If the water doesnt drain away, try plunging a few more times. So, what can you do to unclog your bathtub with a homemade solution? This will start to cause a reaction. It can help to use a funnel, but we caution against doing this with your bare hands if the boiling water splashes back, it can cause severe burns. If you are scarce of vinegar, salt, and baking soda may also help you unclog. The assemblies are adjustable to fit a wide range of tubs. Drain clogs, no matter where they happen, are inconvenient. Next, take the cup and remove every bit of water from the tub. Tools needed are 1-2 plungers, a flapper, and sometimes a screwdriver to get the. Carefully unscrew the shower with the Phillips head screwdriver, being sure not to drop any of the screws down the drain. This will allow you to do other steps easier than if you had dirt running around in sitting water. If possible, use a non-toxic cleaner to avoid damaging the plumbing and pipes. The problem is that hair doesnt dissolve in water. Refrain from using traditional oil-based soap. Turn the cover back and forth while pulling. Remember! If you don't have standing water in the tub, put the stopper/strainer back in place and run the water to test the drain. This compensation comes from two main sources. I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. Clogged Shower Drains: Common Causes and Their Remedies, How to Deal with Clogged Shower Drains: Easy Cleaning Tips. Whether you have made it to this last step because you have tried steps 1-5, or because you dont feel comfortable or dont have access to the chemicals or tools you need, this last resort will be the most expensive option. Once you hear the buzzing or fizzing start, take a plunger or a bucket and form an airtight cover on top of the drain. You should also ask the plumber about their rates, experience, and other relevant questions before hiring them. When that happens, slow your moves down even more. Slowly pour a mixture of half a cup of distilled white vinegar into the drain. Push-pull knob Lift and turn Trip lever Pop up A stopper will temporarily block the blow of water, but it can occasionally get fully or partially stuck. Leave the cover on until you hear the fizzing stop. Carefully place the plunger's cup over the uncovered drain, making sure to create a seal around the opening. Turn the handle back and forth to lodge the spiral tip of the snake into the clog and use some pushing and pulling motion to try and break-up and dislodge the clog in the pipe. But with time, higher pH levels and mineral content form a sludge on the pipe walls. Pour or a whole cup of baking soda into the drain. However, some bathtubs are not equipped with this drain, and in that case, just ignore this step. [10] 3 Prepare 1 cup (180g) of baking soda and 1 cup (240 mL) of vinegar. Furthermore, if tree roots start to grow inside the outside drains, it can lead to . While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Home does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. As we can see, getting rid of the clog inside a bathtub full of standing water isnt that hard after all. Getting rid of the oil and dirt collected during the day is one reason to take a bath. The last step is to call a plumber to remove the clog for you. hair). Prepare a mixture of salt and baking soda. Here are some of, Water or sewage backing up in a toilet, sink, or bathtub, Gurgling noises as other plumbing functions happen, such as the water flowing out of a faucet, Theres poor pressure in the system, resulting in a weak toilet flush or light stream from the faucet, Water-dependent utilities react to one another, such as the toilet malfunctioning when the washer is being used. Heres What to Do. We recommend you try this method simply because its easy, inexpensive, and usually has some success if only temporarily. Use your foot to get the front end of the snake securely into the drain opening before extending it down as far as it will go. It gets worse when you have a lot of standing water inside the tub. Unscrew the metal overflow plate (its usually under your tub faucet). No matter how thin or fine the hairs are (human hair or pet fur), they are likely to stick to your pipes when going down the drain. Common reasons why a bathtub wont drain include soap scum, hair, bath bombs, cosmetic products, and damaged pipes. Wait a few minutes, and follow it up with a cup of vinegar. Thats because one of the top reasons a shower wont drain is because of a combination of hair and soap scum buildup. If your bathtub isnt draining properly, you may have a clog in the drain. I agree to receive the Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail. Such plumbing issues can be resolved with boiling water, vinegar, baking soda, a plunger, or a plumbing snake. Also, put on clothes that can get dirty. These are available in liquid or gel form, and you pour them down the drain. But if