How to Remove a Clog From a Bath Tub
Bathtub clogs are a common problem. As soap scum, body oils and hair build up in the pipes, it is inevitable that they form a clog that either slows down or stops the water from leaving your tub. If this has happened to you, you may be wondering the quickest and easiest method to rid yourself of the problem. This article covers eight different methods that you can use. Although it is not necessary to do the steps in order, they have been ordered so that the easiest and safest methods are first. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Salt
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves
- Needle-nose pliers or wire hanger
- Plunger
- Cloth
- Plumber's snake
- Drain cleaner
Instructions
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1
Pour 1 cup of salt down the drain. Then, carefully pour a pot of boiling hot water down the drain. This may clear the clog, but if not, it will at least loosen the clog before trying other methods. Wait 10 minutes before trying another method.
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2
Heat 1 cup of vinegar in the microwave. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain. Then, pour the vinegar down the drain. Cover the drain, if possible. Wait 5 minutes and then flush the drain with 2 quarts of hot water. Repeat this process several times, if necessary.
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3
Pour 1 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup salt down the drain. Wait several hours and then flush the drain with 2 cups of boiling water.
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4
Remove the bathtub stopper. Some stoppers unscrew at the drain. You should see the screw when you pull the stopper up. If not, try unscrewing the overflow plate to see if it is connected there. Bathtub stoppers come in a number of varieties and some are easier to remove than others. Some bathtub stoppers are simply unscrewed at the drain. Others must be disconnected at the overflow plate
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5
Look into the drain to see if you can see the clog. Use a straightened wire hanger or needle-nose pliers to remove any clogs. If you can't see a clog, move onto the next step.
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6
Block the overflow drain with a damp cloth to help create a vacuum. Then, place a plunger over the center of the drain. Push up and down 8 to 10 times. Water should go down immediately if you are successful. If not, wait a few minutes and try again. Try this step at least three times before moving on to the next step.
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7
Unscrew the overflow plate and drop a plumber's snake into the drain. The snake will either push or pull the clog out. If you remove one clog, continue pushing the snake down the drain to ensure there are no other clogs.
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8
If all else fails, you can try commercial drain cleaner. Make sure you wear eye protection and gloves when adding it to your tub because they are extremely caustic.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Creative Commons: ValetheKid, Gretyl
