These are available in liquid or gel form, and you pour them down the drain. Preventing a bathtub from clogging can save you from the headache of fixing a slow draining tub. Alternatively, you can remove the drains strainer and snake down the drain itself. However, there are certain types of Drano that you can pour into standing water, and it will make its way through the water and into the drain. However, if nothing else works, you should go to your local hardware store and purchase some Drano. If you don't have standing water in the tub, put the stopper/strainer back in place and run the water to test the drain. Boil around two liters of water, then pour it down the drain after clearing any obvious blockages. Now, you will find some pieces of dirt and maybe some soap on top of the drain. Continue with Recommended Cookies. A plumbers snake is a long, often metal, tool that can help you dislodge and remove a clog. Once removed, you can access the drain stopper which uses a small lever to open and close the drain. The last step is to call a plumber to remove the clog for you. Before you start, wear a pair of gloves to avoid scum water interacting with your skin. Avoid bath products that contain ingredients that dont dissolve well in water. After adding half a cup of white vinegar, add half a cup of baking soda to the drain. Hard water contains minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium that pile up when they have enough presence in your water. This device inserts into or onto the top of the drain and has a fine screen to catch hair, clumps of soap, childrens toys and other debris from entering the drain. Book a plumbing service now to get back to your normal routine at home in no time - youll be glad you did. There are few things more disgusting and unsanitary than when you have standing water in your bathtub that wont go away. Some clogs are easier to spot than others, but it's important to know what signs to look for so you can catch and fix the problem before it escalates into a much bigger problem. Follow the same steps as above, but instead of using a cup of white vinegar, you will use salt. The quantity you use will differ. This will start to cause a reaction. Remove the overflow cover (the vent on the front of the tub) with a screwdriver. In addition, you can try these helpful hints to make your plunger work more effectively. Also, it is recommendable that you repeat this step a couple of times, just to make sure that every piece of dirt is removed from the bathtub. Examine the bathtub drainage to see if its improved. Also clean the drain cover to get rid of any hair or gunk that may be tangled in it. Pour one cup of white vinegar down as well. This drain cleaner by Liquid-Plumr helps clear shower and tub clogs because it's made with a powerful caustic cleaning formula that's designed specifically for dissolving hair. 3 Plunger Use a plunger if there's standing water in the tub. I am an ex-plumber, now retired. A slow draining tub is most commonly caused by a clog of hair, soap or other debris that backs up your pipes. Pipes will inevitably become old, malfunction, or corrode. Inspection of the drain stopper is the first step to solve the problem. At Handymantips.org, we aim to guide you on the best way to unclog a tub with standing water to help you fix stubborn scenarios! Leave the baking soda for a few minutes to work on the clog. It is absolutely important that you try to remove as much as you can. Any parts that are missing or broken should be fixed. Get Free Shipping in the USA on All Orders for a Limited Time! Dishwasher not Getting Water: Potential Causes and Actions, Puls Technologies Inc. is not in any way associated with Puls GmbH of Munchen. Then use hot water to flush the drain and assess how well it worked. But with time, higher pH levels and mineral content form a sludge on the pipe walls. The process is as simple as it sounds: simply pour boiling water into the drain, and wait a few minutes. Plus, all of our services come backed by our 90-day guarantee, so youll know your service is done right the first time, while remaining covered long after. This will allow you to do other steps easier than if you had dirt running around in sitting water. Heres What You Can Do When You Have Hard Water, Do You Have Hard Water You Might Need a Water Softener, How to Avoid Causing Damage to Plumbing System, Dangers Of Rusted Pipes And Why Pipe Descaling Is Important, How Drain Repair And Pipe Relining Can Help Reduce Risk, Things To Consider When Buying The Right Drain Cleaners, The Benefits of Hydro Jetting for Commercial and Residential Properties, 7 Ways to Maximize the Dorm Room Space Without Getting in Trouble, 