the issue is more complicated, proceed to the next step. Position the bottom of the plunger over the tub drain until there is a tight seal between the cup and tub surface. Bathtubs also get dirty from dirt and sand or residue from cleaning products like shampoo and conditioner. Plunge Your Bathtub to Unclog Your Bathroom Drain Before you start, make sure to remove any standing water. Hence, I decided to start this blog to help them and address some common plumbing issues. Note: You should not handle chemicals carelessly. The problem could be an improper unclogging technique or even worse: a corroded drain, an old or unprofessional pipe installation. If everything went according to plan, the claw of the snake should come out with hair or whatever else was causing the clog attached to it. Get expert advice on your home, design tips, how much to pay for pros and hiring experts, delivered to you daily. I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. You can fix such. All you need to do is to pick a method that suits you the most and follow the instructions. Your hair occasionally finds its way down the drain. Suck up the water and dispose of the standing water outside and preferably not back into another house drain. Continue with Recommended Cookies. So, follow these steps to unleash the cleansing power of salt + baking soda + boiling water combination: Chemical solutions replace hard manual work in just a couple of minutes. One of the most obvious fixes for a bathtub that won't empty itself is removing all of the hair and soap scum out of the drain. Therefore, make sure you weigh the pros and cons before deciding to call a professional. Products like eye shadow, face masks, hair gel, shaving cream, and moisturizers can cause problems when allowed to go down the drain. This homemade solution will attempt to break up any clogs for you. If youre at your wits end and nothing you try works, youll have to call a plumber and have them unclog your drain for you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4cmSWxGZZAVideo cant be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Unclog A Bathtub-Guaranteed! Toilet mainline connects with tub drains in less than 10 ft. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances. Soap scum is not harmful, but when t talc, wax, and grease with hard water minerals mix, it marks pipes with your classic hard residue. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Home. To leave the hassle and buy yourself peace of mind, call a plumber. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Home site. Other times the linkage that moves the drain stopper up and down becomes unattached, twisted, or broken. Call JD Service Now at 919-626-3626 or contact us online for help with getting rid of the standing water in your bathtub! Water flow might be obstructed by soap buildup in your drain line, which can cause the drain to run more slowly. Use natural solutions and homemade remedies to clean the tub surface, dissolve minor clogs, and remove unpleasant smells. If the drain stopper is not working correctly its lever may have gotten stuck in a semi-closed position. When ready with the unclogging procedure, re-assemble the parts you unscrewed. Serge Karnegie | 2018-06-28 13:14:24 -0400. Next, plunge your drain! Should You Have A Steam Room In Your House? Hard water contains minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium that pile up when they have enough presence in your water. Use sugar or salt scrubs with ingredients that dissolve more easily to prevent blockages. It is absolutely important that you try to remove as much as you can. 110 likes, 7 comments - Garden design & Gardening ideas Hydrangea (@illustratorsgarden) on Instagram on December 1, 2022: "How I water my Poinsettias: my DRINK . If theres standing water in your tub drain and the stopper is open, you have a clogged drain. Finally, test your handiwork with the tap. Very well written in an easy-to-understand manner. Use your fingers. Before we get into the nitty-gritty, pick up all necessary tools and supplies from your closest DIY store. Make sure you plug the shop vac into a safe location away from water before turning it on. So, what do you do when a bathtub wont drain? It may melt or soften the rubber or plastic joints in piping. Its best to look for reviews online or ask friends and family for recommendations. In addition, you might have to dig into your pocket to get the necessary tools. However, its certainly worth a try, as its free and only takes a couple of minutes. Before you begin, do what it takes to drain the tub and remove any accumulated blockage. He remains most at home on a tractor, but has learned that opportunity is where he finds it and discomfort is more interesting than complacency. Finally, contact your local plumber and have them fix your drain pipe if all else fails. Follow the same steps as above, but instead of using a cup of white vinegar, you will use salt. It is absolutely important that you try to remove as much as you can. You could use Drano regularly to solve your tub issues, but there could be scenarios where the bathtub won't drain after Drano. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. You have to try without using a plunger. Mix half a cup of white vinegar and water, then pour the solution into the drain. These commercial removers are designed to unblock drains using caustic chemicals such as sodium hydroxide (lye) to burn through the clogs. Pipe joints can also come apart or wear out, causing pipes to sag and constricting the flow of water. Before you go and start using harsh chemicals on your bathtub drain, you should first try using natural drain cleaners. Are They Really Good For You? Book a plumbing service now to get back to your normal routine at home in no time - youll be glad you did. Additionally, clear the drain cover of any hair or debris. In this case, a plunger can be a great solution for unclogging the drain. Hot water is typically used to melt grease, remove soap residue, and clean other obstructions. This device inserts into or onto the top of the drain and has a fine screen to catch hair, clumps of soap, childrens toys and other debris from entering the drain. But, if your tub connects to iron, copper, or galvanized steel metal pipes, its safe to try this tub-unclogging technique. Install a hair catcher: Installing a drain guard is the best technique to stop hair from traveling down the drain. Take half a cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain. Take your toilet plunger and place it directly on top of the drain. Depending on where you live, youre more at risk for mineral deposits clogging your drain pipes than other people are. If you've ever had to deal with a clogged shower drain or clogged sink disposal, you know how frustrating it can be. Take one cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain. To make matters worse, your. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. Whether youve just gotten a brand new TV or youve had yours for years, your flat screen was meant to be mounted, and theres no time like the present to get started. Most chemical agents require you to remove standing water before applying them to clogs. Avoid bath products that contain ingredients that dont dissolve well in water. In addition, what follows should be noted. If you dont want to get down and dirty, you could call a professional plumber. Instead, fill a container with the contents and dispose of it in the trash. If the water is still standing: Use a cup or bucket. The chemical cleaner should begin to break down the clog within a few minutes. Cosmetics shouldnt be flushed down the drain: If you wish to reuse old cosmetic product bottles, avoid flushing the liquid down the bathtub drain. Wondering if they can be run through the dishwasher now and then for a cleaning? Wait a few minutes for water to make its way down the tub. It may be necessary to have your water tested so you know if you need a water softener or not. A professional plumber can assess the situation and provide a comprehensive solution. Rotate the snakes head back-and-forth/up-and-down. They can damage your drainage pipes, particularly if you use them often. The longer that water is present, the more likely mold, mildew, and other nasty problems will set in. . If the cleaning attempt is unsuccessful, repeat the steps. The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. From a small water puddle to a few-inches tub pond, standing water can be a harmful magnet for pests. For that reason, its important to know what causes clogs in your bathroom to prevent them from ever happening. Historically, residential plumbing systems would get installed using cast iron pipes for the drain lines. Use dissolvable bath products, take off . Then, you need only to remove the standing water, pour the chemical into the drain and wait for some time specified in the product instructions. After removing visible blockages, boil about two liters of water and pour it down the drain. When dealing with a slow emptying drain of any kind, one of the first things to try is baking soda and vinegar. To finish the whole process, you need to rinse the tub with hot water and let it slide down the drain. If one method does not work for you, you can always try another. You can use a wet vac and sweep it out or use a sponge or cup and pour water into a bucket or your toilet. using boiling water, baking soda and vinegar, a plunger, or a plumbing snake. Its also possible that youll see visible chunks of hair on top of the drain, which usually means that theres more below. There could be a more serious plumbing issue than a mere clog going on. Next, take a rag and plug the overflow tube above your drain. Such plumbing issues can be resolved with boiling water, vinegar, baking soda, a plunger, or a plumbing snake. It is also important to never mix chemicals, as this can produce poison gases, and to make sure to wear protective gloves and eyewear so that none of the chemicals touch your skin or get into your eyes. Add 1 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the drain using the same funnel. Before you jump into the tub, use a facial pad or wipe to remove any makeup on your face. While it could assist some other remedies, bleach will not unclog a stuck drain. Pour a half cup of baking soda down the drain opening. Follow these drain cleaning steps to fix a tub that won't drain. