How to Fix a Slow Bathtub Drain

Slow bathtub drains commonly plague homeowners. Clogs from various substances can slow or, in the worst cases, stop a drain completely. Several remedies exist for a slow drain, and many of them involve household products that you probably have in your own cupboards.

Things You'll Need

• Chemical clog remover
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Pipe snake

Instructions

1. Assess the level of slowness in your drain. A stopped drain requires different procedures than a slow drain.

2. Use a baking soda and vinegar solution to clear a slow drain. Allow the water to completely drain from the bathtub. Pour a half cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a half cup of white vinegar. After about five minutes, rinse away the solution with water and test the drain again. You can repeat this solution again if you feel it is necessary.

3. Treat a slow or stopped drain with chemical clog remover. Many chemical clog removers are available on the market today. Choose one, and follow the directions listed on the bottle. Be sure to rinse any traces of clog remover before you utilize the bathtub.

4. Use a pipe snake on a slow or stopped drain. Pipe snakes are tools that will loosen the most resistant clogs, especially in the case of a stopped drain. Line the tool up with the drain, and depress the plunger until you reach the clog. Continue depressing the plunger until the clog breaks up or you are able to remove it. Rinse the drain.

5. Practice prevention to avoid future clogs. Install a drain trap to keep debris from entering the drain pipes.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution when using chemical drain cleaners as they are toxic.