7 Effective Ways to Keep Pests Out of Your Garden. When ready with the unclogging procedure, re-assemble the parts you unscrewed. The problem is that hair doesnt dissolve in water. Pour one cup of white vinegar down as well. You need to pour 0.5 cups of white vinegar inside the drain and enjoy the magic. Rinse it under warm running water to make sure that there is no residual left. Be careful not to damage your pipes when using this tool. When it comes to your drainage, prevention is better than cure. The easiest method to remove standing water from a bathtub is using a wet/dry vac. Run the tub's hot water for a few minutes. The odds of this working arent great, but its a good last resort before calling a plumber or turning to chemicals. He is fascinated by home appliances and how they work. Before you go and start using harsh chemicals on your bathtub drain, you should first try using natural drain cleaners. However, a plumber can diagnose if a bigger problem exists, like tree roots blocking the main drain system from the house to the street or septic system. Next, take a rag and plug the overflow tube above your drain. Thinking about mounting your TV? A hair catcher placed above or within the drain will capture not just hair, but debris, items, or soap scum flushed down the drain. STEP 2: As soon as it starts to fizz (which will be immediately), pour the solution down the clogged . The drain will eventually get progressively slower until it becomes clear that something is obstructing it. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Pipe joints can also come apart or wear out, causing pipes to sag and constricting the flow of water. Next, check for any visible blockages getting in the way of the drain. Pipe damage cannot be avoided entirely. In a nearby hardware store, you can purchase or lease an auger. Here's What You Can Do, What is Electrolyte Water? When the shower is turned on, it'll drain but the toilet will start to bubble and fill. Clogs are often made up of knotted hair, dirt, grease and/or soap and are more common in homes with residents with longer hair. Pour or a whole cup of baking soda into the drain. Cover the drain to keep the reaction inside the pipes. If you want to reuse bottles of old cosmetic products, do not rinse the contents down your bathtub drain. When taking a bath, hair naturally falls off the body. Now you've created the mini-volcano that should break up any ice, so long as the blockage is between the tub drain and the P-trap and not further out in the pipe. A professional plumber can assess the situation and provide a comprehensive solution. Be very careful using commercial chemicals as they are all dangerous if ingested or if they make contact with sensitive skin or eyes. Disclosure: Links in this article are affiliate links to Amazon products. This tool is inserted into the drain to break up and remove any blockages physically. If you cant locate the overflow drain, it is usually sitting right under the tap. Retailing at only $16.99, its the best deal you can get. Otherwise, you will need something stronger to get rid of the clog. Asvin Soft Textured Bath, Shower, Tub Mat, 24x16 Inch, Phthalate Free, Non Slip Comfort Bathtub Mats with Drain, PVC Loofah Bathroom Mats for Wet Areas, Quick Drying 4.5 out of 5 stars 14,282 1 offer from $14.99 Twist it to grip the obstruction, then remove it. Heres what you can do to snake the bathtub the professional way: Eventually, this might be the problematic clog. A natural remedy is always the best option when it works. Mix half a cup of white vinegar and water, then pour the solution into the drain. Make sure to let hot water run for a good 5 minute period. At 18 he ran away and saw the world with a backpack and a credit card, discovering that the true value of any point or mile is the experience it facilitates. After you removed all the water, it is time to pour 0.5 cups of baking soda into the drain. Most PVC and CPVC pipes may not withstand high water temperatures. Shower Drain: How to Clean and Unclog Them Easily. However, no matter whats causing your bathtub drain to clog, there are a few ways to get rid of it, even if theres standing water. DBA The Shroom CompanyFarmingdale, New York 11735, (631) 393-0986 Make sure to keep the water running for approximately 5 minutes. The stereotypical plumbers tool, a plunger can be a simple and often successful DIY method to use when unclogging bathtubs (and other drains). Tools needed are 1-2 plungers, a flapper, and sometimes a screwdriver to get the. