How to Unclog a Bathtub
Tuesday, April 27, 2021 , Posted by Bradhaw Plumbing
A clogged bathtub is not something you want to have to deal with. But it happens. Clogs can happen in any type of tub or shower. Fortunately, there are several ways to unclog a bathtub. There are also some things you should never do when trying to unclog things.
Before we talk about how to unclog a bathtub, lets take a quick look at the top ways they get clogged in the first place. We will also provide you with couple different types of bathroom stoppers you could use to prevent clogs from happening.
How Do Bathtubs Get Clogged?
Anything that goes down the drain can play a role in clogging your drains. There are generally 5 things that we most commonly see as the culprits:
1. Hair: This the most common cause of clogs. When hair ends up down the drain it can get stuck on sides or pipes, in the drain and stopper.
2. Dirt and debris: Dirt and debris can accumulate in your pipes, especially at bends. This happens more often if you do not have a good water flow.
3. Soap scum: This can collect in your drainpipes over time. It can become solid and stick to the sides of your pipes, creating a blockage.
4. Hard water: Since hard water has a high mineral count, it can collect and build up in your pipes over time.
5. Kids: Yep! You never know what your kids may try to put down the drain. There is no shortage of things such as bath toys, wash cloths, and other things in the bathroom that could end up down the drain.
How to Unclog Your Bathtub
Now that you know the common reasons for how your tub gets clogged, we’re going to talk about the best ways to unclog it. Try the following:
- Remove and clean the stopper: Most drains have a cover, or stopper, that helps prevent things going down the drain. But, over time, things can get caught in it. Pull it out and clean it.
- Try a plunger: Almost everyone has a plunger at home. Its not just for toilets. Add a little water into your tub before you start plunging. Make sure you create a good seal around the drain for maximum effect.
- Vinegar and baking soda: This is a natural solution that can help break up clogs. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain. Let it side for about 10 minutes. Then pour one cup of vinegar in the drain. Let it do its thing then pour boiling water to flush it out.
- Try a plumbing snake: You can get a snake at your local hardware store. We have them on hand at our plumbing parts desk. Push the snake into the drain until you get to clog. Turn the handle and pull it out of the drain. Run the water to see if you have cleared the blockage.
- Call a professional: If none of the above work, or if you are not confident in your abilities, call a licensed plumber. This way you know the clog will be handled properly without causing any additional damage to your pipes.
Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals And Cleaners!
Many people think that pouring chemicals down the drain is the ideal solution to get rid of clogs. Its not! Strong chemicals are not only bad for the environment, but they are also bad for your plumbing system. They can lead to pipe erosion over time. If you are going to use a cleaner, only use products that are specifically for bathtubs and drains.
Prevent Clogs With A Good Stopper
A good drain stopper can work wonders to helping prevent major clogs from forming. You have a few options to choose from. Select one that fits your drain. Here are some of the types to consider:
- Push and pull stopper
- Lift and turn stopper
- Pop up stopper
- Trip level stopper
- Flip it stopper
Have A Clogged Tub? Give Us A Call!
Some clogs are simple to remedy and others are not. If you are no able to quickly eliminate a clog yourself, its best to call a professional. Bradshaw Plumbing is here to help. We offer comprehensive sewer and drain services. We deal with clogs all the time. If you have a clog, we’ll make sure it is dealt with the right way. Call us anytime for a free estimate.
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