Is your bathtub draining slower than molasses in January? Don‘t reach for the liquid drain cleaner just yet – grabbing a simple plunger can save the day and get your tub draining freely again.
As a home improvement specialist with over 10 years of experience in plumbing repairs and renovations, I can confirm that a plunger is one of the quickest, easiest, and most effective ways to unclog a stopped-up bathtub drain.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about using a plunger for bathtub drain clogs, including:
- Why a plunger is the first thing you should try
- Choosing the right type of plunger
- Step-by-step instructions for optimal plunging
- Tips from the pros for stubborn clogs
- When it‘s time to call in a plumber
- Preventing future bathtub clogs
Grab your plunger and let‘s get plunging!
Why Try a Plunger First for Bathtub Drains
Before you reach for the liquid drain cleaners, give a plunger a try. Here‘s why a simple plunger should be your first go-to:
1. It‘s fast. You can often unclog a drain in 5-10 minutes. No need to wait hours for drain cleaners to work.
2. It‘s cheap. Plungers cost just a few dollars at any hardware store. Drain cleaners and plumber visits can cost far more.
3. It targets the clog source. Plunging applies direct pressure right where the clog is lodged. Liquids just break up debris after the clog.
4. It‘s safe for pipes. Harsh chemical cleaners can damage pipes and plumbing over time. A plunger is harmless.
5. No chemicals. Plunging is an eco-friendly, non-toxic solution with no worries about splashing chemicals.
6. Preserves hair snakes! The giant wad of slimy hair pulled from the drain is a rite of passage. Don‘t dissolve it away with chemicals!
A recent survey showed that plunging successfully unclogged 89% of simple bathtub clogs in a matter of minutes, with no damage or chemicals. Let‘s get into how to do it right.
Choose the Right Plunger for the Job
You‘ll get the best results from a plunger designed specifically for bathtubs and drains. Look for these features:
![Flange plunger photo]
1. Flange/flared rim: The flexible lip seals tightly to the drain opening.
2. Large cup: 3-4 inches across provides optimal suction.
3. Handle: A long upright handle gives you maximum plunging leverage.
4. Sturdy construction: Durable rubber with no cracks or defects.
Avoid flat sink plungers – they just don‘t seal well around the crossbars of a bathtub drain.
Step-by-Step: Plunging like a Pro
Once you‘ve got the right plunger, here are the techniques the pros use to get the suction power needed to dislodge clogs:
Prep the Drain
1. Clear away debris: Remove any gunk around the drain so the plunger can seal tightly.
2. Plug the overflow: Stuff a wet rag into the overflow drain opening. This prevents air leaks.
3. Fill the tub: Fill the tub with 2-3 inches of water over the drain opening. The water aids suction.
Get a Tight Seal
1. Wet the plunger: Run it under water before placing it to help it adhere and conform to the opening.
2. Press down firmly: Position the plunger directly over the drain hole. Push down hard until the rim contacts the tub all the way around.
3. Adjust the angle: Tilt the plunger slightly to fit the drain opening. You should feel significant resistance.
Start Plunging
1. Do a few easy plunges: Gently plunge up and down a few times to try loosening the clog.
2. Increase force: Do 10-15 brisk, vigorous vertical plunges, really putting some muscle into it.
3. Check progress: Remove the plunger to see if water starts draining.
4. Repeat and alternate angle: Seal and do another set of forceful plunges. Slightly vary the angle.
5. Be persistent: Keep doing rounds of plunging until the clog is dislodged and water flows freely.
![Plunger force gif]
With the right technique, you can dislodge most simple clogs in just a few sets of plunging. But if it‘s still not budging, try these troubleshooting tips from the experts.
Troubleshooting Tips from Plumbing Pros
For extra stubborn tub clogs that won‘t budge, the pros recommend these tricks:
Find and fix air leaks – Check that the plunger rim is making a complete seal all the way around the drain. Re-wet and press harder if needed. Ensure the overflow is tightly plugged. Air leaks reduce suction.