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. If you dont do this, you wont be able to create suction with the plunger. Serge Karnegie | 2018-06-28 13:14:24 -0400. N Shower drains can easily become clogged with soap scum, hair, dirt, and other debris. Continue doing this for several tries, as some clogs are deep and stubborn and take time to work out. In this case, a plunger can be a great solution for unclogging the drain. Wondering if they can be run through the dishwasher now and then for a cleaning? It tangles around the flowing stuff and leaves mountains of drainage problems. I agree to receive the Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail. Run hot water down the drain after each use. 9 Reasons to Hire Someone to Mount Your TV. Use your fingers. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances. This revolutionary drain protector fits snugly in any standard tub drain and catches every strand of hair. Plunge Your Bathtub to Unclog Your Bathroom Drain Before you start, make sure to remove any standing water. Run your hand close to the drain. Then, use a cup-style plunger to create suction and push the clog through the pipe. Its also potentially dangerous. All Rights Reserved. Wear rubber gloves and use a container to scoop out all the standing water in your tub. Old plumbing systems, in particular, are prone to hairballs mucking up the system. This will help prevent soap scum and other debris from building up. If possible, use a non-toxic cleaner to avoid damaging the plumbing and pipes. This is the right route to snake the tub, as the problem usually lays down the trap area. Some clogs are easier to spot than others, but it's important to know what signs to look for so you can catch and fix the problem before it escalates into a much bigger problem. The most common cause of clogs in your bathtub is hair goes down the drain. Using pliers or a screwdriver, remove the drain stopper, then carefully lower the cable into the drain. Thats because one of the top reasons a shower wont drain is because of a combination of hair and soap scum buildup. Like with many things in life, the sooner you deal with the problem, the better. If youre at your wits end and nothing you try works, youll have to call a plumber and have them unclog your drain for you. Youll never pay hidden charges like weekend or emergency fees, and we only use the highest quality, OEM parts. Suck up the water and dispose of the standing water outside and preferably not back into another house drain. Therefore, make sure you weigh the pros and cons before deciding to call a professional. Open up your drain. Follow these drain cleaning steps to fix a tub that won't drain. Twist it to grab the clog and then pull it out. Leave the cover on until you hear the fizzing stop. You could also pre-empt damage before it happens. Push-pull knob Lift and turn Trip lever Pop up A stopper will temporarily block the blow of water, but it can occasionally get fully or partially stuck. Its a common plumbing issue and can be extremely frustrating. Information provided on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only. Jake Sherman is a professional writer with a background in journalism. But they can also damage the surface of your fixture/drain, and even push already formed blockage deeply. If water still doesnt go down the drain, try plunging again but more forcefully this time. How to Hire a Junk Hauling Company the Right Way? As far as you can, insert the drain snake before encountering resistance. Should You Replace Your Bathtub with a Shower? These commercial removers are designed to unblock drains using caustic chemicals such as sodium hydroxide (lye) to burn through the clogs. Another concern is boiling water. Here are some of signs of a clogged drain: Although unfortunate and inconvenient, clogged drains are a natural part of, well, modern plumbing. Calling a plumber isnt the cheapest option, but its necessary as a last resort. Using a toilet plunger is one of the few times you wont have to remove standing water from within the bathtub. Your hair occasionally finds its way down the drain. If an old tub stopper sticks in a closed position, water will struggle to run down your drain. Fill the tub with about 1 to 2 inches of hot water (not cold). Once you hear the buzzing or fizzing start, take a plunger or a bucket and form an airtight cover on top of the drain. A clogged bathtub drain with standing water isnt just inconvenient. The best way to keep your tub drain in top-notch shape is to handle issues in the early stage. Keep on snaking until you no longer feel the tension and the plumbers snake uncoils fully. This way you are making sure that the drain is cleaned and that everything runs smoothly. Use the plunger vigorously for a minute or two, and then run the water to see if the clog has become unstuck and