Can I use drain cleaner in a bathtub?
Standing in a puddle while showering? Yep, that’s a classic sign of a clogged bathtub drain. But before you rush to grab that bottle of drain cleaner, let’s chat about some easier (and safer) ways to get that water flowing again.
Chemical drain cleaner can seem like a quick fix. But here’s the deal: that stuff can damage your pipes, especially if you use it a lot. Plus, it’s not exactly great for the environment. It’s usually better to try some other tricks first.
Step-by-Step Guide to Unclogging a Bathtub Drain
Remove Standing Water
First things first, let’s get that standing water out of there. Grab a bucket, a sponge, or even some old towels. Yeah, it’s a pain, but trust me, it’ll make the rest of this process way easier.
Uncover the Overflow Drain
Now, see that little cover under your faucet? That’s the overflow cover. Unscrew it and take a peek inside. Sometimes, you’ll find hair and gunk caught on the metal bits. If you do, clean it out. You might get lucky and solve the problem right there!
Plunge
Alright, here’s where things get fun. We’re going to create a mini vacuum in your pipes. Sounds cool, right?
- Stuff a wet washcloth into that overflow hole you just opened; this helps create suction.
- Grab your trusty plunger and place it over the drain. Make sure it’s got a good seal.
- Start plunging! And I mean really go for it. This isn’t a gentle workout – put some muscle into it!
- Keep at it until the water drains. Once it does, give it a few more plunges for good measure.
Replace the Overflow Cover
Once the drain is flowing again, reattach the overflow cover.
Bonus Step: Baking Soda and Vinegar
If plunging doesn’t quite do the trick, let’s try a little kitchen chemistry. Grab some baking soda and white vinegar:
- Pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Follow it up with a cup of vinegar.
- Listen to it fizz for a few minutes (kinda fun, right?).
- After about 5 minutes, flush it all down with some boiling water.
This combo can help break down any gunk that’s still hanging around in there.
Preventing Future Drain Clogs
You probably don’t want to make unclogging drains your new hobby. So here are some quick tips to keep that water flowing:
- Get a drain trap. It’s like a little net that catches hair and other stuff before it can clog your pipes.
- Give your hair a quick brush before you hop in the shower. Less loose hair = less chance of clogs.
- Do that baking soda and vinegar trick we talked about once a month. Think of it as a spa day for your pipes.
- For more tips on what plumbers recommend to keep your drains clean, go here.
Methods for Stubborn Clogs
If you’ve tried all this and your tub is still acting like a kiddie pool, don’t worry. There are still a few more tricks we can try:
- Got some Dawn dish soap? Pour a bit down the drain and follow it with hot water. It’s great for breaking up grease.
- Use a wire clothes hanger or a drain claw to fish out any stubborn clogs.
- Try a chemical drain cleaner. (Here’s how different kids of drain cleaners work.)
And hey, if none of this works, there’s no shame in calling a plumber. Sometimes, you need to bring in the pros, and that’s totally okay. Give us a shout at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing – we offer complete drain cleaning services in the Daytona area. We’re proud to be your punctual plumbers.
Remember, dealing with clogs is just part of homeownership. But with these tricks, you’ll be handling most of them like a pro in no time.