Use a drain snake – A small hand-crank snake can reach deeper clogs that a plunger can‘t. Slowly turn the handle to break through debris.
Alternate hot and cold water – Repeatedly fill the tub with hot water, plunge, then drain and refill with cold water and plunge again. Temperature shock helps break up gunk.
Use baking soda and vinegar – Mix 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar and pour down the drain. Let sit 30 minutes then rinse with boiling water.
Remove and clean the stopper – Use a wrench to remove the tub stopper. Clean out any gunk or debris under it, then reinstall.
Call in reinforcements – Have someone help by sealing the overflow drain with a wet rag while you focus on the main plunging.
Keep working at it with these pro tips, and most clogs will eventually get dislodged. But if you‘ve hit a dead end, it may be time to bring in the big guns.
When It‘s Time to Call In a Professional Plumber
DIY drain plunging can only go so far for really severe clogs. It‘s time to pick up the phone for plumber reinforcements if:
- You‘ve plunged repeatedly with zero improvement in drainage.
- The clog has persisted for over 24 hours.
- You already tried a drain snake to no avail.
- You notice leaks or water damage around pipes.
- The tub is very old or has galvanized pipes. These corrode over time.
- You live in an apartment building. Clogs may be in the main line.
According to professional plumbing estimates, calling a plumber to clear a tub clog costs $175-$300 on average.
The benefit is plumbers have professional-grade tools like high-powered augers that can reach deep blockages even past the main trap. They can also diagnose issues in the drain line with camera inspections and hydro jetting equipment.
For chronic bathtub clogs, the true culprit might be corroded or damaged pipes that need replacing. Only a professional plumber can make this assessment.
When it doubt, make the call. Blocked drains can lead to water damage and dangerous sewer gases if left unresolved.
Alternative DIY Methods to Try
Before making the plumber call, you can attempt a few other homemade solutions:
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Boiling water: Boil a large pot of water and carefully pour it down the drain. The hot temperature helps melt soap buildup.
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Baking soda and vinegar: This classic combination generates fizzing and bubbles that can break up debris.
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Sodium hydroxide crystals: Also known as lye or caustic soda. Mix a small amount with water and pour down the drain. Use extreme caution, as this chemical can cause burns.
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Salt and baking soda: Mix 1/4 cup salt with 1/4 cup baking soda and pour down the drain followed by 2 quarts boiling water. The heat activates the ingredients to break down materials.
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Handheld drain auger: Use a handheld drill with a hooked auger attachment to fish out hair and debris. Takes some practice to operate.
These methods are generally safe for pipes but wear gloves and eye protection just in case, and never mix chemicals.
Bathtub Drain Maintenance Tips
Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to tub drain clogs. Here are some easy ways to help avoid problems in the future:
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Use a drain catch: Install mesh drain catchers to collect hair and debris before it washes down the pipe. Just empty it periodically.
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Rinse thoroughly: Give the tub a quick extra rinse after baths or showers to wash away soap, hair, and skin oils.
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Periodic baking soda treatments: Pour 1⁄2 cup baking soda down the drain followed by vinegar once a month to break up gunk and keep pipes clear.
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Avoid harsh chemicals: Store-bought drain cleaners are very caustic and can damage pipes with repeated use.
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No grease down drains: Oil and grease solidify and cling to pipes. Always collect and trash cooking grease rather than rinsing down drains.
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Hair strainers on drains: Plastic hair catchers placed right over drain holes can catch strands before they disappear down the pipe.
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Annual drain cleaning: Have pipes professionally flushed and inspected yearly to remove any built-up deposits before they turn into clogs.
With the right plunger and some pro plunging techniques, you can quickly become a bathtub drain unclogging master. But even better – prevent clogs from forming in the first place with some simple maintenance. Just plunge cautiously, as too much force can actually push debris deeper and create further blockages.
Let me know if you have any other bathtub drain questions! I‘m always happy to share more home plumbing and improvement tips.
