The Best Way to Unclog a Tub Drain

Set the plunger on the drain.

Bathtub and shower drains are prone to clogging due to hair that comes loose when shampooing. Even if you are careful to wipe up hair from the tub floor before draining the water, some hair inevitably will slip down the drain. When hair accumulates and clogs up the plumbing, there are better ways to unclog the drain than pouring chemical drain cleaners down the pipes. Instead, use an old-fashioned bathroom plunger and a common household laundry product.

Things You'll Need

• Plunger
• Bleach

Instructions

1. Position the plunger cup over the drain hole, centering the drain. Gently push down and then up. The upward pull or suction of the plunger will help pull the hair from the drain. Repeat to pry the hair from the drain.

2. Pull any hair from the drain using your fingers. Using the plunger will loosen the hair and pull it upward.

3. Pour 1 cup of bleach down the drain. Open a window to keep the room ventilated when using the bleach.

4. Flush the drain out with water. Do this about two or three hours after pouring the bleach down the drain.

Tips & Warnings

• Never pour ammonia or other chemicals down the drain with the bleach.

• Don't use the bleach if a family member is allergic to bleach.

References

• "How to Cheat at Home Repair" Jeff Bredenberg; 2009
• "How to Fix Everything for Dummies"; Gary Hedstrom, Peg Hedstrom, Judy Tremore; 2005