The tub drain is clogged, and the water is pooling round your ankles as you’re taking a bathe. You attempt to clear the clog with a plunger, however that does not work. You strive utilizing a drain snake, however that does not work both. You are beginning to get annoyed, and you do not know what to do. If plunging and snaking the drain doesn’t work, now could be the time to seize one of many following objects under.
You may strive utilizing a chemical drain cleaner. These cleaners are designed to dissolve hair, cleaning soap scum, and different gunk that may clog a drain. Nevertheless, chemical drain cleaners may be dangerous to your pipes and your well being, so it is necessary to make use of them solely as a final resort. Furthermore, when you’ve got standing water, then you definately can not use chemical drain cleaner as a result of it can splash and trigger chemical burns.
There are some things you are able to do to stop bathtub drain clogs within the first place. Bathtub drain stoppers gather hair and cleaning soap scum fairly simply. Eradicating the stopper and cleansing it out regularly can assist stop clogs. Moreover, use a hair catcher within the drain to catch free hairs earlier than they will go down the drain. Lastly, keep away from pouring grease or fats down the drain. Grease and fats can solidify and trigger clogs.
The Anatomy of a Clogged Bathtub Drain
Understanding the elements of a tub drain is essential for efficient unclogging. The drain meeting consists of a number of interconnected components:
Bathtub Drain Stopper:
The tub drain stopper is a rubber or plastic plug that may be managed by a lever or knob. It’s used to seal the drain opening when the bathtub is crammed with water and prevents water from escaping.
Strainer:
The strainer is a metallic or plastic mesh filter that matches contained in the drain opening. It traps hair, cleaning soap scum, and different particles, stopping them from getting into the drain pipe.
Drain Pipe:
The drain pipe is a vertical pipe that connects the tub drain to the principle sewer line. It transports wastewater away from the tub.
P-Lure:
The P-trap is a U-shaped part of pipe positioned under the drain. It holds a small quantity of water to create a water seal, stopping sewer gases from escaping into the toilet.
Clear-Out Plug:
A clean-out plug is a detachable cap positioned on the base of the P-trap. It permits entry to the drain pipe for cleansing or unclogging functions.
Frequent Causes of Bathtub Drain Clogs
There are a selection of widespread culprits that may result in a clogged bathtub drain. Listed here are a couple of of probably the most frequent offenders:
Hair
Hair is among the commonest causes of tub drain clogs. Whenever you wash your hair, free strands can simply find yourself within the drain. Over time, these strands can accumulate and type a clog that blocks the circulate of water. To stop hair from clogging your drain, set up a drain cowl to catch free strands. You must also clear your drain frequently to take away any hair that has amassed.
Cleaning soap Scum
Cleaning soap scum is one other widespread trigger of tub drain clogs. Cleaning soap scum is a mixture of cleaning soap, minerals, and filth that may construct up on the perimeters of your bathtub and within the drain. Over time, this build-up can slender the drain and ultimately trigger a clog. To stop cleaning soap scum from clogging your drain, clear your bathtub frequently with a cleaning soap scum remover. You can even use a drain cleaner to assist dissolve cleaning soap scum build-up.
Mineral Deposits
Mineral deposits are one other widespread trigger of tub drain clogs. Arduous water incorporates minerals, corresponding to calcium and magnesium, that may construct up on the perimeters of your bathtub and within the drain. Over time, this build-up can slender the drain and ultimately trigger a clog. To stop mineral deposits from clogging your drain, use a water softener to take away minerals out of your water. You can even clear your bathtub frequently with a vinegar answer to assist dissolve mineral deposits.
| Trigger | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Hair | Use a drain cowl and clear the drain frequently. |
| Cleaning soap scum | Clear the tub frequently with a cleaning soap scum remover. |
| Mineral deposits | Use a water softener and clear the tub frequently with a vinegar answer. |
DIY Unclogging Methods
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar: Sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, adopted by ½ cup of white vinegar. Cowl the drain with a stopper or plug and let the combination sit for Half-hour to permit the chemical response to interrupt down the clog. Flush the drain with scorching water.
2. Drain Snake: Insert the drain snake into the drain and switch the deal with to advance the snake. Use agency, light strain to push the snake down the drain till you’re feeling resistance. Rotate the deal with to loosen the clog and pull the snake out whereas turning the deal with to retrieve the clog.
3. Plunger:
Supplies:
| Merchandise | Objective |
|---|---|
| Plunger | Creates suction to dislodge the clog |
| Water | Lubricates the seal and creates suction |
| Bucket or massive bowl | Catches overflow |
Steps:
- Place the plunger over the drain, guaranteeing a decent seal.
- Fill the tub with water to cowl the plunger.
- Plunge vigorously up and down for 10-15 instances, creating suction and strain.
- Elevate the plunger and test if the water drains. Repeat as vital.