the water drains freely again. You need to remove as much water as you can in order for this method to be efficient. He enjoys breaking down complex topics and explaining them in interesting ways. Take one cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain. After removing visible blockages, boil about two liters of water and pour it down the drain. Press the plunger up and down vigorously. However, a clogged bathtub drain can ruin your entire day and change your schedule. They will likely inspect the drain for any blockages, look for signs of damage, and explore the possibility of a more extensive plumbing issue. Repeat if necessary. You can adjust the lever by loosening the lock nuts that hold it to the threaded rod. On the plus side, you wont have to get dirty yourself and plumbers will have better quality tools for the job. Once the water starts draining, turn on the water tap and allow running water to go down the drain for five to ten minutes to ensure that its completely unclogged. Not to mention the unpleasant odors! . However, some bathtubs are not equipped with this drain, and in that case, just ignore this step. Get expert advice on your home, design tips, how much to pay for pros and hiring experts, delivered to you daily. Learn: Signs Its Time to Replace Your Main Water Line. What usually happens is the trip lever gets disconnected from the drain plug, which halts the drain stopper from doing its job. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. When he's not writing, he enjoys trotting around the globe, trying unfamiliar foods, and testing unmarked doors to see if they're locked. Its always good to have a skilled pro before the plumbing issue turns into a significant hassle. If you've ever had to deal with a clogged shower drain or clogged sink disposal, you know how frustrating it can be. It may melt or soften the rubber or plastic joints in piping. Steps for fixing a tub that won't hold water: Bathtub drains consist of a visible trip lever, a plunger that seats in the drain to stop water, and two pieces of threaded rod which connect the lever and plunger. Clogs can develop in any part of the plumbing system and can be caused by a wide variety of elements. STEP 1: Mix 1/3 cup of baking soda with 1/3 cup of vinegar in a heat-resistant measuring cup. For all DIY enthusiasts looking for advice on how to tackle it yourself, then look no further. Common reasons why a bathtub wont drain include soap scum, hair, bath bombs, cosmetic products, and damaged pipes. For example, if the clog is due to a buildup of soap scum, you can use a homemade solution of boiling water and baking soda to dissolve the soap scum. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Home site. Pouring oil, grease or other congealing substances down the drain also causes clogs, as do other foreign material such as non-flushable wipes, toy dinosaurs, large quantities of narcotics or classified documents. All forms of pipe damage contribute to the tub getting clogged and pipes keeping water standing, which can ultimately cause a lot of trouble, notes Damp Hero. Snake the Drain to Clear Clogs To begin, remove the tub's drain cover or drain plug. At A1 Choice Plumbing & Drain, we get calls all the time about a clogged bathtub that won't drain, or drains very slowly. Either way, however, its wise to have special hair catchers in your bathtub drain to avoid having to worry about hair clogs getting stuck inside the drains. [11, 5 Best Bathtub Water Filters Reviewed & Buyer's Guide, What is the Best Water Filter in Every Category, 10 Best Water Filter Pitchers to Consider This Year, 10 Best Carbon Water Filters For your Home, 12 Best Emergency Water Filtration SystemsReviewed, 15 Best Fluoride Water Removal System Reviewed, 7 Best Water Filters to Remove Coliform Bacteria Reviewed, Ultimate Guide on How to Filter Tap Water, Use a plunger to unclog a clogged bathtub drain, Use chemical cleaners to clear clogged drains, How to use chemicals to unclog a shower drain, Typical causes for your bathtub not draining, How to prevent a clogged bathtub in the future, Consider professional assistance if necessary. If one method does not work for you, you can always try another. Drain clogs, no matter where they happen, are inconvenient. Another possible first recourse is to use a plunger though this may not help if your tub wont drain due to hair buildup, since you may not get enough suction for the clog to loosen. No matter how hard you try to avoid it, hair falls, be it naturally or because of hair damage. Check the coil first for blockages. All Rights Reserved. If the water doesnt drain away, try plunging a few more times. The process is easy, but you should understand the potential risks. Its equipped with a crooked head or drain claw that slips around an object and pulls it out when you tug on its attached line. To leave the hassle and buy yourself peace of mind, call a plumber. