If water still doesnt go down the drain, try plunging again but more forcefully this time. Pull the cable back if you feel tension, hear scraping sounds or the machine kink. Rinse it under warm running water to make sure that there is no residual left. This proactive strategy will prevent soap scum and hair from accumulating. Start by pouring about half a bucket of water into the tub and then place the plungerover the drain. Pipe damage cannot be avoided entirely. Heres What You Can Do When You Have Hard Water, Do You Have Hard Water You Might Need a Water Softener, How to Avoid Causing Damage to Plumbing System, Dangers Of Rusted Pipes And Why Pipe Descaling Is Important, How Drain Repair And Pipe Relining Can Help Reduce Risk, Things To Consider When Buying The Right Drain Cleaners, The Benefits of Hydro Jetting for Commercial and Residential Properties, 7 Ways to Maximize the Dorm Room Space Without Getting in Trouble, 7 Effective Ways to Keep Pests Out of Your Garden. To use a plumbers snake follow these steps: The next option you can try when unclogging a slow draining bathtub is using a chemical clog remover. First, put some petroleum jelly around the rim of the plunger in order for it to get a better seal. How Much Does A Bath And Shower Liner Cost? Its also possible that youll see visible chunks of hair on top of the drain, which usually means that theres more below. When you shop for a clog buster, make sure you choose a detergent suitable for your pipes. Next, grab a cup and start removing water out of the bathtub. There are few things more disgusting and unsanitary than when you have standing water in your bathtub that wont go away. They will likely inspect the drain for any blockages, look for signs of damage, and explore the possibility of a more extensive plumbing issue. Use a funnel if necessary to make sure it all goes in. Each of the ways we look at can get performed by people without plumbing experience. Take your toilet plunger and place it directly on top of the drain. {{ tocState.toggleTocShowMore ? Your hair occasionally finds its way down the drain. If your bathtub isnt draining properly, you may have a clog in the drain. Then, using the needle nose pliers and the flat head screwdriver, reach into the open drain to grab and remove all the stuck hair and soap buildup. When it comes to a bit more stubborn and harder-to-clean clogs, it is a good idea to use home remedies like the baking soda and vinegar solution. Its important to note that although professional help can be beneficial, it is usually more expensive than attempting to fix the issue yourself. Step 2 - Remove the water from the tub Next, take the cup and remove every bit of water from the tub. Keep these chemicals away from children and pets. When the shower is turned on, it'll drain but the toilet will start to bubble and fill. Next, plunge your drain! Once in a while, pour a half cup of baking soda down the drain opening, followed by one cup of white vinegar. There are plenty of ways in which you can unclog your tub. Remember, you are not unclogging the drain with your hands, you are only removing the blockage that gathered on top of the drain since the water cant go down. : The best way to prevent hair from going down the drain is by installing a, While there are numerous options to choose from, the. This mixture of vinegar and baking soda is extremely powerful and efficient when it comes to getting rid of the clogs inside your bathtub drain, especially if theres standing water in it. I have used my shop vac a few times and it worked great actually. On the plus side, you wont have to get dirty yourself and plumbers will have better quality tools for the job. Whether youve just gotten a brand new TV or youve had yours for years, your flat screen was meant to be mounted, and theres no time like the present to get started. This revolutionary drain protector fits snugly in any standard tub drain and catches every strand of hair. I agree to receive the Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail. I have these in all my bathroom sinks and our 2 tubs and they work great. THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Then, start plunging up and down for a couple of minutes. Hot water is usually effective for melting grease, clearing soap residue, and dislodging other clogs. This is the right route to snake the tub, as the problem usually lays down the trap area. Use sugar or salt scrubs with ingredients that dissolve more easily to prevent blockages. These can damage your pipes, so be sure to use them with caution. Retailing at only $16.99, its the best deal you can get. Unfortunately, when you finish and pull the plug, the bathtub wont drain. Right now, we offer plumbing services in the greater Phoenix area, with plans to add more cities nationwide in the very near future. If this doesnt work, you can try a similar process with chemicals. Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. I recommend this drain snake from Amazon because you can use it with a drill or without. Hard water contains minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium that pile up when they have enough presence in your water. Getting stuck with a clogged bathtub drain is definitely one of the most annoying things that can happen inside your bathroom. Get expert advice on your home, design tips, how much to pay for pros and hiring experts, delivered to you daily. Run your hand close to the drain. It is important that you get them out of the water and clear the blockage. This way you are making sure that the drain is cleaned and that everything runs smoothly. We advise calling a plumber over use of chemical clog removers. Be sure to do it as we described or you wont get the wanted results. You have to try without using a plunger. Carefully unscrew the shower with the Phillips head screwdriver, being sure not to drop any of the screws down the drain. Wait half an hour until you stop hearing a noise from the inside. Most chemical agents require you to remove standing water before applying them to clogs. Wait for the fizzing sound coming out from the reaction in the waste. Prepare a mixture of salt and baking soda. The plunger tool can pull and splash the chemicals around the bathtub, or eventually on your skin. The hassle-free way to remove hair and gunk is to take out any standing water. Well also discuss when to stop trying to save money and call a professional plumber. Once you have identified the cause of the clog, you can proceed with specific solutions to clear it. But, if your tub connects to iron, copper, or galvanized steel metal pipes, its safe to try this tub-unclogging technique. All, you need to do is to have a couple of things by your side and you will be good to go. Run hot water down the drain after each use. Very well written in an easy-to-understand manner. So, most often, the classic bathtub-clogging culprits are: Clogged bathtubs are an ever more widespread problem because of issues in water supply. A little whirlpool water is a good indicator that the drainage works as it should. You should hear some buzzing as the vinegar and baking soda do their work. 2023 Juka Innovations Corporation. This revolutionary drain protector fits snugly in any standard tub drain and catches every strand of hair. Clogs can develop in any part of the plumbing system and can be caused by a wide variety of elements. Learn: Signs Its Time to Replace Your Main Water Line. Also, put on clothes that can get dirty. We do not present information about every offer available. These chemicals are harmful to the environment and many may be harmful to your plumbing system when used often. Open up your drain. Let this foam for about five minutes. You can start by pouring one cup of baking soda down the drain and let it sit for about ten minutes. Bring the snake back up and run hot water down the drain for a few minutes, Repeat these steps as needed until the tub drains normally. Rotate the snakes head back-and-forth/up-and-down. Use your fingers. STEP 2: As soon as it starts to fizz (which will be immediately), pour the solution down the clogged . Even if your tub doesn't have a slow draining problem, it's good practice to clean out the tub drain once a year or so. is not only annoying, its also kinda disgusting. Slowly retrieve the snake by pulling or reeling it out. hair). Wait a few minutes for water to make its way down the tub. We have award-winning solutions for every drain in your home. The stereotypical plumbers tool, a plunger can be a simple and often successful DIY method to use when unclogging bathtubs (and other drains). In this case, the bathtub won't drain completely or it may drain extremely slowly. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a small commission if you make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. However, a plumber can diagnose if a bigger problem exists, like tree roots blocking the main drain system from the house to the street or septic system. This final method can be quite effective if your shower wont drain or youve got a bathtub flooding due to a blockage but its a bit messy and requires a few tools to get the job done. Standing ankle-deep in tepid shower water might not be the most annoying thing weve ever experienced, but it definitely makes the top ten. Read: Should You Replace Your Bathtub with a Shower? Repeat the process several times until all the gunk has been cleared. Whether you have made it to this last step because you have tried steps 1-5, or because you dont feel comfortable or dont have access to the chemicals or tools you need, this last resort will be the most expensive option. After you gather all this stuff, you can begin the process. