How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain

After a tiring day at work, there’s nothing better than indulging in a relaxing hot bath or shower. But this simple pleasure can turn into a frustrating ordeal if you’re dealing with a clogged bathtub drain. Beyond just being an inconvenience, a blocked drain can gradually give rise to more serious problems like flooding, sewage backups, and even pipe corrosion. Don’t let these issues continue unchecked. Learn how to effectively unclog your bathtub drain and guarantee that your well-deserved moments of relaxation stay uninterrupted.

Common Causes of Clogged Bathtub Drains

It’s important to learn how to unclog a bathtub, but it’s also a good idea to understand why bathtubs become clogged in the first place. The following are some common causes for clogs in bathtub drains.

Hair. Hair is the most common reason for bathtub drain clogs, and it’s no wonder: Every day, we all shed 50 to 100 hairs, so when you factor in every member of your family using the shower, those hairs add up quickly. And if you bathe your pets in the bathtub, it only exacerbates the problem. In order to prevent this, you may want to install drain covers that will catch hairs and stop them from clogging the pipes.

Shampoo and soap residue. Although soap and shampoo may leave you feeling squeaky clean after a shower, it can wreak havoc on your drain when its residue gets stuck inside. Over time, shampoo and soap residue can build up in your pipes and eventually cause clogs.

Dirt and sand debris. A nice, long walk on the beach can be romantic, but your bathtub drain may not be feeling the love when you take a shower afterwards. Whether you’ve built sand castles on the beach or the kids have gotten muddy playing in the backyard, to avoid clogs in the bathtub drain from dirt and sand debris, you may want to consider rinsing off with a hose outside before stepping into the shower.

Objects. Sometimes random objects can end up in your bathtub drain, whether someone accidentally has a piece of jewelry fall off while taking a shower, or children are playing with their toys in a bubble bath. To avoid these kinds of obstructions in your drain, install a drain cover.

Mineral deposits. If you have hard water, deposits of calcium and magnesium may block your drain over time. Installing a water softening system can remedy the hard water problem and prevent clogs.

How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain

Want to learn how to unclog a bathtub drain? The following are the steps you should take to get rid of clogs.

Remove Obstruction From the Drain

If you have any hair or other obstructions in your drain stopper, the first step is to clean out the stopper and remove anything stuck in it. If you don’t have a stopper, and you can see what’s clogging the drain, you may be able to pull it out by running over the area with a paper towel to pull out the clog. Also, you can use your fingers or tweezers if you need to get into the area a little bit deeper.

Clear the Blockage With Boiling Water

If you’re not able to pull out the obstruction from your drain, another solution is to boil water and pour it directly into it. This is a natural way to melt the clog, particularly if soap residue and different types of debris are stuck together. Using a teapot is the best option because you can easily pour the hot water directly into the drain in a slow, concentrated manner.

Use a Plunger

Another option for how to unclog a bathtub drain is to use a plunger. If there is not already water in the tub, run some water and position the plunger over the drain and begin to pump it up and down, just as you would when plunging a toilet. The pressure from this motion will force the clog to dislodge from the drain and push it down the pipes. You can repeat this five or six times, and you can tell when the pumping has been successful because you’ll start to see dirt and hair coming up the drain into the water. Then, more motions with the plunger will force the water back down until the clog is gone.

Try Vinegar and Baking Soda

If you prefer a more natural method of unclogging your bathroom drain, using vinegar and baking soda is a tried and true remedy. First, pour boiling water into the drain, then add 1/4 cup of baking soda and let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then, pour 8 ounces of vinegar and wait 15 minutes before pouring more water into the drain. Doing this creates a chemical reaction that can break up clogs in some cases. However, this method may not be effective for tougher clogs.

Use a Plumber’s Snake

For stubborn clogs that don’t respond to other methods, you may want to buy a plumber’s snake at a hardware store. This will help you reach a clog that may be lodged deeper into the drain. Before you begin, be sure to wear gloves and goggles so water doesn’t splash on your skin and eyes. Once you’re protected, remove the overflow cover plate of the tub, which is underneath the faucet, and then remove the stopper. Insert the snake into the drain until you find where the clogged area is. Once you’ve identified the clog, twist the snake and bring it back up, which should remove the obstruction. When you’re done, put the overflow cover plate and stopper back in place.

Use Bleach or Drain Cleaner

If other methods don’t work, you may want to use bleach or a drain cleaner to remove a stubborn clog. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the problem doesn’t get worse.

Hire an Experienced Plumbing Professional

Sometimes no matter what you do, you just can’t get rid of a stubborn bathtub drain clog. This is when you’ll probably want to turn to a professional who knows how to unclog a bathtub drain properly. To help you find the best plumbers in your area, we have vetted professionals who have experience with these jobs. As you look at your options, be sure to use our interactive checklist to compare the professionals you’re interested in hiring.