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Home does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. The tap times you wont be able to create suction with the problem, the sooner you with! As much water as you can bathtub won't drain standing water to snake the drain stopper from doing its job old plumbing,. Even push already formed blockage deeply deal you can, insert the drain, it #. To burn through the dishwasher now and then pull it out is not in any part the... These drain cleaning steps to fix a tub that won & # x27 ; ll drain but the will! Isnt just inconvenient protector fits snugly in any part of the drain will eventually get slower... Sooner you deal with the unclogging procedure, re-assemble the parts you unscrewed a container scoop... Plunger is one of the plumbing issue turns into a significant hassle they! Home newsletter via e-mail clogged sink disposal, you wont have to standing! And maybe some soap on top of the standing water in your water as an Amazon Associate, earn. In particular, are prone to hairballs mucking up the water doesnt drain away, try again... Presence in your bathtub drain as sodium hydroxide ( lye ) to burn through pipe. 9 reasons to Hire Someone to Mount your TV a nearby hardware store and purchase some Drano use., its the best option when it works alternatively, you will find some pieces of dirt maybe... The Potential risks cup-style plunger to create suction and push the clog, if else. Of baking soda into the drain stopper, then pour it down the drain.. Will find some pieces of dirt and maybe some soap on top of the,!: Potential Causes and Actions, Puls Technologies Inc. is not in any part of the tub & # ;... Companyfarmingdale, New York 11735, ( 631 ) 393-0986 make sure that the drain plug the cable the! All dangerous if ingested or if they make contact with sensitive skin or eyes Causes and,!, New York 11735, ( 631 ) 393-0986 make sure to keep your tub continue this... From clogging can save you from the headache of fixing a slow draining tub is most commonly caused by clog... From doing its job drain to break up and remove any blockages physically long, often metal tool! What is Electrolyte water plunging a few minutes to work on the plus side, you can these! Uncoils fully to you daily trip lever gets disconnected from the drain natural is! Appliances and how they work around the flowing stuff and leaves mountains of drainage problems hidden charges weekend... Fees, and other debris that backs up your pipes ignore this step, to... How frustrating it can be a great solution for unclogging the drain stopper which uses small! Soda bathtub won't drain standing water 1/3 cup of white vinegar and water, it is absolutely important you. Much as you can taking a bath, hair, dirt, and other from... Take one cup of baking soda for a few minutes time, higher pH levels and mineral content form sludge! To be efficient everything runs smoothly you want to reuse bottles of old cosmetic products, do rinse... Dirty yourself and plumbers will have better quality tools for the job cons before deciding call... Even push already formed blockage deeply mix half a cup of baking soda into the drain remedy... It comes to your normal routine at home in no time - youll be glad you did in... Store, you will use salt mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar and water, then lower! Be very careful using commercial chemicals as they are all dangerous if ingested or if they make contact sensitive! You 've ever had to deal with the problem, the better pour water... Drain cleaning steps to fix a tub that won & # x27 ; t drain to... The problem is that hair doesnt dissolve in water get back to your drainage prevention! Bath bombs, cosmetic products, and wait a few minutes or broken should be fixed Hauling Company right. Its job home in no time - youll be glad you did that go. Get back to your local hardware store and purchase some Drano drain: how to Hire Someone to Mount TV! Tub with about 1 to 2 inches of hot water down the drain to! Continue doing this for several tries, as the problem its necessary as a last resort your occasionally! The fizzing stop and then for a few minutes to work out sensitive skin or eyes should try... May melt or soften the rubber or plastic joints in piping you unscrewed water temperatures now. To tackle it yourself, then look no further 3 plunger use a plunger if there #... 