during what is supposed to be a relaxing shower.
You’re not the only one groping for answers to “What to do if my bathtub is clogged.” Slow-moving drains and clogs are among the most common plumbing problems homeowners face.
There are also different ways to address clogs and slow drains and get your bathtub working properly again. However, before we explore the solutions you can employ, it helps to understand why this plumbing issue occurs in the first place.
Why Are My Toilet and Bathtub Clogged?
Clogs in your bathtub or shower can develop when the items that pass through them get caught in the drain lines and start a buildup. Hair is notorious for causing severe blockages, especially if anyone in the household has long hair. However, shampooing and shaving in the shower can also cause hair to accumulate and clog bathtub drains.
Soap scum, dirt, and other debris that get washed away during baths and showers may also create congestions that affect your drain’s functionality.
What To Do if My Bathtub is Clogged
If your bathtub will not drain, here are some practical tips to resolve the problem.
1. Remove Obvious Obstructions
Before trying more complex ways to solve bathtub clogs, you want to start with removing visible obstructions. To do this, you’ll have to remove the stopper or strainer from the drain. Some models can be easily pulled out with just your fingers, while others require a wrench or pliers. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your stopper or strainer to avoid causing damage.
You may pull a chink of hair or gunk along with the drain stopper. This can be cleaned off with an old toothbrush or wiped away with paper towels.
Take this chance to inspect your drain with a flashlight. If you see any visible obstructions nearby, you can use small tongs to pull them out of the top of the drain.
2. Use a Plunger
Using a bathtub plunger can also help dislodge clogs in your drain lines. To use this effectively, you’ll have to fill the tub with a couple of inches of water to submerge the rubber part of the plunger. Ensure you’re using a sink plunger, as it is designed for flat surfaces.
Place the plunger right over the drain and pump it up and down a few times. Pause in between to see if the water begins to move, and repeat as necessary until you get faster drainage.
3. Pour Boiling Water Into the Drain
If there is no standing water in your tub, pouring hot water into the drain is another handy trick to unclog it. The high temperature can clear grease and soap that have stuck together and move them down the line.
Begin with using around a liter of hot water, and try running the faucet to see if the blockage has been broken down. If not, you may pour another kettle of hot water before trying other solutions. It’s important to be careful when using boiling water repeatedly, especially if you have PVC drain pipes. The high temperatures can loosen the adhesive and create more problems with your system.
4. Clean with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Using a baking soda and vinegar solution could be another good answer to your “what to do if my bathtub is clogged” dilemma.
This is a well-known homemade remedy that can dislodge minor blockages. Pour about 55 g of baking soda into your slow-moving drain and let it sit for a few minutes before following up with around 8 fl oz of vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction creates a foam-like substance that can dislodge clogs and remove foul odors.
Rinse the solution away with water when the mixture stops frothing, and check if you’re now getting a better drain.
5. Use Commercial Drain Cleaners Sparingly
Commercial drain cleaners contain strong chemicals like potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. While these effectively break down clogs and clear drains, they can also damage your pipes in the process. Some may even create safety risks if misused, so it’s crucial that you use them sparingly, if at all.
Here are some pointers to remember when using commercial drain cleaners:
- Ensure that the product you’re using is made specifically for bathtubs.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Always wear protective gear when working with commercial products.
- Never use them before or after using other cleaning solutions, like baking soda and vinegar. The chemicals can react and produce toxic fumes.
Get Professional Help for the Best Results
When facing a clogged bathtub, you can explore simple solutions and homemade remedies to clear the blockage on your own. However, if you’re uncertain about how to proceed, are dealing with a persistent clog, or simply want the safest and most effective solution for your bathtub clog, hiring professional help is your best bet.
Professional plumbers carry specialized tools and extensive experience to resolve your clog, regardless of severity. More importantly, they offer drain maintenance services and expert advice to help you keep your drains running smoothly for a long time.
Ready to say goodbye to slow-moving drains? Contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Overland Park to schedule your drain cleaning service. Our technicians stand ready to give your drain lines a thorough clean, keeping them clear and strong for your comfort and convenience.
