The bathroom is likely to have more drains than any other area in a house. This also increases the chances of having a clogged shower or bathtub. Fortunately, it can be easy to unclog a bathtub most of the time. Bathtub drain clogs can be caused due to a number of reasons. This includes hair, soap scum, and the build-up of dirt, debris, and sand that may cause blockages. So, how do you deal with a Blocked Drains? Find out in this guide.
Gather all the Tools
You should gather the following tools and accessories to unclog the bathtub drain:
- Rubber gloves
- A screwdriver
- A bucket
- Towels
- A cup plunger
It is also recommended to put on rubber boots, protective eyewear, and some old clothing or a plastic apron.
Remove Standing Water
If there is standing water in the bathtub, make sure to remove it. Use the bucket and a cup to bail out the water. Pour the water down a drain.
Remove the Strainer & Stopper
The drain should typically have a strainer and/or stopper to keep hair and other forms of debris out. Remove the strainer and stopper. Stoppers can usually be removed manually, but strainers require removing a screw.
Add Some Hot Water
Sometimes, the bathtub can drain after the strainer is removed. If it doesn’t happen, it means you have a Blocked Drain. In this case, add enough hot water to the tub so that the head of the cup plunger gets submerged. This amount of water will create the suction and pressure needed to pull the clog out.
Use the Cup Plunger
Use the traditional cup plunger. Choose a plunger without a flange so that it fits snugly on the flat surface around the drain.
- Place the head of the plunger over the drain and under water to create a snug seal
- Make sure the plunger is at a right angle to the drain
- Press down the head of the plunger using the handle
- Pull it back to bring the head to its original shape
Continue repeating this process at a quick pace for up to 15 pumps.
Break the seal by pulling out the clog plunger. If the technique worked, there should be dirty water or debris that must arise out of the drain. When you pump the plunger, it forces water down the drain and sucks it back. This creates up and down force on the clog, increasing the chances of it breaking down.
Repeat the Process
Repeat this process 2 to 3 times if required. Once the debris is removed, the water should start draining. If this doesn’t happen, it means that the clog has not yet been cleared. Repeat until you see the desired results. If this method doesn’t work even after several attempts, you should call professional Plumbers Sydney.
So, follow these steps to unclog your bathtub. Most of the time, this technique should work. Else, it can mean there is a serious issue that requires professional inspection and repair.