A clogged bathtub drain is annoying, and it is also unhygienic. When water sits in your tub, soap scum, dirt, and bacteria have plenty of time to bond to the surface.
If your water drains slowly or stops completely, you have several options to fix it. The best method depends on the type of blockage and your specific plumbing setup.
In this article, we explain how to unclog a bathtub drain using proven approaches. These methods ensure water flows freely again so you can keep your bathroom clean and sanitary.
Key Takeaways
- Manual removal: Use a drain claw or snake to physically pull hair and debris out of the drain or overflow pipe.
- Chemical cleaners: Commercial gels dissolve tough clogs, but you must wear protective gear and ensure good ventilation.
- Home remedies: Baking soda and vinegar, a plunger, or boiling water can clear minor blockages without harsh chemicals.
- Prevention: Clean your drain stopper weekly and use a mesh hair catcher to stop future buildup.
The best way to unclog a bathtub drain depends on the location of the clog. If the blockage is near the surface, you can remove it easily. However, if the clog is deep inside the plumbing, you will need specialized tools like a drain claw or snake.
Method 1: Use a Drain Claw
A drain claw is a flexible wire with an auger on the end. The auger features interlocking hooks designed to grab hair and gunk inside the pipes. It is flexible enough to move past traps and bends deep in the plumbing.
Follow these steps to clear your drain manually:
1. Remove the Strainer
The strainer catches large objects, but soap and hair often slip past it. This debris accumulates and causes trouble.
You may need to loosen a screw to get the strainer off. Find an appropriate screwdriver and turn the screw counterclockwise. If there is no screw, simply lift the strainer out.
2. Take Out the Stopper
The stopper is usually located immediately below the strainer or replaces it entirely. Most stoppers do not use screws; you can usually remove them by twisting and lifting.
Gunk and grime often accumulate around the drain stopper. Clean these parts with a sponge or small brush to ensure better flow later.
3. Insert the Claw
Feed the drain claw into the opening. Keep pushing the wire when you hit the curved drain trap to ensure you reach the blockage.
Pull the claw out slowly. The small hooks should bring up clumps of hair or soap scum. Clean the hooks thoroughly so you do not transfer dirt back into the pipes.
4. Test the Drain
Run the faucet to test the flow. If the water drains smoothly, you are done. If it is still slow, try the process again or move to a different method.
Once clear, push and twist the stopper back into place. Reattach the strainer and tighten the screw if necessary.
Method 2: Chemical Cleaners
Chemical cleaners are available at local hardware stores and online retailers. They are highly effective, but they release strong fumes. Always keep the bathroom door open and the fan running when using them.
Common ingredients include sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide. These are effective but toxic if mixed with ammonia or other cleaners. Always wear gloves and eye protection.
A popular choice is Drano Max Gel because it works on both PVC and metal pipes. Always check the label to ensure the product is safe for your home’s plumbing.
1. Read the Instructions
Follow the bottle instructions exactly. Some cleaners require protective goggles, while others have specific timing requirements. Using too much or too little can impact the results.
2. Remove Standing Water
Chemicals work best when they can reach the clog directly. If your bathtub is full of water, scoop it out with a bucket or cup until the drain is exposed.
3. Pour the Product
Wear your gloves and pour the recommended amount of fluid into the drain. Be careful not to splash. If you spill any on the tub surface, wipe it up immediately to prevent staining or damage to the finish.
Set a timer based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Most products need 15 to 30 minutes to dissolve the blockage.
4. Flush With Cold Water
Flush the drain with cold water once the time is up. Watch to see if the water drains quickly.
If the drain is still clogged, you may have a deeper plumbing issue. If chemicals fail, consider calling a professional plumber.
Warning
Method 3: Home Remedies
If you want to avoid harsh chemicals, try these effective natural solutions.
Option #1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
This classic science-fair combination uses a chemical reaction to break up light grime.
- Clean the hardware: Start by removing and cleaning the stopper and strainer.
- Pour the mixture: Pour 4 ounces of baking soda down the drain, followed by 4 ounces of white vinegar.
- Wait and flush: Let it fizz for five to ten minutes.
- Add heat: Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to flush out the loosened grime (2).
Option #2: Tweezers
This is a quick fix for visible hair clogs near the surface.
- Open the drain: Remove the strainer or stopper.
- Grab the debris: Use needle-nose pliers or long tweezers to pull out clumps of hair.
Option #3: Plunger
Plungers use pressure to dislodge clogs. For a bathtub, you must seal the overflow drain for this to work.
- Seal the overflow: Cover the overflow plate (the metal circle below the faucet) with a wet rag or duct tape. If you skip this, the air will escape through the hole instead of pushing the clog.
- Add water: Fill the tub with a few inches of water to create a seal around the plunger cup.
- Plunge: Place the plunger over the drain and pump vigorously.
If plunging doesn’t work after several attempts, try softening the clog with baking soda and vinegar first.
Be Cautious
Option #4: Hot Water and Borax
Take Care
Borax helps clean bathtubs and clears drains by converting water molecules into hydrogen peroxide (4).
- Prep the drain: Remove the stopper and strainer.
- Add Borax: Use a funnel to pour 4 ounces of Borax down the drain.
- Pour water: Slowly pour two cups of boiling water over the Borax.
- Wait and rinse: Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush with cold water.
Keeping the Drain Clear
Prevention is easier than removing a clog. Regularly cleaning the stopper and strainer prevents hair and soap scum from building up.
Remove the stopper and strainer weekly. Scrub them with a brush and rinse with water. Use vinegar to dissolve stubborn mineral deposits.
Pour boiling water down the drain once a week to melt away soap scum before it hardens.
Be Careful
FAQs
What Do Plumbers Use to Unclog Bathtub Drains?
Plumbers use professional-grade tools like motorized drain snakes (augers) that reach deeper than handheld tools. They may also use hydro-jetting machines to blast away sludge or pipe cameras to visually inspect the blockage location.
Does Bleach Dissolve Hair in the Drain?
Yes, bleach can dissolve hair, but it takes time. Pour one cup of undiluted bleach down the drain and let it sit for at least an hour before flushing. However, specialized drain cleaners are generally more effective at dissolving hair clogs than standard household bleach.
Will Baking Soda and Vinegar Damage Pipes?
No, baking soda and vinegar are safe for all plumbing systems, including PVC and old metal pipes. While the reaction creates pressure, it is not strong enough to damage pipe joints. This method is safe for regular maintenance.
Can Plunging Make a Clog Worse?
Forceful plunging rarely makes a clog worse, but it can break the wax seal on a toilet or loosen trap connections under a sink if done too aggressively. On a bathtub, the main risk is blowing out the putty seal on the overflow drain if it isn’t properly blocked off.
What Is the Best Drain Unblocker?
Most experts recommend Drano Max Gel Clog Remover for DIY use. It is thick enough to sink through standing water to reach the clog and works quickly on hair and soap scum. Green Gobbler is a popular alternative for those seeking a less caustic option.
Why Is My Bathtub Draining Slow but Not Clogged?
A slow drain often means a partial blockage exists further down the pipe or the vent pipe on the roof is obstructed. If the vent is blocked, air cannot enter the system to allow water to flow freely. A professional plumber may need to clear the roof vent.