- Flush the drain with scorching water to clear any remaining particles.
Utilizing a Plunger
1. Collect your supplies.
You will want a plunger, a bucket, and a towel.
2. Place the plunger over the drain.
Be sure that the plunger is totally protecting the drain.
3. Pump the plunger up and down.
Pump the plunger up and down vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Take away the plunger and test the drain.
If the water has drained, you’re completed. If the water has not drained, repeat steps 2 and three till the water drains.
Suggestions for utilizing a plunger:
* Use a plunger that’s the proper measurement on your drain.
* You probably have a double sink, make sure to plug the opposite drain earlier than plunging.
* If the water is just not draining, strive utilizing a unique sort of plunger, corresponding to a flange plunger or a sink plunger.
* If the plunger is just not working, you could want to make use of a drain snake or name a plumber.
Here’s a desk summarizing the steps for unclogging a bath drain with standing water utilizing a plunger:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Collect your supplies. |
| 2 | Place the plunger over the drain. |
| 3 | Pump the plunger up and down. |
| 4 | Take away the plunger and test the drain. |
Using a Drain Snake
A drain snake, also called a plumber’s snake, is a slender, versatile software designed to succeed in deep into drains and dislodge clogs. To make use of a drain snake:
- Insert the snake into the drain. Flip the deal with to increase the snake, feeding it deeper into the drain as you go.
- Slowly rotate the snake whereas pulling it out. As you rotate, the snake’s tooth will catch on the clog and break it aside.
- As soon as you’re feeling resistance, apply light strain to the snake whereas persevering with to rotate. It will assist dislodge the clog.
- Repeat steps 2-3 till the clog is cleared. You might want to tug the snake out and clear particles from its tooth as you’re employed.
- To make sure thorough cleansing, run scorching water down the drain for a number of minutes after utilizing the snake. It will assist flush any remaining particles and forestall future clogs.
Making use of Chemical Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are a handy and efficient strategy to unclog bathtub drains. Nevertheless, it is necessary to make use of warning and comply with the producer’s directions rigorously. Here is the right way to apply chemical cleaners to unclog a bath drain with standing water:
1. Collect Supplies:
* Chemical drain cleaner
* Gloves
* Eye safety
* Rag or towels
2. Shield Your self:
* Put on gloves and eye safety.
* Preserve kids and pets away from the realm.
3. Put together the Drain:
* Take away the drain stopper.
* Scoop out as a lot standing water as attainable utilizing a cup or bucket.
4. Apply the Cleaner:
* Slowly pour the chemical drain cleaner into the drain.
* Keep away from splashing or getting any in your pores and skin.
5. Let It Sit:
* Permit the cleaner to take a seat within the drain for the period of time specified on the producer’s directions.
* It will give the chemical compounds time to dissolve the clog.
6. Flush with Scorching Water:
| Clogs | Flushing Time |
|---|---|
| Minor Clogs | 5-10 minutes |
| Reasonable Clogs | 15-Half-hour |
| Extreme Clogs | 30-60 minutes or in a single day |
* After the allotted time, flush the drain with scorching water for not less than 30 seconds.
* It will assist take away the cleaner and any loosened particles.
7. Repeat If Crucial:
* If the clog persists, you could must repeat the method.
* Wait not less than 8 hours between purposes.
8. Neutralize the Drain:
* If it’s essential to use chemical drain cleaner a number of instances, pour a combination of 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar into the drain.
* It will neutralize any remaining chemical compounds.
Pure Treatments for Clogged Drains
Should you’re dealing with a clogged bathtub drain with standing water, these pure treatments can assist you unclog it with out harsh chemical compounds.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Create a robust cleansing answer by mixing equal components white vinegar and baking soda. Pour the combination down the drain and let it fizz and bubble for not less than Half-hour. Flush with scorching water.
Salt and Scorching Water
Pour 1/2 cup of salt down the drain, adopted by 2 cups of boiling water. Repeat a number of instances to dissolve and flush out the blockage.
Dish Cleaning soap
Use a mixture of scorching water and 1/4 cup of dish cleaning soap. Slowly pour the answer down the drain and let it sit for about 10 minutes earlier than flushing with extra scorching water.
Caustic Soda (Drain Cleaner)
Warning: Put on gloves and eye safety when utilizing caustic soda. Pour 1 cup of caustic soda down the drain, adopted by 2 cups of chilly water. Wait quarter-hour earlier than flushing with scorching water.
Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
Combine 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Pour the combination down the drain and let it effervesce for Half-hour. Flush with scorching water.
Selfmade Drain Cleaner
Create a potent drain cleaner by mixing 1 cup of baking soda, 1 cup of salt, and 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Pour the combination down the drain and let it fizz for Half-hour earlier than flushing with scorching water.
