How to unblock a clogged or slow draining bath drain
A warm bubble bath is a great way to unwind at the end of a long day. However, stress can come quickly flooding back if you pull the plug and the bathtub won’t drain. Bathtub drains are prone to blockages due to the accumulation of debris that gets washed down. A combination of skin cells, hair, dirt and soap scum can gather in the drain over time resulting in a clogged bath drain. Bath drains also have the added risk of blockages caused by children’s toys getting sucked down the drain when the bath water out is let out.
A clogged bath drain becomes very inconvenient if the only shower in the house has been installed over the bath. A minor clog means you could be showering with ten centimetres of dirty water lapping at your ankles. In severe cases, a blocked bath drain can render both the shower and the bath unusable.
Thankfully, there are a number of simple techniques you can try to unblock a bath drain. When you know how to unclog a bathtub drain, the problem can often be sorted out quickly and easily, without having to engage a plumber.
How to remove a bath tub drain blockage with your hands or a coat hanger
Quite often, whatever is clogging the bathtub drain is located near the drain hole opening. Simply reaching in and removing the clog will get the water flowing freely again. You might want to wear gloves as the slimy clump of hair and scum you remove can be quite unsightly.
The first step is to remove the bathtub drain stopper or grate. These articles by The Spruce and Plumbing Supply explain how to easily remove different types of bathtub drain stoppers. Below are also some handy videos showing how to remove various bathtub drain covers.
How to remove a pop-up bathtub drain
How to remove bathtub drain
Once the drain grate or stopper has been removed, reach down and see what you can pull out by hand. If you can’t get down far enough you can make a drain claw using an unfurled wire coat hanger or any piece of pliable wire. Form a small hook on the end of the wire that can be used to fish out the clog. Have a plastic bag ready to dispose of the clog. Once you have removed as much of the clog as possible, test the drain by running hot water down it.
How to unclog a bath drain clog with a plunger
Bathtub drains have a flat surface making them a great candidate for unclogging using a cup plunger. A cup plunger is the most standard plunger and it can be used on most drains throughout the home (excluding toilets). Getting a tight seal is of paramount importance as because this is what creates suction and loosens the clog when you commence plunging.
Fill the bathtub up with around two to five centimetres of hot water. Place the plunger over the drain opening and push down to release some of the air from the cup. Begin pushing the plunger down and then pulling it back up using quick forceful strokes. Be mindful to keep the plunger vertical and not to pull up too high so as to break the seal.
Plunging works by forcing water down the pipe, then sucking it back up. Moving the clog up and down the pipes helps to break down the clog and disperse it. Continue plunging until the drain is free from clogs and starts to flow freely.
When to call a blocked drain plumber
If neither of the above techniques are yielding results, there could be an issue further down the drain line. When the main sewer is blocked you will notice that other plumbing fixtures are having problems too. If you suspect a blocked sewer drain get in touch with a blocked drain plumber as soon as possible. JAB Plumbing Solutions are Sydney’s leading blocked drain plumbers. We carry the latest industry tools used to diagnose blocked drains quickly and come up with the most cost effective solutions. Call us today on 1800 225 552.
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