Unclogging a clogged bathtub drain can be a frustrating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and techniques, you can easily clear the blockage yourself without having to call a plumber. A simple plunger can often do the trick if you use it correctly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to unclog a bathtub drain with a plunger.
What You’ll Need
- Plunger – It should have a flange that forms a tight seal over the drain.
- Bucket – Fill it with enough hot water to cover the plunger suction cups.
- Dish soap – Helps lubricate the drain and break up debris.
- Vinyl gloves – Protect your hands from gross grime.
- Eye protection – Prevent splashing water from getting in your eyes.
Before You Start
First, try to determine what’s causing the clog. Hair and soap scum are common bathtub drain cloggers. Don’t use chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage pipes and make clogs worse. Here are some prep tips:
- Remove the drain stopper if possible. This allows full plunger access.
- Boil a pot of water. Carefully pour it down the drain to help loosen the clog.
- Use a zip-it drain cleaning tool to pull out hair from the drain.
- Scoop out any debris you can see from the drain opening.
How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain
Follow these steps to unclog a bathtub drain with a plunger:
1. Fill the Plunger with Water
- Fill the bucket with 4-6 inches of very hot water.
- Submerge the plunger head completely to allow it to fill up.
- Add a squirt of dish soap into the water.
2. Seal the Plunger Over the Drain
- Firmly press the plunger over the drain opening to form a tight seal.
- The water in the plunger will start to bubble as the seal is created.
3. Plunge Vigorously
- Work the plunger up and down rhythmically 15-20 times in quick succession.
- On the down push, apply extra force to plunge deeper into the drain.
- The suction created will help dislodge the clog.
4. Repeat as Needed
- Pull the plunger up, breaking the seal. Allow more water to flow into it.
- Seal it over the drain again and repeat the plunging process.
- You may need to plunge multiple times to clear a stubborn clog fully.
5. Flush with Hot Water
- After plunging, remove the plunger and flush the drain with very hot water.
- Let it run for a full minute as the forceful flow helps wash away debris.
- Repeat plunging if any water remains backed up.
FAQs About Unclogging a Bathtub Drain
How do I know if the clog is fully clear?
Run hot water into the tub from the faucet for 1-2 minutes. If it drains completely without any pooling or backing up, the drain is unclogged.
What if the plunger isn’t working?
Check that you are creating a tight seal over the drain opening when plunging. Also, fill the plunger with very hot water before each attempt. Trying a plunger with a larger bell can help generate more force too.
What should I do if plunging fails to unclog it?
You may need to use a drain snake if plunging is ineffective. Feed the snake down the drain to physically hook and pull up the clog. Hire a professional plumber if you can’t clear it yourself.
Why does my bathtub keep getting clogged?
Frequent clogs usually mean there is an ongoing buildup of hair, soap residue, and other debris inside the drain pipe. Try using a drain screen to catch hair before it goes down the drain. Pouring baking soda and vinegar regularly can help prevent soap scum buildup.
What’s the fastest way to unclog a bathtub drain?
A plunger is the quickest and simplest DIY method before trying more intensive methods like snaking. Combining vigorous plunging with very hot water is the most effective approach. Just seal and plunge forcefully in short bursts.
Should I use boiling water?
Boiling water can help soften a clog, but take care to avoid injury when pouring it in the drain. Hot tap water at around 140°F is safer but still effective for loosening gunk. Let it cool briefly first to avoid cracking your tub.
In Closing
Unclogging a stubborn bathtub clog doesn’t require expensive plumbing tools or harsh chemical cleaners. With some hot water and determined plunging, you can often clear out the blockage easily and quickly. Ensure you seal the plunger properly before plunging forcefully in repeated short bursts. Combine this with flushing very hot water, and you should see the backed-up water start disappearing down the drain in no time. Just remember to start gentle to prevent damage before applying more vigorous plunging.