How to unclog a bathtub drain

If your bathtub drain has a clog you can go about it in two ways, you can try to fix it yourself or you could call a plumber. The first way may take you sometime if you have never done it before but the latter choice will cost you money. We can show you step by step how to fix it your self. Even if you are not mechanically inclined we can help.

The first step to unstopping a bathtub drain is to try running scalding hot water into the drain and maybe that will help loosen the clog up. Then your next step may be to try a plunger, yes a plunger they are not just for toilets. Before using a plunger plug the overflow outlet before you begin. Then your last resort would be to try something like Draino or Liquid Plumber.

If these three methods do not work then you may have to remove the trap that is found under the tub. If you have a bathroom on the first floor and you have crawlspace or basement access, then this job may be easier than you thought. In some older homes the trap will be what they call a drum trap and it has a removable top. The top can become corroded and may be a little hard to remove.

Try using some penetrating oil to the top and let it set for a couple of minutes. Then try using a wrench to take the top off, it that still doesn?t work try using a hammer and a punch. The tubs in newer homes will have tubular traps with the bottom part of the trap is removable by loosening the two bigger nuts. Before loosening the nuts, try hanging a pail under the traps so you can catch any water that will come form the drain.

After the trap is removed, check the cover for any left over debris that may have gotten stuck. Check the pipes that lead to and from the traps to make sure there isn?t any lingering debris. Before anything else, put on a pair of gloves, then by placing your fingers in the pipe feel for pieces of soap and long hair.

Then after you have checked the pipes and removed all of the debris, reseal the drain and run the hot water through the drain for a couple of minutes. This is a way to double check the operation of the drain and will give you a chance to remove any left over debris you may have missed. Replace the traps and now you are ready for business.

dishwasher mr rooter plumbing in alabama toro lawn sprinkler system alen air purifier reviews hydronic heating