Content

• Steps
• Advice
• What you need
• Warning

It can be troublesome when the bathtub is clogged, especially when you are in need of a bath. Fortunately, you probably don't need to call a plumber to fix this. Here are a few tips to help you unclog your bathtub with products that can be found in the home or in the store.

Steps

Method 1 of 5: Use a catheter hook

1. 

   Remove the strainer. Hair and soap debris often accumulate under the strainer inside or above the drain hole. Although there are many types of screens that can be removed by hand, some are screw mounted and must be opened with a screwdriver. You need to choose the right screwdriver.
   • If you don't know what type of screwdriver to use, push a screwdriver to the end of the screw.
   • The size and shape of a screwdriver head should easily match the screw.
   • Open all screws around the strainer until all is loose. Then carefully set the screws aside as you unclog the tube.

2. 

   
   
   Remove the stopper. Some drains have stoppers instead of screens, and are also located inside the drain hose mouth. The stopper is easier to remove as it is not attached with screws. Just turn and lift the stopper.

3. 

   Clean trash around the strainer and stopper. Lots of debris can accumulate on the strainer or stopper over time. You need to remove hair or soap particles and you may need to scrub the strainer or stopper if it becomes dirty.

4. 

   
   
   Slide the catheter down the drain. When the catheter is inserted deep enough, it will reach the siphon tube (the curved section of the drain hose). Continue to push the catheter through the siphon. The catheter is flexible and will curl along the pipe.

5. 

   Pull out the catheter stick. The tip of the rod has many small hooks that can collect hair and help pull out the trash. Remove any residue from the drain stick if you want to save it next time. Hair and soap can build up for at least a few months, so the catheter is a useful household item.

6. 

   
   
   Check the tub to see if it is clear. Water should drain as usual. If this method didn't work, try another one.

7. 

   Replace the strainer or stopper in the same way you removed it. If the plug worked, you can now reinsert the strainer and stopper. The strainer needs to be screwed on top of the drain hole, and the stopper just needs to be put back in the drain. advertisement

Method 2 of 5: Use chemical drain cleaner

1. 

   Buy a chemical drain cleaner at the store. These products help unclog the drain with chemicals such as potassium hydroxide or sulfuric acid. When used correctly, these cleaning agents clear most clogs. You can choose to buy these at a home or discount store.
   • Make sure the product you intend to use is appropriate for your sewer system; The appropriate water hose type on the label on the back of the product packaging will be indicated.
   • Buy a product specifically intended for baths.
   • If you don't know where the detergent is found or which one to buy, ask a salesperson for help.

2. 

   Read the instructions on the back of the product packaging. Every detergent has slightly different instructions; some require the user to wear goggles or only pour a certain amount of liquid, etc. Reading the instructions is a very important step in keeping safe when using.

3. 

   Drain the tub out of the water. You may need to use a bucket or large cup to scoop up the remaining water in the tub.

4. 

   
   
   Pour the right amount of detergent into the tub's drain. Drano brand detergent, for example, needs to be poured half a bottle (900 ml) down a clogged drain. Meanwhile, Crystal Lye Drain Opener only requires 1 tablespoon. Be careful not to splash chemicals when you open bottles and pour them into pipes.
   • Wipe off any spills immediately.
   • Wear gloves during all chemical handling.

5. 

   
   
   Wait for results. Many detergents have instructions that wait 15-30 minutes are sufficient, so wait during this time. Set an alarm to keep track of the exact time.

6. 

   Rinse cold water. The drain will be clear in about 15-30 minutes. Turn on cold water to run into the tub, and the water will quickly drain down the drain.

7. 

   
   
   Contact a professional plumber if the drain is still not clear. Mixing chemicals can be dangerous, so don't try different chemicals if the first one doesn't work. At this point, you should call a professional plumber for help. advertisement

Method 3 of 5: Use baking soda

1. 

