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It’s not uncommon to find a clogged bathtub drain. After all, this is where all that hair from the hair care products and the hair ends up. The problem is that clogged bathtub drains are some of the hardest drains to unclog.
You’re not alone if you’ve been searching for methods to unclog a bathtub drain. There are several options for getting the bathtub drain flowing again, but it won’t be easy.
It will take some time and effort, but by reading, you’ll have everything you need to get started on unclogging that drain!
How Does Hair Clog The Bathtub Drain?
A hair clog is a common plumbing problem that one can easily fix. However, if not treated immediately, it can lead to more serious problems. Hair clogs are usually caused by hair caught in the drain and blocks water flow.
When we wash, our hair may fall in the bathtub and build up into a tangled mass, causing a blockage. It is important to clean the drain regularly so that you do not experience any problems later on.
Different Ways To Unclog A Bathtub Drain Full Of Hairs
Start with a Drain Snake
You can try a few different methods when unclogging a bathtub drain, but the first one you should try is a drain snake.
Drain snakes are long, flexible metal rods that have a hooked end that can catch hair and other debris that has clogged the drain.
When choosing which drain snake is best for the bathtub drain, you’ll want to look for two things.
- First, you’ll want it to be long enough to reach the clog without getting stuck. This depends on the size of the bathtub and the size of the drain.
- The second thing you’ll want to look for is a flexible head. This will make getting around the bends in the drain easier and help you get to the root of the clog quickly and easily.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
If the bathtub drain is clogged with hair, the easiest way to unclog it is with the help of baking soda and vinegar. This is one of the most common and effective methods for unclogging drains, but it requires patience.
Baking soda and vinegar work together to break down the hair and other debris clogging the drain, but it will take at least an hour for the effect to kick in.
To unclog the bathtub drain using this method:
- Pour a couple of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar.
- Let the two ingredients sit in the bathtub drain for at least an hour.
- Then pour boiling water in the drain to lift the clog.
Boiling Water
If baking soda and vinegar aren’t working, you can always try pouring boiling water down the drain. Boiling water is another popular method for unclogging drains that work for hair and most other types of clogs.
To use this method:
- Pour a pot of boiling water down the clogged drain.
- Let the water sit in the drain for at least 30 minutes.
- Pour boiling water down the drain again until the clog is gone.
- For best results, use boiling water and let it sit in the drain to unclog the bathtub drain completely.
Plunger
Plungers work by forcing air into the drainpipe, which creates pressure that loosens debris in the pipe.
How to unclog a bathtub drain with a plunger:
- First, gather the supplies. You’ll need a plunger and a bucket or tub for the water draining out of the bathtub during the process.
- Put the plunger over the drain, ensuring it fits snugly around all sides of the opening. If it doesn’t fit, try another plunger or consider purchasing a new one.
- Apply pressure on top of the plunger by pushing down hard on top of it with both hands. Lean into it so that all of your weight is pushed down on top of it instead of just using your arms.
- Repeat this process until you feel water draining from underneath the plunger handle into the bucket or tub below.
Wire coat
If you have a clogged or slow drain, you can use a hanger with a wire coat to unclog it. This is the simplest and cheapest way to fix the problem.
- Remove any hair or debris that you may catch in the drain.
- Insert one end of the hanger with a wire coat into the drain opening at an angle.
- Wiggle the hanger around until it can catch on something preventing the water from flowing freely through the drain, such as hair or soap residue.
- Pull out whatever is required to remove it from the drain with the coat hanger and discard it in a trash can outside the home.
Chemical Drain Opener
If you’ve tried all the above methods and are still struggling to unclog the bathtub drain, it might be time to break out the big guns. A chemical drain opener is a powerful drain cleaner that quickly breaks down even the toughest clogs.
Depending on the chemical drain opener you use, you might have to let it sit for several hours before it’s effective. It’s also a good idea to wrap a towel around the drain to prevent the chemical from damaging the tub.
FAQs
Why does my tub overflow?
The tub might overflow because someone left the water running, or there was too much water in the tub when it was filled up. Make sure there is no dripping faucet before starting the tub, so it doesn’t overflow while using it.
How do I stop my drains from backing up?
You should first try using chemicals and boiling water down the drains to clean them out. Next, use a plunger on each drain, including toilets and showers; if that doesn’t work, you may need professional help.
How much does it cost to unblock a bathtub drain?
The price of unclogging a bathtub depends on the severity of the problem and whether the person doing the job is an experienced plumber or someone who knows how to operate a plumbing snake. A good plumber can charge anywhere from $75-$150 for this job, while someone with less experience may charge you $50-$75.
Conclusion
When it comes to unclogging a bathtub drain, you have a few different options. One of the most common methods is with a drain snake, but it’s also possible to unclog a drain with baking soda, vinegar, or boiling water. A chemical drain opener is a powerful option if none of these methods work for you.