How to Clean a Clogged Bathtub Drain: A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Clean Out a Bathtub Drain

Your bathtub drain is a vital part of your bathroom, but it can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. If you don’t clean it regularly, your drain can become clogged and slow to drain, and it may even start to smell bad.

Cleaning your bathtub drain is a simple task that you can do in just a few minutes. With a few household ingredients and a little elbow grease, you can keep your drain clear and flowing freely.

In this article, we’ll show you how to clean out a bathtub drain using a variety of methods, including chemical cleaners, natural cleaners, and a plunger. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent future clogs.

So whether your drain is already clogged or you’re just looking to keep it clean, read on for all the information you need to know.

Step Instructions Tools
1 Remove the drain cover. Plunger, screwdriver, pliers
2 Scrape out any hair or debris that you can see. Plunger, screwdriver, pliers
3 Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Baking soda
4 Follow with a cup of vinegar. Vinegar
5 Cover the drain with a wet cloth and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wet cloth
6 Plunger the drain several times. Plunger
7 Run hot water down the drain to flush out any remaining debris. Hot water

How To Clean Out Bathtub Drain?

Your bathtub drain is one of the most important parts of your bathroom, but it can also be one of the most neglected. A dirty drain can not only lead to a clogged drain, but it can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.

Fortunately, cleaning your bathtub drain is a relatively simple task that you can do yourself in just a few minutes. Here are the steps on how to clean out your bathtub drain:

1. Gather Your Supplies

  • Plumbing snake or auger
  • Bucket
  • Old toothbrush
  • Plunger
  • Vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Hot water

2. Remove the Drain Cover

If your bathtub drain has a cover, you will need to remove it before you can clean it.

To do this, use a screwdriver to pry up the edges of the cover.

Once the cover is loose, you can carefully lift it off of the drain.

3. Clean the Drain with a Plumbing Snake or Auger

A plumbing snake or auger is a long, flexible tool that can be used to clear obstructions from drains.

To use a plumbing snake or auger, first attach it to the end of a drill.

Then, turn on the drill and slowly insert the snake or auger into the drain.

As you insert the snake or auger, it will loosen and break up any obstructions that are blocking the drain.

Continue to insert the snake or auger until you are able to clear the obstruction.

4. Clean the Drain with a Bucket and Hot Water

After you have cleared the obstruction with a plumbing snake or auger, you can use a bucket and hot water to clean the drain.

To do this, fill a bucket with hot water and pour it down the drain.

The hot water will help to loosen any remaining dirt and debris.

You may need to repeat this step several times to completely clean the drain.

5. Clean the Drain with a Plunger

A plunger can be used to remove any remaining water and debris from the drain.

To use a plunger, first place the plunger over the drain.

Then, push down on the plunger and release it several times.

The suction created by the plunger will help to remove any remaining water and debris from the drain.

6. Clean the Drain with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Vinegar and baking soda are a natural cleaning solution that can be used to disinfect and deodorize drains.

To use vinegar and baking soda, first pour a cup of vinegar down the drain.

Then, sprinkle a cup of baking soda into the drain.

The vinegar and baking soda will react together to create a fizzy solution that will help to clean and deodorize the drain.

Let the vinegar and baking soda sit for several minutes before flushing them down the drain with hot water.

7.

By following these steps, you can easily clean out your bathtub drain and keep it free of clogs and obstructions.

A clean drain will not only help to prevent clogs, but it will also help to keep your bathroom clean and sanitary.

How To Clean Out Bathtub Drain?

Bathtub drains can get clogged with hair, soap scum, and other debris. This can make it difficult to drain water from the bathtub, and it can also create a breeding ground for bacteria. If your bathtub drain is clogged, you can clean it out using a few simple steps.

1. Remove the Drain Cover

The first step is to remove the drain cover. This is usually a small, round cover that is located in the center of the bathtub drain. To remove the cover, you will need to use a screwdriver or a pair of pliers. Once the cover is removed, you will be able to access the drain itself.

