Quick Instructions

• Remove the Drain Cover
• Remove excess water
• Pour Baking Soda into the drain
• Pour Vinegar into the Drain
• Stuff a rag into the drain opening and wait a half-hour
• Remove the Rag
• Pour Boiling Water down the drain

If you are reading this, chances are, you have had the unfortunate experience of attempting to let the water out of your tub after a bath or have found yourself standing in the tub taking a shower and have noticed that the water is increasingly rising due to the fact that the drain is clogged.

The truth of the matter is, this is a relatively common occurrence – especially with drains located within the bathtub.

This little pipe has but one function and that is simply to drain that which is in the tub, out into the septic tank.

Examples are not only water, but bits of soap, soap scum, hair, dirt, grime, and similar items. In most instances, it is quite simple to unclog a tub drain; however, there are those instances when it is time to call in a professional.

Baking Soda + Vinegar + Hot Water

The first step is to remove the cover of the drain so that you have immediate access to the open area of the drain and the pipes that it is attached to. Now, if the water is backed up, you will need to remove the standing water in order to get the highest level of access. This is as simple as scooping it out with a cup or something similar. Now, take some baking soda and pour about a half of a box into the drain itself.

Get yourself an old rag and form a ball. Keep it in one hand while you pour vinegar down the drain. Once you do this, put the rag in and allow it to sit. In the meantime, boil some water.

After approximately a half an hour, remove the balled-up rag and pour the hot water down the drain. In most instances, you will discover the problem resolves itself. If it doesn’t, continue on.

Snake the Drain

Now, take a plumbing snake and insert it into the drain. You should push and turn the plumbing device. Once you feel some resistance, you have likely hit the culprit of the clog.

Now, simply twist, move it back and forth, and attempt to dislodge the clog. Pull out the plumbing snake and see if the clog comes with it. If it does not, continue working the tool until it does. You will likely – eventually – resolve the clog.

If you find that it is draining more appropriately, pour hot water down the drain – just to be certain that the problem is fixed. If the problem is not completely resolved, you may move on to the next step.

Use a Plunger

Now, you should purchase a plunger that may be used only in your bathtub. For safety reasons, you should not use the same plunger that you use for your toilet. If there is standing water, position the plunger over the drain and slowly move it up and down. Before you know it, the drain will likely clear itself. If you find that it is working, you may work the plunger a bit faster.

Once the drain is all clear, you may then flush the drain and accompanying pipes with hot water. If these methods have not worked for you, you may have to resort to a chemical-based drain cleaner that is appropriate for bathtubs; however, you must practice caution as these are strong and dangerous chemicals. You should avoid using these if anyone in the home has respiratory problems or allergies.

If you are not comfortable performing the steps outlined in this guide or if you have performed all of the steps and none have proven effective, it is time to call in a professional plumber.

It is common for hair, soap, and dirt to block tub drains; however, there are instances when the culprit is a bit more serious.

For example, minerals that dissolve in the water may lead to the development of insoluble-based clogs and masses that block the drain or the pipe.

In addition to this, it is sometimes possible for underground pipes to crack and for roots from trees and shrubs to grow inside of them.

This will not only block your pipes, but will restrict the flow of water and could damage both your pipes and your septic system.

We here at Reynolds Plumbing have all of the tools and resources to unclog that stubborn tub drain. If you have a problem that needs to be contended with, we have a solution! We can quickly diagnose the issue and get your pipes all clear. For more information, give us a call today at: 765-966-0994