How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain Without Drano

Clearing the bathtub drain is easiest with a plunger.

Liquid drain cleaning products are one way of clearing a bath tub drain clog. These products have very strong chemicals that can sometimes damage older pipes, though. A bath tub clog is happens gradually from the collection of hair, soap scum and mildew that slowly block the drain's passageway. If you're taking a shower and notice the water backing up a bit, address the problem quickly by unclogging the drain. Using the plunging method in most cases is the most effective way to remove the clog.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Bent wire (hanger)
• Screwdriver
• Plunger

1. Unscrew the drain cap of your bathtub with the screwdriver and set aside, away from the drain. Clean out any visible hair and soap scum within your reach. Use a bent wire, such as a hanger, to reach around the edges of the drain to remove build up.

2. Remove the pop-up drain from the bathtub if no drain cover assembly exists. Raise the drain lever to the open position and remove the stopper from the drain hole. You should see a lot of hair and soap scum around the stopper. Clean it thoroughly because if yours is a pop-up drain, this is usually the source of the clog.

3. Turn on the water and allow it back up into the tub in order to plunge. Shut the water off when the drain is fully covered with one or two inches of water. This is enough to create an airtight seal with the plunger.

4. Plunge the tub vigorously making sure the seal with the plunger and the tub is flush. Plunge continually until the water begins to go down faster.

Tips & Warnings

• If your overflow plate has holes on the underside of the plate, cover them with a wet rag to create an airtight seal with the plunger.

• If plunging doesn't resolve the clog, call a plumber to have the drain professionally rodded.

References

• SuperPages: How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain
• This Old House; Clear Any Clogged Drain; Merle Henkenius