Boiling Water
If different strategies fail, strive pouring boiling water down the drain. The warmth can assist break down and dissolve blockages. Repeat a number of instances to unclog the drain.
| Treatment | Directions |
|---|---|
| Vinegar and Baking Soda | Combine equal components vinegar and baking soda, pour down drain, fizz for Half-hour, flush with scorching water |
| Salt and Scorching Water | Pour 1/2 cup salt down drain, adopted by 2 cups boiling water, repeat a number of instances |
| Dish Cleaning soap | Combine 1/4 cup dish cleaning soap with scorching water, pour down drain, let sit for 10 minutes, flush with scorching water |
Preventative Measures for Avoiding Drain Clogs
Stopping drain clogs is essential to take care of a clean circulate of water in your bathtub. Listed here are some preventative measures to contemplate:
- Use a Drain Strainer: Putting in a drain strainer in your bathtub will stop hair, cleaning soap scum, and different particles from getting into the drain and inflicting a clog.
- Keep away from Flushing Non-Biodegradable Objects: Keep away from flushing sanitary napkins, cotton balls, or every other non-biodegradable objects down the drain, as they will simply clog the pipes.
- Commonly Clear the Drain Stopper: Take away and clear the drain stopper each few weeks to take away any amassed hair or particles which will block the drain.
- Periodic Baking Soda and Vinegar Therapy: Pour half a cup of baking soda adopted by a cup of white vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for Half-hour, then flush with scorching water. This helps dissolve cleaning soap scum and grease buildup.
- Use Drain Cleansing Tablets: Business drain cleansing tablets also can assist stop clogs by breaking down natural matter within the drain. Use them as soon as a month or as instructed on the product label.
- Hair Catching Brush: Use a hair-catching brush to take away hair out of your tub earlier than it may well enter the drain. These brushes are specifically designed to gather hair and forestall it from clogging.
- Chemical Drain Cleaners: Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical drain cleaners as they will harm your pipes and contribute to environmental air pollution. Go for extra eco-friendly strategies talked about above.
- Skilled Drain Cleansing Service: Should you expertise persistent drain clogs, contemplate hiring an expert drain cleansing service to completely clear and take away particles.
- Keep away from Oily Substances:
Oil-based merchandise like cooking oil, butter, and grease can solidify and accumulate in pipes, inflicting clogs. Keep away from pouring them down the drain, as an alternative eliminate them correctly in a sealed container.
Learn how to Unclog a Bathtub Drain with Standing Water
A clogged bathtub drain could be a irritating downside, particularly if there may be standing water within the tub. If you end up on this scenario, don’t be concerned – there are a number of methods to unclog the drain with out having to name a plumber. Here is what it’s essential to do:
1. Take away the drain cowl. The drain cowl is normally held in place by a couple of screws. Upon getting eliminated the screws, you’ll be able to raise the duvet off the drain.
2. Use a plunger. A plunger is a straightforward however efficient software that may assist to unclog drains. To make use of a plunger, place the cup over the drain and push down on the deal with. You should definitely create a decent seal across the drain in order that the plunger can create suction. Push down on the plunger a number of instances, then launch and repeat. If the clog is near the floor, the plunger ought to be capable to dislodge it.
3. Use a drain snake. A drain snake is an extended, versatile wire that may be inserted into the drain to interrupt up clogs. To make use of a drain snake, insert the tip of the snake into the drain and switch the deal with. The snake will work its approach down the drain, breaking apart any clogs that it encounters. As soon as the clog has been damaged up, you’ll be able to take away the snake from the drain.
4. Use a chemical drain cleaner. Chemical drain cleaners are a fast and simple strategy to unclog drains, however they need to be used with warning. You should definitely comply with the instructions on the bundle rigorously, and by no means use greater than the really useful quantity. Chemical drain cleaners may be dangerous if they don’t seem to be used correctly.
Upon getting unclogged the drain, make sure to run scorching water by it for a couple of minutes to flush out any remaining particles. You must also clear the drain cowl and the realm across the drain to stop future clogs.
Folks Additionally Ask About Learn how to Unclog a Bathtub Drain With Standing Water
How can I stop my bathtub drain from clogging?
There are a number of issues you are able to do to stop your bathtub drain from clogging, together with:
- Do not pour grease or oil down the drain.
- Do not flush hair or different particles down the drain.
- Use a drain strainer to catch hair and different particles.
- Clear the drain cowl and the realm across the drain frequently.
What if I can not unclog the drain myself?
If you cannot unclog the drain your self, you could must name a plumber. A plumber may have the instruments and expertise to unclog even probably the most cussed clogs.
How a lot does it value to unclog a bath drain?
The price to unclog a bath drain will fluctuate relying on the severity of the clog and the placement of your house. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to count on to pay between $50 and $150 for a plumber to unclog the drain.
