6 ways to unclog a tub drain
Overtime, hair, grease and other debris tend to accumulate in the drain, and clog it. It’s important that you handle these problems, to avoid any water damage to the structure of your house. There are numerous chemicals and tools that can help you get rid of these clogs.Tools and materials:
- Kettle and hot water
- Round plunger
- Coat hanger or thin wire
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Plumbing snake
- Wet/Dry vacuum cleaner
Hot water
Hot water can most of the times be the solution to clogging problems. Just heat some water just near boiling point and then pour it into the drain. Let it there for about 10 minutes and then test to see if the drain is unclogged.
Removing the stopper
Remove the stopper by removing the screws first. Then clean the underside where debris accumulate. Use a wire to catch hairs or other debris that you can find in the drain.
Plunger
The plunger is the most used tool in plumbing. Every house should have one. You can use it to get rid of clogs in the sing drain, bathtub and even toilet. Put the plunger on the drain hole and the press it and pull it a few times. This will create a vacuum that will remove the clog. Heavy plunging will usually clear all minor clogs.
Vinegar
In a jar or glass, put 1/3 cup vinegar with 1/3 cup baking soda. The mixture will immediately begin to fizz so you need to pour it into the drain as soon as it begins. Let it interact with the clog for about 10 minutes. Then pour some hot water into the drain and see if it’s unclogged.
Snake
If you tend to have regular problems with drain clogs, then it’s time for a drain snake investment. This is a steel cable with a spring, that can be extended to reach down the drain. They are usually 15 to 25 feet long. To clear the clog, just put the snake into the drain and start twisting and pushing it gently down the drain.
Vacuum
You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove clogs. Put it on liquids and then remove the filters. Put the hose on the drain hole and the start it. It should suck up all the debris in the drain.