How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain

You know it is going to be a bad day when you start your morning only to find out the bathtub drain is clogged, forcing you to stand in six inches of water throughout the duration of your shower. While a clogged bathtub drain can be a nuisance, it is generally something that you can resolve yourself without the expertise of a plumber. Here's how to unclog a bathtub drain.

Things You'll Need

• Plumbing snake
• Chemical drain cleaner

Instructions

1. Check to make sure that the drain is open and nothing is blocking it from above. When taking a shower or bath, it is very easy for a washcloth to get on top of the drain and block any water from passing through. This can also occur if a buildup of hair occurs on the top of the drain.

2. If nothing is blocking the drain from the top, remove the drain cover. Generally this requires the use of a screwdriver as it can be difficult to pry up and some even contain a screw to hold them in place. You may find that there is a mountain of hair attached to the underside of the drain cover, preventing the bathtub from draining.

3. Should you not find anything attached to the drain cover when you remove it, get a plumbing snake and snake it through the drain pipe. This should remove any buildup of debris that occurs in the pipes beyond your reach, such as a major clump of hair. By inserting the snake and pulling it out a few times, you should be able to rid the drain of the clog.

4. If the use of a plumbing snake fails to work, consider using a toilet plunger to plunge the bathtub drain. Essentially a plunger works to unclog your toilet by forcing air through the pipes that loosens or breaks up any clog. The same can work for your bathtub drain pipe. Simply take the toilet plunger and cover the drain. Plunge the drain using quick downward thrusts to force air through the pipes.

5. Using a chemical drain cleaning mixture should be your last resort in unclogging a bathtub drain by yourself. Although it is very easy to purchase and use them, the harsh chemicals prevent you from trying out some of the other ways to unclog your drain should the chemical not work. For example, plunging the bathtub drain after you have used chemicals is unwise since the chemicals can actually be splashed back out and into your eyes.

6. Finally if your bathtub drain is still clogged after all these steps, call a plumber. They have the expertise needed to unclog the drain or take care of any other plumbing problems that may be causing your bathtub to back up.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when using highly dangerous chemical. Follow instructions when using to prevent injury to yourself.