How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain

When a bathtub drain clogs, it can be one of the most inconvenient things in the world. Bathtub drains clog gradually, collecting a combination of soap scum and hair that eventually blocks drainage entirely. The smell, the hair, the cost it will take to get it fixed… how terrible can that be? Instead of calling for a plumber and paying for their expensive service, try one of these easy DIY techniques to clear the blockage.

Baking Soda and Vinegar:

The goal here is to use boiling water and the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar to agitate and loosen the clog.

Materials

• • Vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Screwdriver
  • Gloves

Directions

1. 1. Using a screwdriver, remove the bathtub stopper and strainer.
   2. Clean excess gunk and debris from the strainer and stopper.
   3. Boil a pot of water and pour it down the bathtub drain.
   4. Follow this up by pouring a ¼ of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar into the drain. Let this sit for 20 minutes.
   5. Boil another pot of water and pour it down the drain.
   6. Test if the clog has been removed by running the water.
   7. If the clog is no more, replace the stopper and strainer.

Toilet plunger:

If the baking soda and vinegar do not remove the clog, then you may have more luck with a classic bathroom tool: a toilet plunger.

Materials

• Plunger
• Screwdriver

Directions

1. Using a screwdriver, remove the bathtub stopper and strainer.
2. Clean excess gunk and debris from the strainer and stopper.
3. In order for the plunger to have sufficient suction, fill the bathtub with a few inches of water.
4. Place the plunger over the drain and begin plunging, being careful not to break the seal over the drain.
5. After 15 plunges, check to see if any blockage or dirty water is rising out of the drain. If not, continue plunging.
6. If plunging seems to have little effect, try another approach.

Drain Claw:

If neither of the above methods works for you, you may want to invest in a drain claw if you don’t already have one. This method is more direct, allowing you to directly pull the clog from the drain.

Materials

• Drain Claw
• Screwdriver

Directions

1. Using a screwdriver, remove the bathtub stopper and strainer.
2. Clean excess gunk and debris from the strainer and stopper.
3. Insert the drain claw into the drain. It will first hit the drain trap, continue pushing the drain claw past this and deeper into the drain.
4. Move the drain claw back and forth in an attempt to snare whatever is clogging your drain. The claw has small hooks that snag debris, allowing it to be pulled up and out of the drain.
5. Remove the drain claw and test if the clog has been cleared by running water.
6. Once the clog is cleared, replace the strainer and stopper.