A clogged bathtub drain turns every shower into a puddle around your feet, and it rarely fixes itself. The good news: most tub clogs come from hair and soap buildup you can clear with a few simple tools. Here’s how to get the water flowing again, and how to know when it’s time to call a pro.
Key Points
- Start by removing the stopper or strainer and clearing trapped hair and soap.
- Baking soda and vinegar followed by boiling water clears most minor clogs.
- A toilet plunger or drain snake handles clogs further down the line.
- Never mix chemical drain cleaners, and always ventilate the area.
- If the clog persists, our Duncanville team clears it fast, on time or we pay you.
The bathtub or shower is one of the most frequently used spaces in your home, and you notice immediately when something isn’t working, especially a clogged bathtub drain. No one wants to get clean while murky water pools around their feet. Many factors can contribute to a clogged bathtub drain, but there are several quick solutions you can try before calling a plumber.
Check the Strainers and Stoppers First
Most bathtub or shower drains have a stopper or strainer that keeps large debris out of the drain. These also catch hair and soap, and over time that combination tangles together and creates large clogs.
In this case, simply remove the stopper and dispose of the clog. Most strainers or stoppers twist out of the drain; in some cases they need to be unscrewed. Check how quickly the tub drains afterward. If there’s still standing water, the clog is further down the line.
How to Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
If the stopper check isn’t enough, baking soda and vinegar can clean the clogged bathtub drain further. Use the baking soda to scrub away buildup at the surface before pouring the mixture in.
- Begin by pouring a pot of boiling water down your drain.
- Dump 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain and wait a few minutes.
- Combine 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of hot water, then pour the mixture down the drain.
- Cover the drain to keep the reaction below the surface (an old towel works) and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Flush the drain one more time with another pot of boiling water.
This can clear the line without a heavy-duty chemical cleaner. If you’re still seeing standing water, it’s time to break out tools. If you’d rather skip the trial and error, our professional drain cleaning service can clear it quickly and safely.
Try a Toilet Plunger
Believe it or not, a toilet plunger can help with a clogged bathtub drain. For this approach, you’ll still need to remove the drain stopper or strainer.
- Place the cup of the plunger over the drain opening and fill the tub with water until the lip of the plunger is covered.
- Move the plunger handle up and down to force out the clog.
If the clog clears, the water will drain normally and you know you’re in the clear.
Using a Drain Claw or Snake
A drain claw or snake can be purchased at your nearest hardware store, or you can straighten a wire hanger and leave a hook at the end for a quick at-home fix. The stopper or strainer should still be removed for this approach. If these DIY methods fail, it may be time to consult a professional for drain repair service to make sure the issue is fully resolved.
- Insert the tool into the drain. Don’t worry if the drain bends; the tool will follow.
- Feed the snake or claw in until you feel resistance, which means you’ve located the clog.
- Rotate the tool until you feel no more resistance, meaning it has pushed through the clog.
- Retract the claw or snake and bring the clog out of the drain.
Do a final flush with hot water to make sure the clog is fully removed.
Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe?
If the clog persists, it may be beyond the reach of a claw or snake and too large for baking soda and vinegar. For a more environmentally friendly approach, consider eco-friendly drain cleaning solutions that tackle tough clogs while protecting your plumbing.
Every cleaner has different safety instructions and works at a different rate. Never combine chemicals in your drain, and always ensure the area is well ventilated after use. A persistent clog can also signal a problem with the tub itself, and our bathtub repair and replacement team can address that if needed.
Still Seeing a Clogged Bathtub Drain?
If none of the quick options above has cleared your drain, the clog is further down the line than DIY methods can reach and may require professional tools and knowledge. For heavy buildup deep in the pipe, our hydro jetting service clears the line completely.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Duncanville serves Cedar Hill, Dallas, DeSoto, Duncanville, Glenn Heights, Grand Prairie, Maypearl, Midlothian, Oak Cliff, Oak Leaf, Ovilla, Red Oak, and Waxahachie with certified plumbers and upfront pricing. Schedule your appointment today and we’ll clear your clogged bathtub drain fast, on time or we pay you.