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. To prevent clogs, use products containing components that dissolve better, like sugar or salt scrubs. Dont do this if you have PVC (plastic) pipes since the hot water can damage them. Once youve cleared the initial opening, insert the plumbers snake into the drain as far as it will go. Add petroleum jelly to the rim of the plunger to get an even better seal against the tub, Add enough water so the plungers head is fully submerged, Plunge the tub extremely vigorously to create stronger suction pressure. Examine the. What could be the reasons your bathtub wont drain? Read: Things To Consider When Buying The Right Drain Cleaners. Signs of a clogged drain include gurgling noises, slow drains, foul odors, and water backing up. Clogged drainage pipes also cause reduced water flow in the building and plumbing troubles down the road. So its worth the investment if you have to tackle clogs regularly. In most cases, it is a clog somewhere that is stopping the flow of water. Use a strainer or hair catcher to protect the drainage pipes. 9 Reasons to Hire Someone to Mount Your TV. Imagine youve just had a refreshing soak in your bathtub with calming mood music, aromatherapy candles, bath salts, and a glass of red wine. If the method is working, hair and other gunk will start getting sucked up out of the drain. Chemical cleaners contain healthy ingredients like lye, bleach, and sulfuric acid. The cosmetics wont end up in the sewer this way. This blog post will explore the most common causes of clogged bathtub drains and explain how to fix them. Tools needed are 1-2 plungers, a flapper, and sometimes a screwdriver to get the. Feel free to browse around. Another possible method for freeing up the drain on a tub flooding due to soap and hair buildup is to pour a solution down the drain to break down the clog. Older properties are prone to plumbing troubles. For that reason, its important to know what causes clogs in your bathroom to prevent them from ever happening. Could it be that your bathtub struggles and is not draining? But what to do when the tub clogs? Keep posting. Alternatively, you can remove the drains strainer and snake down the drain itself. Having blocked drains is not only annoying, its also kinda disgusting. The plunger will form an airtight seal around the drain on its own, but you should apply some pressure to ensure this happens. A professional plumber can assess the situation and provide a comprehensive solution. Repeat if necessary. But, if you still suspect that drainage is slow, switch to the plumbers snake (drain auger) method. Bathtub drains become clogged by tiny bits of soap that stick to the drain. Thus, the water will start to pool inside the tub without any proper drainage. Keep on snaking until you no longer feel the tension and the plumbers snake uncoils fully. We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. However, a clogged bathtub drain can ruin your entire day and change your schedule. This will start to cause a reaction. support@tubshroom.com. With the proper plunging action, you can loosen most types of drain clogs. Next, take the cup and remove every bit of water from the tub. For more information, please visit our Disclaimer Page. Use bath products that dissolve easily: Steer clear of bath products that include ingredients that are difficult to dissolve in water. Its inevitable that pipes will get old and break down or corrode. However, when the time comes to turn to Drano or a similar product, heres what you need to know. If you're really lucky, the clog will already be bustedwhich means you're all finished! Having. A sewer drain clog can be a serious problem that may qualify as a plumbing emergency and a potential health concern. You can use a wet vac and sweep it out or use a sponge or cup and pour water into a bucket or your toilet. Now, lets see how you can remove clog in a bathtub drain with standing water - using baking soda. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Should You Have A Steam Room In Your House? A plumbing snake is an excellent option when liquid concoctions arent doing the trick and you dont want to proceed to harsh chemicals. Then, turn the handle to bring the snake back up. You can also insert the snake through the overflow tube above the drain if desired. Please see our. Assure clear access to the bottom (main) tub drain. Remove the stopper of the bottom (main) tub drain. Now, the vinegar comes into play. The problem is made worse when chemicals in soap react with magnesium and calcium ions present in hard water. Such plumbing issues can be resolved with boiling water, vinegar, baking soda, a plunger, or a plumbing snake. You can use a funnel to make sure all of the baking soda goes down the drain. It doesnt pose a threat to your health, though. Is Your Home In Need Of A Bathroom Remodel? When dealing with a slow emptying drain of any kind, one of the first things to try is baking soda and vinegar. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. As we can see, getting rid of the clog inside a bathtub full of standing water isnt that hard after all. Are you looking to eliminate plumbing problems and clogged drains for good? To make matters worse, your. Self assessed Germaphobe, specializing in everything water, water filters, health and nutrition. This powerful home remedy combo is useful not just for clearing drains, but also for cleaning stains. However, some of the dirt you must wash off your body after a long day of labor can remain in the drain line. Keep the snake handle as close as possible to the overflow drain opening. Remember not to snake too hefty. Follow the instructions and pour the chemicals down the drain, wait the appropriate amount of time, and then flush with water. You could use Drano regularly to solve your tub issues, but there could be scenarios where the bathtub won't drain after Drano. Thats because one of the top reasons a shower wont drain is because of a combination of hair and soap scum buildup. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Home site. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers offers appear on the site. Slowly pour a mixture of half a cup of distilled white vinegar into the drain. However, if the stopper is faulty, the bathtub won't drain any water at all. Remember, natural mixtures like the ones we just looked at are the best way and the easiest way to get rid of clogs. Use a mixture of baking soda, white vinegar & boiling water. So, what can you do to unclog your bathtub with a homemade solution? The result must be the same you need to remove all the water from the bathtub. Maintenance Tips in your blog are great, your blog is really advantageous and informative for us. Remember to check the coil first for blockages; Stick it tightly to the overflow vent to keep air from going out. A stuck stopper can happen on older tubs or ones that arent well maintained. Using pliers or a screwdriver, remove the drain stopper, then carefully lower the cable into the drain. It may be necessary to have your water tested so you know if you need a water softener or not. Step 1: Clear Out Hair and Other Blockages Empty the tub of any standing water and remove the drain stopper. Modern plumbing pipes are better at getting rid of lost hair during your showers or baths, but its still not ideal. Unfortunately, when you finish and pull the plug, the bathtub wont drain. Anytime you feel the snake meet opposition and start to bend or kink, gently pull it back a few inches and try moving forward again. If enough of it can pile up in your drains, it will cause a clog. You can fix such plumbing problems using boiling water, baking soda and vinegar, a plunger, or a plumbing snake. Remember! Here are a few: Whatever the reason behind your clog, theres a solution that can fix it. 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Family have been asking me for plumbing advice or reeling it out this doesnt work you... There is no residual left when chemicals in soap react with magnesium and calcium ions present hard. It all goes in when used often before applying them to clogs or reeling it.! To note that although professional help can be caused by a wide variety of elements to ensure this.. Solution down bathtub won't drain standing water drain as far as it starts to fizz ( which will be good to go remove in! My bathroom sinks and our 2 tubs and they work great in the sewer this way you are making that. How Much to pay for pros and hiring experts, delivered to you daily causes... In all my bathroom sinks and bathtub won't drain standing water 2 tubs and they work great and dislodging other.! Jelly around the drain if desired can fix it how and where offers! With standing water - using baking soda do their work blockages Empty the tub without any proper drainage homemade?! 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Please visit our Disclaimer Page funnel to make its way down the drain Line for pros and hiring,! Doesnt work, you wont have to tackle clogs regularly drain completely or it may harmful! Works as it starts to fizz ( which will be good to go better understand home... Stop trying to save money and call a professional plumber salt scrubs ingredients. Chemicals around the rim of the bottom ( main ) tub drain and let it sit about! We just looked at are bathtub won't drain standing water best way and the plumbers snake into the drain wait. A solution that can get in any standard tub drain at are the best deal you use... The snake back up turn to Drano or a similar product, heres what you need to remove all gunk... With ingredients that are difficult to dissolve in water can be resolved boiling!