Sep1

By Dave Bangar

How To Fix a Clogged Bathtub Drain

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Prevention Tips and Household Remedies For Resolving Bathroom Clogs

A clogged bathtub drain is something no Kelowna homeowner ever wants to deal with. Not only does it interfere with your ability to take a relaxing shower, but it can lead to foul smells and health issues from bacteria build-up. 

Sometimes though, clogs happen, and when they do occur, it’s important to have the knowledge and understanding to properly deal with the issue before it leads to further problems.

In this article, we will go over what typically causes a clog in your bathroom drain and how to resolve it and prevent the issue from recurring. Keep reading to learn more.

What Causes a Clogged Bathtub Drain?

A clogged drain is caused by a buildup of different types of debris and household products. When a clog forms in a bathtub drain, there is usually a buildup of:

• Hair
• Soap and shower products
• Foreign objects
• Dirt and grime

Over time, the above types of debris can become trapped in the drain and build until water is no longer able to pass through the drain, forming a clog.

Here are a few ways to prevent this from happening:

• Avoid putting anything down your drain that doesn’t belong there
• Use a hair catcher
• Clean your drain regularly

If you already have a clog and it is not removed quickly, dangerous bacteria and microorganisms can start to grow in your drain, potentially posing health risks to you and your family. So if you suspect you have a clog in your bathtub drain, continue reading to learn about the different resolutions.

Five Ways to Unclog Your Drain

Most clogs are fairly simple to resolve, and depending on the severity, can be removed without help from a plumber. Here are five unclogging methods to explore if you have a bathtub drain clog.

Use a DIY Cleaning Solution

Your first step when unclogging your drain should always be the gentlest method possible to avoid damaging your plumbing system. We recommend starting by mixing a simple cleaning solution made from equal parts of baking soda and vinegar and pouring it down the drain. Let the mixture sit in the drain for 15 to 30 minutes and then flush with hot water.

Use a Plunger to Loosen the Clog

For minor, superficial clogs, you can also try using a plunger to loosen it. If the plunger is successful in removing the clog, be sure to run hot water down the drain afterwards to clear any remaining debris.

Drain Snakes

If you are not able to remove the clog with a plunger or cleaning solution, you can try using a drain snake. A drain snake, also known as a plumber’s snake or auger, is a long tool that you place into the drain to physically remove a clog. A drain snake is able to reach deep into the drain and break up or pull out large clogs that are difficult to remove.

Here’s how you do it:

• Insert the drain snake into the bathtub drain and turn the handle to help it go down the pipe. 
• If there is any resistance when pushing, this is likely your clog. Just keep turning and pushing the snake, and it will eventually break through the clog.
• Once the clog has been dislodged, pull the snake out of the bathtub drain. Then, pour hot water down the drain to flush out any debris.

Chemical Drain Cleaners

If all other methods have failed, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these products can be incredibly damaging to pipes and should only be used as a last resort. 

If you decide to use this method, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and don’t use the chemical cleaner if you have recently poured any other types of chemicals down your drain.  

Contact a Plumber

If all attempts at removing your bathtub clog have failed or you have a large clog that you don’t feel confident about removing yourself, we recommend contacting a professional plumber to take a look. 

At My Plumber Kelowna, our licensed, trained, and highly experienced plumbers have the expertise and professional tools to effectively handle the most stubborn clogs imaginable and resolve any other plumbing issues you may be experiencing.

Call us today at 250-601-0000 or fill out a form on our website, and we will be in touch ASAP.