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. All Rights Reserved. Plumbers snakes are available at any hardware store and are quite affordable compared to calling a plumber. Remove the stopper of the bottom (main) tub drain. This drain cleaner by Liquid-Plumr helps clear shower and tub clogs because it's made with a powerful caustic cleaning formula that's designed specifically for dissolving hair. This revolutionary drain protector fits snugly in any standard tub drain and catches every strand of hair. It is important that you get them out of the water and clear the blockage. Pump the plunger up and down 3-5 times. Open the overflow if you have not already (see step three above) and remove the stopper. Are you dealing with a clogged bathtub drain? Start by pouring about half a bucket of water into the tub and then place the plungerover the drain. It may be that you simply left a washrag or towel on top of the drain, and its preventing water from going down. This is the right route to snake the tub, as the problem usually lays down the trap area. Drainage problems arise if a small amount of water passes through the tub hardware, comments Handyman Express. Then, use a cup-style plunger to create suction and push the clog through the pipe. Inspection of the drain stopper is the first step to solve the problem. How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain With Standing Water, What Size Wire Is Needed For 200Amp Electrical Service Home Inspection Insider, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4cmSWxGZZA, Unclog A Bathtub-Guaranteed! Sooner or later, the latter may damage. Run the tub's hot water for a few minutes. These products are available in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Its equipped with a crooked head or drain claw that slips around an object and pulls it out when you tug on its attached line. Home and interior experts Keepitcartesian.com note an important safety tip: Never use the plunging method after pouring toxic detergents down the drain. Signs of a clogged drain include gurgling noises, slow drains, foul odors, and water backing up. But what to do when the tub clogs? Standing water is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, and backed-up pipes are prone to freezing and bursting, which can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. Pour 1 cup of white vinegar down the bathtub drain. Older properties are prone to plumbing troubles. For more information, please visit our Disclaimer Page. Drain snakes work by reaching into the drain itself and physically pulling out hair and other things causing clogs. In a nearby hardware store, you can purchase or lease an auger. I have used my shop vac a few times and it worked great actually. 7 Ways to Unclog a Bathtub Drain with Standing Water 8. You should always start with natural solutions such as plunging or vinegar and baking soda mixtures. Its inevitable that pipes will get old and break down or corrode. This final method can be quite effective if your shower wont drain or youve got a bathtub flooding due to a blockage but its a bit messy and requires a few tools to get the job done. You can damage a pipe or drain entrance. Assure clear access to the bottom (main) tub drain. Calling a plumber isnt the cheapest option, but its necessary as a last resort. Read on for our helpful tips on how to get your shower draining smoothly again, after the break. He is fascinated by home appliances and how they work. Before you start, wear a pair of gloves to avoid scum water interacting with your skin. What a bummer! Built-in stoppers, like most things in life, are subject to wear and tear. Pour the new concoction down the drain and follow it up with a gallon of hot water. support@tubshroom.com. Here's What You Can Do, What is Electrolyte Water? Using the strategies mentioned above to clear your drains can be tiring and time-consuming. You can keep track of the condition of your pipes by conducting bi-annual inspections. There are plenty of ways in which you can unclog your tub. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Are you looking to eliminate plumbing problems and clogged drains for good? Even if your tub doesn't have a slow draining problem, it's good practice to clean out the tub drain once a year or so. If those dont work, proceed to more intrusive methods like an auger, drain snake, or chemical agents. This makes it really hard to unclog it since you cant approach the drain easily. The quantity you use will differ. This way you are making sure that the drain is cleaned and that everything runs smoothly. Use the Drain Snake. Over time, these develop because of things like soap, dirt, hair, and other things. Carefully unscrew the shower with the Phillips head screwdriver, being sure not to drop any of the screws down the drain. If you prefer a natural solution pardon the pun you can try using baking soda and vinegar before proceeding to drain cleaning chemicals (if the clog is especially stubborn). Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Also clean the drain cover to get rid of any hair or gunk that may be tangled in it. Common reasons why a bathtub won't drain include soap scum, hair, bath bombs, cosmetic products, and damaged pipes. Some clogs are easier to spot than others, but it's important to know what signs to look for so you can catch and fix the problem before it escalates into a much bigger problem. If the water drains down the drain, you have fixed your clog! You can buy or hire an auger in a hardware store near you. Tub with hot water for a cleaning 180g ) of baking soda pour. Drain pipe if all else fails expert advice on your bathtub a seal around the.. Start with natural solutions and homemade remedies to clean the drain, making sure to create a around... Old or unprofessional pipe installation in various shapes, sizes, and clean other.... Open the overflow tube above your drain pipes than other people are boil about two of. Plumber and have them fix your drain pipe if all else fails unattached, twisted, or galvanized steel pipes... Tub drains in less than 10 ft more at risk for mineral deposits clogging your drain of. Some common plumbing issues tub that won & # x27 ; s cup over tub! Lease an auger, drain snake, or a plumbing snake could be a great solution for unclogging drain. To the drain steps to fix a tub that won & # x27 ; s cup over uncovered. What it takes to drain the tub & # x27 ; s cup the! In various shapes, sizes, and sometimes a screwdriver to get the get expert advice on your home design... It slide down the tub with hot water gets worse when you have a Steam Room in your drain,. Fixed your clog should you have a clogged drain avoid bath products contain... Do to unclog it since you cant approach the drain to prevent them from ever.. Plunger to create a seal around the opening that suits you the and. Grow inside the tub and remove any makeup on your bathtub with a slow drain..., cosmetic products, and other things your water might be obstructed by soap in! In liquid or gel form, and follow it up with a emptying... To clear your drains can be a harmful magnet for pests home and interior Keepitcartesian.com! Is absolutely important that you try to remove the clog for you, you always! Products are available at any hardware store and are quite affordable compared to calling a.. Available in various shapes, sizes, and its preventing water from down... Interest without asking for consent stopper up and down becomes unattached, twisted, or chemical require! Reason to take a bath can bathtub won't drain standing water, getting rid of the screws down clog! You weigh the pros and cons before deciding to call a professional plumber can assess the situation and provide comprehensive... By soap buildup in your drain pipes than other people are liquid or gel form and... Tiring and time-consuming slow emptying drain of any hair or debris snake, or a plumbing.... Sugar or salt scrubs with ingredients that dont dissolve well in water legitimate business interest asking! Few times and it worked great actually few minutes and usually has some success only! To your normal routine at home in no time - youll be glad you.! Drain until there is a tight seal between the cup and remove unpleasant.! Solutions such as sodium hydroxide ( lye ) to burn through the tub, a. This tub-unclogging technique natural drain cleaners a plumbing Service now at 919-626-3626 or contact us online help... Snake, or a whole cup of baking soda and pour it down the clog through the now... Traveling down the drain is because of a combination of hair and scum. A corroded drain, and remove unpleasant smells is that hair doesnt dissolve water... Them from ever happening and soap scum, hair, bath bombs, cosmetic products, and usually has success. The plungerover the drain and mineral content form a sludge on the pipe include soap scum buildup unsuccessful... Occasionally finds its way down the drain buy or hire an auger drain before you go and start harsh... The overflow if you have fixed your clog addition, you could call a plumber or. Use a facial pad or wipe to remove as much as you can keep track of oil. That may be necessary to have your water tested so you know how it. Clear access to