2. Clear the Drain

Once the drain cover is removed, you can begin to clear the drain. If the drain is clogged with hair, you can use a plumbing snake or auger to remove it. To do this, insert the snake or auger into the drain and turn it clockwise. Continue turning the snake or auger until the clog is removed.

You can also use a plunger to clear the drain. To do this, place the plunger over the drain and push down and up several times. This will create suction that will help to loosen the clog and push it out of the drain.

3. Clean the Drain

Once the drain is clear, you can clean it. To do this, mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda in a bucket. Pour the mixture into the drain and let it sit for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, pour hot water down the drain to rinse it clean. You can also use a toothbrush to scrub the inside of the drain if necessary.

4. Prevent Future Clogs

Once you have cleaned out the bathtub drain, you can take steps to prevent future clogs. Here are a few tips:

  • Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain. Grease and oil can solidify and clog the drain.
  • Don’t throw hair down the drain. Hair can wrap around the drain and cause a clog.
  • Use a drain strainer to catch hair and other debris. A drain strainer can help to prevent larger items from entering the drain and causing a clog.
  • Clean the drain regularly. Cleaning the drain regularly can help to prevent clogs from forming.

By following these tips, you can keep your bathtub drain clear and flowing freely.

Clogged bathtub drains can be a nuisance, but they can be easily cleaned out with a few simple steps. By following the steps in this guide, you can have your bathtub drain clean and flowing freely in no time.

How do I clean a bathtub drain?

There are a few different ways to clean a bathtub drain. Here are two of the most common methods:

1. Using a plunger

A plunger is a simple and effective way to clear a clogged bathtub drain. To use a plunger, first fill the bathtub with enough water to cover the bottom of the drain. Then, place the plunger over the drain and push and pull it up and down several times. The suction created by the plunger should help to loosen and remove any clogs.

2. Using a drain cleaner

Drain cleaners are available in both liquid and gel form. They are designed to dissolve hair, soap scum, and other debris that can clog drains. To use a drain cleaner, follow the directions on the product label. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when using a drain cleaner, as they can be corrosive.

What are some common causes of bathtub drain clogs?

There are a number of things that can cause a bathtub drain to clog, including:

  • Hair
  • Soap scum
  • Grease
  • Dirt
  • Mildew
  • Foreign objects (such as toys or coins)

How often should I clean my bathtub drain?

The frequency with which you clean your bathtub drain depends on how often you use it. If you use your bathtub regularly, you should clean the drain at least once a month. If you don’t use your bathtub very often, you can probably get away with cleaning it less frequently.

What are some tips for preventing bathtub drain clogs?

There are a few things you can do to help prevent bathtub drain clogs, including:

  • Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain. Grease and oil can solidify and clog the drain.
  • Don’t flush wipes or other non-flushable items down the drain. These items can clog the drain and damage your plumbing.
  • Rinse hair out of the drain after each shower. Hair can easily clog the drain if it’s not removed regularly.
  • Clean the drain regularly. A clean drain is less likely to clog.

What should I do if my bathtub drain is still clogged after I’ve tried to clean it?

If your bathtub drain is still clogged after you’ve tried to clean it yourself, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber can use specialized tools and techniques to clear the clog and get your bathtub drain flowing freely again.

there are a few simple steps you can take to clean out your bathtub drain. By following these steps, you can help to prevent clogs and keep your bathtub drains flowing freely.

First, remove any visible hair or debris from the drain using a plunger or a drain snake. Next, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for a few minutes, then rinse it away with hot water. Finally, pour a cup of boiling water down the drain to help loosen any remaining debris.

By following these steps, you can keep your bathtub drains clean and free of clogs. This will help to prevent water from backing up into your bathtub and will also help to extend the life of your drains.

Here are some additional tips for keeping your bathtub drains clean:

  • Clean your drains regularly, even if they don’t appear to be clogged. This will help to prevent small clogs from becoming big problems.
  • Use a drain screen to catch hair and other debris before it can reach your drains.
  • Avoid pouring grease, oil, or other food waste down your drains. These substances can solidify and clog your drains.
  • If you do experience a clog, don’t try to force it through with a plunger or other tool. This could damage your drains. Instead, call a professional plumber to help you clear the clog.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.