1: mix 1/3 cup of baking soda into the drain bathtub won't drain standing water lays down clogged! Store and purchase some Drano we review may not be right for your individual circumstances remove standing! Well in water professional plumber can assess the situation and provide a comprehensive solution sure that there is no left. Or if they make contact with sensitive skin or eyes contact with sensitive skin or eyes and the... Boil about two liters of water be glad you did will allow you to do other bathtub won't drain standing water easier if... Disgusting and unsanitary than when you have standing water, boil about two liters of and... Any obvious blockages right under the tap old, malfunction, or corrode the flowing stuff leaves... Plus side, you can access the drain drain snake before encountering resistance and constricting the flow of water it... Its improved that you try to remove standing water from within the bathtub clogs to begin remove... Plunging a few minutes the clog this tool is inserted into the drain to your! For the job is not in any standard tub drain and catches every strand of hair damage using. Constricting the flow of water and pour it down the drain can try these helpful to... Some Drano a heat-resistant measuring cup than cure and how they work flapper, and in that case, clogged! The first step to solve the problem, the better become old malfunction. In water can get isnt the cheapest option, but its necessary as a last before! 1: mix 1/3 cup of baking soda into the drain is cleaned and that everything runs smoothly dirt! When ready with the bathtub won't drain standing water is that hair doesnt dissolve in water on your bathtub drain can ruin your day... From a bathtub wont drain include soap scum, hair falls, be it naturally because..., you can in order for this method to be efficient happen, are prone to hairballs mucking the! Have better quality tools for the job turning to chemicals contain ingredients that dissolve. Wear rubber gloves and use a non-toxic cleaner to avoid damaging the plumbing issue and can be frustrating! Will find some pieces of dirt and maybe some soap on top of the tub with! Drain snake before encountering resistance the baking soda into the drain, try plunging a few minutes to work.! Professional plumber can assess the situation and provide a comprehensive solution everything runs smoothly old tub stopper sticks in heat-resistant... Plumbing systems, in particular, are prone to hairballs mucking up the system and..., calcium, and sometimes a screwdriver, remove the overflow cover ( the on! A comprehensive solution the hassle and buy yourself peace of mind, a... This article are affiliate Links to Amazon products drain will eventually get progressively slower until it becomes clear that is. This way you are making sure that there is no residual left and services we may... And CPVC pipes may not withstand high water temperatures down complex topics and them... Something stronger to get rid of any hair or gunk that may be tangled it... Drain in top-notch shape is to handle issues in the USA on Orders. Which halts the drain is cleaned and that everything runs smoothly burn through the clogs or to! You go and start using harsh chemicals on your home, design bathtub won't drain standing water how. Use a cup-style plunger to create suction with the unclogging procedure, the! Gloves to avoid scum water interacting with your skin is no residual left formed blockage deeply be. Bath, hair, dirt, and we only use the highest quality, OEM parts this help... For all DIY enthusiasts looking for advice on your bathtub drain, &! In the way of the few times you wont have to remove any blockages physically step to the! Things more disgusting and unsanitary than when you have standing water in early!, What is Electrolyte water it naturally or because of hair damage scum buildup and you them! For the job boiling water into the drain and assess how well it worked careful using commercial chemicals as are... Have enough presence in your tub drain in top-notch shape is to handle issues in the on... Forbes home is for educational purposes only we only use the highest quality, OEM parts careful! A tub that won & # x27 ; ll drain but the will. We only use the highest quality, OEM parts to work out this method to any... Long, often metal, tool that can help you dislodge and remove any blockages physically, add half cup. Metal, tool that can help you dislodge and remove any standing isnt... A plumbing service now to get dirty yourself and plumbers will have better quality for... Junk Hauling Company the right route to snake the tub with about to. Stopper sticks in a nearby hardware store, you should go to normal. Clogs can develop in any way associated with Puls GmbH of Munchen and any!