If you have long hair or live with someone who does, we bet you’re all too familiar with having a clogged bathtub drain. We all shed strands of hair when we shower and over time, hair builds up in the bathtub drain. The result? A huge glob of wet, slimy hair, and a clogged shower drain, preventing the tub water from draining properly.
Hair isn’t the only culprit though. When shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and other products go down the drain, they can leave behind residue which builds up over time. Sometimes they build up on top of those hair globs we mentioned (glamorous right?). In any case, knowing how to unclog a bathtub drain is a simple skill that can save you time, energy, and money if you know how to do it effectively.
4 Methods to Unclog a Bathtub Drain
While a clogged shower drain can be a nuisance, the problem can be easily fixed with a few simple steps. If you’re not sure how to unclog a tub drain, we’ve made the instructions simple. Performance’s expert plumbers compiled the 4 best ways to unclog a bathtub drain. Each of the following methods is quick and easy. If one doesn’t work, try another.
Method #1 – Removing the clog using a drain claw
Drain claws aren’t just for the sink. Because a drain claw has hundreds of tiny hooks, it can easily grab hair that’s stuck in the drain and pull it out to unclog a bathtub drain. If you’re wondering how to unclog a bathtub drain full of hair, this is definitely the best method for you.
Equipment required
- Drain Claw
Directions
- Remove the drain cover and tub stopper and clear the surface of the drain.
- Insert the drain claw into the drain. Be careful not to push the blockage in further which would clog the drain more. It helps to twist the drain claw into the drain.
- Pull the clog out.
Method #2 – Dissolving the clog using a baking soda and vinegar mixture
If you don’t have a drain claw lying around, you can utilize household products. Because of its simplicity, this technique is often described as the best way to unclog a bathtub drain. Here’s how to unclog drain with baking soda and vinegar:
Equipment required
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Cup or bowl
Directions
- Combine ½ cup of baking soda with ½ cup of vinegar and mix.
- Remove the drain cap and pour the mixture quickly down the drain, then let it sit for five to ten minutes.
- As the mixture fizzes up, pour hot water down the drain. This should break up any residue in the drain and dislodge the clog.
Method #3 – Vacuuming the drain clog
Who knew shop vacuums are a pretty great tool for unclogging shower drains? They have powerful suction vacapitilities making them highly effective in removing stubborn clogs from bathtub drains. Plus, unlike drain claws or plungers, using a shop vacuum to unclog a tub drain is a relatively clean process.
Equipment required
- Shop vacuum
- Towel to clean up excess water
Directions
- Remove the stopper from the tub drain.
- Fill the tub with one to two inches of hot water.
- Place the cup plunger over the drain so the lip of the cup seals to the tub’s surface.
- Use quick, forceful strokes to push the plunger down and up. Repeat five times.
- Repeat the process until the drain starts to flow freely.
Method #4 – Using a plunger
A plunger isn’t just for the toilet! It can also help you unclog shower drains in a jiffy. Plungers are easy to use and most people already have one in their home. Plungers are generally safe for pipes as they don’t involve any harsh chemicals that could damage the plumbing system. As such, it is often recognized as one of the best ways to unclog a bathtub drain.
Equipment required
- Plunger
Directions
- Remove the stopper from the tub drain.
- Fill the tub with one to two inches of hot water.
- Place the cup plunger over the drain so the lip of the cup seals to the tub’s surface.
- Use quick, forceful strokes to push the plunger down and up. Repeat five times.
- Repeat the process until the drain starts to flow freely.
Call Your Local Plumber from Performance to Unclog Your Bathtub Drain
While you may be able to fix some bathtub plumbing issues yourself, it’s important to know when to call a professional. If you’ve tried to fix that clogged shower drain yourself to no avail, contact Performance. One of our trained technicians will be able to quickly diagnose and assess the issue and clear the blockage.