   Clean the strainer or stopper. You will find that hair and soap can accumulate under the strainer or stopper located inside or above the drain hose mouth. Open the screws that secure the strainer and remove the stopper by twisting and lifting. Scrub away any debris or hair that has accumulated.

2. 

   Fill the kettle with water and bring to a boil. Fill the kettle with water, as you won't know exactly how much water to use. Wait for the water to boil. If you don't have a kettle, you can use a large pot to boil it.

3. 

   Pour boiling water straight down the drain. This step can clear the catheter right away. Remember not to splash the water to avoid getting burned. Now turn on the bath water to see if the water has drained normally.

4. 

   Pour 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup white vinegar into the drain. If the method of pouring boiling water into the drain doesn't work, use baking soda and vinegar to remove the residue.

5. 

   Wait 15-20 minutes. Let the baking soda and vinegar take effect for 15-20 minutes. You can use the alarm clock to keep track of time.

6. 

   Boil more boiling water. Fill the kettle again and bring to a boil.

7. 

   Pour hot water directly down the drain hose. The water reacts with the baking soda and vinegar, helping to unclog the tube. Check the tub to see if the water is draining; If not, try another way. The baking soda and vinegar method is chemically free and usually only helps to dissolve small clogs, so it's not always effective. advertisement

Method 4 of 5: Use a rubber plunger

1. 

   Scour the strainer or stopper to remove any debris. Remove the screws that secure the strainer with the appropriate screwdriver. Turn and lift the stopper to remove. Scrub the strainer and stopper to remove hair and soap debris.

2. 

   Turn the water into the bath until it reaches about 10 cm. You need to turn on the water so that only enough to cover the plunger; water gives the plunger suction power.

3. 

   Use the plunger to remove any obstructions in the pipeline. Place the rubber end of the plunger over the drain hole, press and pull up quickly. This step takes effort, and be careful - you can splash yourself with water. Dirty water and debris will usually be ejected when you depress the plunger.
   • After about 10 douches, check to see if dirty water and debris are coming out of the drain.
   • Consider adding more force if obstacles are not coming out of the pipe.
   • Continue to recess the plunger until you lift the plunger and see water running away.
   • If obstructions are still in the pipe, you may need to use another method.
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Method 5 of 5: Clean the strainer and stopper

1. 

   Remove the strainer. Residue buildup on the strainer and stopper often causes slow drainage. Remove the screws around the strainer with a suitable screwdriver and place the screws in a safe place while cleaning the strainer. The stopper is easier to remove as it is not screw-mounted; you just need to twist and lift it.
   • Most tubs have a trash net or stopper.
   • This method usually works well for small clogs, so it may not be effective if the drain is severely clogged.

2. 

   Clean any debris around the strainer and stopper. Lots of debris can accumulate here. Remove hair and soap chips; you may also need to scrub the strainer and stopper.

3. 

   Replace the strainer and stopper as if you had removed it. The screen needs to be screwed on the top of the drain hole, and the stopper just needs to be placed back in the pipe mouth.

4. 

   Check the result. Turn on the water in the tub to see if the drain is working properly. If not, you will have to use a different method. advertisement

Advice

• Use gloves when clearing the drain.
• Avoid mixing chemicals together. This can be dangerous.
• Straight-forward paper clips can be used as a replacement for the catheter hook, but are more difficult to handle.

What you need

• The rubber plunger clears the toilet bowl
• Shove
• Screwdrivers
• The catheter is blocked
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Salt
• Cold water
• Cleaning chemicals
• Rubber gloves
• Kettle

Warning

• If, after using the drain cleaner, it remains clogged, be sure to tell your plumber so they can take the appropriate precautions.
• If using a drain cleaner, wait a few hours before taking a bath.Detergent residue can leak from the drain hose and mix with the bath water. You need to drain a lot of clean water down the drain hose.
• Be careful when handling the drain cleaner, as it contains chemicals that can cause skin burns.