What if the Bathtub Is Clogged With Water Still in It?

Unclogging bathtub drains yourself is possible

Household drains are often ignored because they are out of sight. Regular maintenance is vital to ensure buildup of hair, oils and foreign materials is minimal. If it’s too late for preventative measures and the bathtub is clogged with water still in the tub, several home remedies can be used before calling in a professional. Remove the bathtub stopper before attempting any home remedies.

Wire Hanger

Straighten a wire hanger but make a curve at one end. Insert the curved end into the drain and gently use an up-and-down motion to loosen what will most likely be a buildup of hair. Pull out any buildup rather than push it in. Moving the buildup farther into the pipe will only make removing the clog more difficult.

Plunger

Plungers work by a series of pushes and pulls within an air pocket. The suction motion gradually breaks down the buildup. Seal the overflow drain prior to plunging, otherwise the air pocket will be compromised. It is important to immediately remove debris as it is brought to the surface. This ensures the clog won’t occur farther down the pipes. Use a wire hanger or your fingers to remove the buildup around the drain.

Hand Auger

Also referred to as a “snake,” a hand auger is a flexible drilling device used by plumbers to remove stubborn clogs. It looks and works similar to a corkscrew pulling out hair, soap scum and other materials that cause plumbing blockage. Hand augers should be used after excess surface debris is removed by a wire hanger and if plunging is unsuccessful.

Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners should be used as a last resort before calling a plumber. While they are effective, they can erode pipes over time, causing more harm than good. They are also not as environmentally friendly. If they are to be used, wear gloves and follow directions closely. Be careful when pouring drain cleaners into a bathtub of water to avoid splashing skin or eyes, and do not try to remove debris with fingers.

Calling a Plumber

If the clog is still evident after trying the wire hanger, plunger, hand auger and drain cleaners and the water still isn’t draining, it is time to call a professional plumber. There is probably a serious backup or foreign object lodged somewhere within the plumbing pipes. Plumbers will find the root of the blockage and offer advice on how to avoid future buildups.

References

• This Old House: Clear Any Clogged Drain
• Mervin Zimmerman.com: Unclog a Tub Drain

Resources

• Unclogging Drains 101: How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain
• "The Complete Guide to Home Plumbing: Clearing Clogs and Fixing Drains"; Black & Decker