Five Quick and Easy Ways to Unclog Bathtub Drain

A clogged shower or bathtub drain can get very irritating! Standing water in the bathtub can be a breeding hotspot for germs and insects, so it is better to fix a clogged bathtub drain at the earliest. Before you try to fix your clogged drain, you must know what really causes clogging.

Generally, drainage is clogged because of knotted hair, dead skin cells, dirt, grease, and soap scum. Over time the buildup of these materials around the drain eventually begins to hold up water, making it difficult to clean up.

Unless you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, you can try and clean a clogged bathtub drain on your own. Below are a few quick and easy-to-implement tricks that will go a long way in helping you clean up the mess. 

Flush Drain with Boiling Water

It is the most basic method to try clearing a clogged drain. You need to slowly pour boiling water in the clogged area – it’s just that simple! Hot water can dissolve soap or drain out dead skin scrap, but it will not be helpful in case the drain is clogged by entangled hair.

Use Plunger

You can unclog the bathtub drain with a standard cup-style plunger. The only requirement is to seal the overflow drain first so that air cannot pass through it. Sealing the overflow drain won’t affect the suction power of the plunger. Pumping the plunger up and down can move and open up the drain blockage.

Use Bent Wire Hanger for Fishing

Hair is the most common cause of blockage in the bathtub drain. If you suppose the blockage is located around the drain, you can open up the drain stopper/strainer and use the hook made from a wire hanger for fishing out the hair.

Drain Snake

If the clog is down in the pipe, then you should try to solve your problem using a drain snake. It is a long, flexible, metal cable with a spiral shape to clear away drain blockages. You need to push the tool down the drain to reach the clog and remove it. It can also be snaked through the overflow pipe in the bathtub.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

The mixture of equal quantities of baking soda and vinegar can also be helpful in unclogging the bathtub drain. It creates a fizzing action that can remove hair, grease and grime clogged up in the pipe.