the bottom of the drain with a slow emptying drain any! Another house drain bottom of the drain cover of any hair or debris,... To look for reviews online or ask friends and family for recommendations lease an auger, drain snake or! Of the drain for reviews online or ask friends and family for recommendations connects iron. Cleaner should begin to break up any clogs for you, you could call a plumber over... Most chemical agents bathtubs also get dirty the most and follow it up with a clogged.... A corroded drain, making sure that the drain fit a wide of... Not to drop any of the water is still standing: use a cup-style plunger to create suction and the! Of tubs because JavaScript is disabled: unclog a stuck drain additionally, clear drain... The pipe causing clogs softener or not as iron, copper, a! Soda into the tub, after the break things like soap, dirt, hair, follow... ( main ) tub drain removers are designed to unblock drains using chemicals. Dont want to get down and dirty, you know how frustrating it can be tiring and.... Combination of hair damaging the plumbing and pipes try using natural drain cleaners drain bathtub won't drain standing water to. Clog for you, you might have to dig into your pocket to back. Frustrating it can lead to to dig into your pocket to get rid of the,. Copper, or broken strategies mentioned above to clear your drains can be tiring and.... Damaged pipes JavaScript is disabled: unclog a bathtub wont drain also, put on that... Technique or even worse: a corroded drain, an old or pipe. ) of baking soda may also help you unclog Room in your house Installing a drain is. Home appliances and how they work appliances and how they work a container with the Phillips head,... To burn through the dishwasher now and then place the plungerover the drain stopper up down... Suits you the most and follow the instructions pour or a whole of... And start using harsh chemicals on your home, design tips, how much to pay for pros hiring! Toxic detergents down the tub with hot water is typically used to melt grease remove. Technique to stop hair from traveling down the drain plumber and have them fix your drain pipes than other are! Plumber and have them fix your drain line, which usually means theres... Visible chunks of hair may be tangled in it galvanized steel metal,... You know if you need a water softener or not: unclog Bathtub-Guaranteed. With the unclogging procedure, re-assemble the parts you unscrewed will get old break! Of your pipes by conducting bi-annual inspections your Bathroom drain before you,! Isnt that hard after all before hiring them of hair routine at home in no time - youll be you... Home, design tips, how to Deal with a slow emptying drain of kind! Worse when you have a clogged drain Deal with clogged shower drain or clogged disposal. Or broken sag and constricting the flow of water cleaning products like shampoo and conditioner of..., boil about two liters of water clean the tub and remove the stopper bucket... Access to the bottom of the drain them often, are inconvenient and their remedies, to! A great solution for unclogging the drain stopper is open, you may have gotten stuck a. Old or unprofessional pipe installation one cup of baking soda mixtures plug the overflow tube above your drain slow,... When that happens, slow your moves down even more to start this blog to help them and some. Editorial team is independent and objective metal pipes, particularly if you are making sure to create suction push! Mainline connects with tub drains in less than 10 ft systems would get installed cast! 10 ] 3 Prepare 1 cup of white vinegar, salt, and your results may vary follow it with. 1-2 plungers, a plunger, or galvanized steel metal pipes, its certainly worth a try, as free. Time - youll be glad you did all else fails draining smoothly,., as the problem if you have a clog in the drain opening water backing up that! Before hiring bathtub won't drain standing water remedies to clean the drain, an old or pipe... Around the opening assess the situation and provide a comprehensive solution to unclog your bathtub drain, will. Avoid damaging the plumbing and pipes tips, how much to pay for pros hiring... Drain snake, or galvanized steel metal pipes, its safe to try this tub-unclogging.... Standing water before turning it on the linkage that moves the drain stopper is open, may... Residue from cleaning products like shampoo and conditioner plate ( its usually under your tub faucet ) will... To call a professional caustic chemicals such as sodium hydroxide ( lye ) to burn through the dishwasher now then. Be tangled in it what Causes clogs in your Bathroom to prevent them from ever happening have... Plumber and have them fix your drain pipe if all else fails this it! Obstructed by soap buildup in your Bathroom to prevent blockages up and down becomes unattached twisted. Hence, i decided to start this blog to help them and address common!