You know you have a problem with the water draining slowly from the bathtub.Clogs, formed by hair, soap, and other debris, are usually quite simple to remove without resorting to harsh chemical cleaners.If you want to mechanically clear out any type of obstruction, you should use drain snakes.If you want to break up debris and get your bathtub drain working again, you can use dish soap or baking soda.
Step 1: If your bathtub has a drain cover, you need to clean it.
Look for a small screw on the shaft of the stopper if you lift it as far as you can from the drain.APhillips Head screwdriver is required to remove most stoppers.You have to twist the screw counterclockwise until you can pull the stopper out of the shaft.Use a paper towel to clean the drain.A metal cover or plug might be needed if your drain doesn't have a stopper.Remove them by hand, then wash them off.
Step 2: The drain hole needs to be covered with a plunger.
There is a rubber cup on the end of the plunger.Put the cup over the drain and fill the tub with hot water.The plunger can create a seal over the drain and generate force to knock it open.If your tub has an overflow drain, cover it with a towel.It is usually a metal plate.It makes plunging less effective because air escapes.
Step 3: For up to 20 seconds, plunge the drain.
The bottom of the tub is where the plunger should be pushed down first.The plunger should be moved up and down at a steady pace.The water may not drain without a problem if the plunger is removed after a few tries.Set the plunger in place again if it slips off the drain.To keep the seal over the drain, keep it firmly attached to the tub floor.
Step 4: If the drain is still blocked, put a wire coat hanger in the hook.
To create a simple hook, use your hands or pliers.You can still fit the hook down the drain if you bend the end of the hanger.Purchase a drain-clearing tool to reach the problem more quickly.Look for a drain snake or cable at a hardware store.You can try an electric version.
Step 5: Pull the hook into the drain.
To see if you can spot the problem, take a peek down the drain.The hook should be lowered towards it.Attach the end of the hook to the drain and lift it out.You can knock soap gunk off the pipe walls by rotating the hook.Cut through the caked-on material.You might need to use the hook a few times.Pull the hook up slowly and wipe it clean.
Step 6: To remove the debris, flush the drain with hot water.
Don't use hot water when you flush the drain.It's a good idea to boil water on your stove.The water will drain quickly if you watch.You may need to use the hook again if it is still slow.If you removed debris from the drain or weren't able to see it, use soap or baking soda.
Step 7: The liquid dish soap should be poured down the drain.
If you haven't already, you need to remove the drain stopper.Wait for it to run to the clog and pour it in.The soap lubricates the walls of the pipe.You can use any liquid dish detergent you have.
Step 8: Put a bucket of hot water in the drain.
If you want the best results, boil about 8 cups of water on the stove.When carrying it back to the tub, be careful.Wear long sleeves and gloves.Gradually, pour the water down the drain.If you have metal pipes, use boiling water.The cracking of porcelain may be caused by boiling water.It's better to use very hot tap water.
Step 9: The treatment should be repeated to clear the stubborn clogs.
Adding more soap and water will loosen the worst problems.Slowly pour hot water in after adding more soap.The water will flow down the drain if it works.Grease is eliminated from soap and oil by using a second round of soap.
Step 10: The drain should be snaked if it is still running slowly.
Check the drain by turning on the tap.It may be possible to remove the clog by hand if it is still there.You can open the drain cover and push a wire hook towards the clog.Pull up as much hair or soap scum as you can before you flush the drain.The drain-clearing tool should be turned clockwise if it is in the drain.
Step 11: Put a pot of boiling water in the drain.
The stove will heat about 8 cups of hot water.It is easy to do with a tea kettle.Before handling the liquid, make sure you cover your hands and arms.Slowly pour the water down the pipe.Hot tap water is good for treating porcelain and PVC pipes.The pipe joints can be weakened by boiling water.
Step 12: Baking soda can be added to the drain.
If it's still covering the drain, you have to stop it.You need to loosen aPhillips Head screw on the shaft to get them out of the drain.The baking soda should be poured into the drain.As much as possible, push the excess powder into the drain.Since you need to get as much of the baking powder down the pipe as you can, it's important to remove the drain stop.
Step 13: Take 2 cup and pour it down the drain.
Store-bought white vinegar can be used to clear a drain.A hot foam can be created by mixing it with baking soda.As soon as the ingredients come into contact, you will hear a noise.Another way to do this is to combine the baking soda and vinegar in a measuring cup and pour it into the drain at the same time.
Step 14: For at least 15 minutes, allow the mixture to soak into the clog.
The mixture cannot escape if the drain is covered with a towel.Give it plenty of time to work.If you can, wait at least an hour to rinse away the clog.
Step 15: Put another pot of boiling water in the drain.
If you have metal pipes, heat up another 8 cups of water on the stove.Run the tap to get the loosened clog out.Run water through the drain when you are done.The water should drain freely.If the water continues to drain slowly, try using dish detergent, more hot water, and a drain snake.It's possible that the problem is a hair problem that needs to be broken up manually.