How to Unclog a Clogged Bathtub Drain in 3 Steps

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How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain Full of Water

A clogged bathtub drain is a common problem that can be both frustrating and inconvenient. Not only is it difficult to take a bath or shower when the water won’t drain, but it can also lead to water damage if the clog is not cleared up quickly.

There are a few different ways to unclog a bathtub drain, depending on the type of clog and the tools you have available. In this article, we will discuss three different methods for clearing a clogged bathtub drain: using a plunger, using a drain snake, and using a chemical drain cleaner.

We will also provide tips for preventing bathtub clogs in the future. So if you’re dealing with a clogged bathtub drain, read on for help!

Step Instructions Image
1 Get a bucket and fill it with hot water.
2 Pour the hot water down the drain.
3 Use a plunger to plunge the drain.
4 If the clog is still not cleared, use a drain snake to clear the clog.

Identify the Cause of the Clog

Before you can start to unclog a bathtub drain, you need to identify the cause of the clog. This will help you determine the best course of action.

There are a few common causes of bathtub drain clogs:

  • Hair: Hair is one of the most common causes of bathtub drain clogs. As you shower, your hair falls down the drain and can eventually build up, creating a blockage.
  • Soap scum: Soap scum can also build up in your bathtub drain and cause a clog. This is especially common if you use a lot of soap or if you don’t rinse your bathtub thoroughly after each use.
  • Body oils: Body oils can also contribute to bathtub drain clogs. These oils can build up on the sides of the drain and eventually harden, creating a blockage.
  • Foreign objects: Foreign objects, such as toys, hair ties, or bobby pins, can also get stuck in your bathtub drain and cause a clog.

Once you’ve identified the cause of the clog, you can start to take steps to unclog it.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you start to unclog your bathtub drain, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. These supplies include:

  • A plunger
  • A drain snake
  • A bucket
  • A scrub brush
  • A cup of vinegar
  • A cup of baking soda

You may also need a pair of gloves if you’re dealing with a particularly nasty clog.

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, you’re ready to start unclogging your bathtub drain.

3. Clear the Clog

If you’ve tried everything you can think of to clear the clog and nothing has worked, it’s time to call in a professional plumber. A plumber will have the tools and experience to clear even the most stubborn clogs.

In the meantime, here are a few things you can do to try to clear the clog yourself:

  • Use a plunger. A plunger is a simple but effective tool for clearing clogs. 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 dislodge the clog.
  • Pour boiling water down the drain. Boiling water can help to break up a clog. Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain and let it sit for a few minutes. The hot water should help to loosen the clog and make it easier to remove.
  • Use a drain snake. A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that can be used to reach into the drain and clear a clog. Insert the drain snake into the drain and slowly turn it clockwise. The snake should catch on the clog and help to pull it out.
  • Use a chemical drain cleaner. Chemical drain cleaners are available at most hardware stores. These cleaners are designed to dissolve clogs. Follow the directions on the product label carefully. Chemical drain cleaners can be harmful if they are not used properly.

4. Prevent Future Clogs

The best way to prevent bathtub clogs is to take steps to keep your drains clean and free of debris. Here are a few tips:

  • Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain. Grease and oil can solidify and build up in your drains, causing clogs.
  • Don’t flush wipes or other non-flushable items down the toilet. These items can clog your drains and pipes.
  • Rinse hair out of your sink drain after you shower. Hair can wrap around the drain and cause a clog.
  • Clean your drains regularly. Once a week, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain and follow it with a cup of vinegar. The baking soda and vinegar will react to create a fizzy mixture that will help to loosen any debris in the drain.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent bathtub clogs and keep your drains flowing freely.

How do I unclog a bathtub drain that is full of water?

There are a few different ways to unclog a bathtub drain that is full of water. Here are two of the most common methods:

1. Using a plunger

A plunger is a simple but effective tool for clearing clogs in bathtub drains. To use a plunger, first fill the bathtub with enough water to cover the plunger cup. Then, place the plunger over the drain and push down and pull up repeatedly. The suction created by the plunger should break up the clog and allow the water to drain.

2. Using a drain snake

A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that is used to reach into the drain and dislodge clogs. To use a drain snake, first remove the drain cover. Then, insert the snake into the drain and slowly push it down until you reach the clog. Once you have reached the clog, turn the snake clockwise to loosen it. Continue turning the snake until the clog is cleared and the water is able to drain.

What if the clog is too big for a plunger or drain snake?

If the clog is too big for a plunger or drain snake, you may need to call a professional plumber to clear the clog. A plumber will have the tools and experience necessary to remove even the most stubborn clogs.

How can I prevent bathtub drains from clogging?

There are a few things you can do to prevent bathtub drains from clogging:

  • Keep the drain free of hair and other debris. Hair and other debris can build up in the drain and eventually cause a clog. To prevent this, make sure to clean the drain regularly.
  • Use a drain cover. A drain cover can help to keep hair and other debris from entering the drain in the first place.
  • Don’t pour grease or other fats down the drain. Grease and other fats can solidify and cause a clog.
  • Don’t flush wipes or other non-flushable items down the toilet. Wipes and other non-flushable items can also cause clogs.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your bathtub drains clear and flowing freely.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to unclog a bathtub drain that is full of water. We have provided a step-by-step guide on how to do this using a plunger, a drain snake, and a chemical drain cleaner. We have also discussed some of the common causes of bathtub drain clogs and how to prevent them from happening in the future.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful and that you are now able to unclog your bathtub drain with ease. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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.