DIY Bath Tub Drain Cleaning

If your bath tub is not draining water properly, the likely culprit is a clogged drain. A clog is caused when hair and soap residue collect in the drain rather than continuing through to a septic tank or other drainage area. A plumber can eradicate this problem quickly, but usually at a high cost. Fixing the problem yourself can be done easily and at a much lower cost with the right materials.

Remove Visible Buildup

Remove the drain cover. This is usually done by pulling up on a plug and then unscrewing the cover in a counter-clockwise direction. Using a long, thin tool, such as a bent wire, pull out any hair or other objects in the drain that might be blocking water flow.

Use a Plunger

While a plunger is often thought of as a tool to fix a clogged toilet, it can also come in handy when dealing with a plugged-up bath tub. Before plunging, stuff a wet cloth into the metal overflow plate to allow for optimum suction. Place the mouth of the plunger over the drain and make a series of pushing and pulling motions, without allowing the plunger to lose contact with the tub.

Use a Cable Auger

Inserting a cable auger into the drain is another option for clearing a clogged drain. Unscrew the metal overflow plate. Slowly push about two to three feet of cable through the hole left open after removing the overflow plate. Apply pressure forward as you turn the crank at the end of the auger. As resistance builds, continue to crank the handle until the end of the cable passes through the u-shaped pipe, known as a p-trap. You will sense added tension as the cable pushes through this section. Pull the cable back out of the hole. Turn on the hot water for two to three minutes to flush out any remaining buildup. Replace the overflow cover.

If these solutions do not remedy the problem, you will need to call a professional plumber.

References

• Tips for Clearing Clogged Drains.