Standing water in your bathtub means one thing, your drain is clogged again! This standing water may attract pests, including flies and mosquitoes, to breed if you don’t get rid of it ASAP (just as it would with collected rainwater!). Use a bucket to drain your tub the best that you can, and then prepare to get to work.
If you find that your bathtub isn’t draining properly, there are a few things that you can do before calling up the plumber to save the day. Continue reading to learn what you can do when your bathtub won’t drain.
1. Clear Visible Debris
One of the most obvious fixes for a bathtub that won’t empty itself is removing all of the hair and soap scum out of the drain. If you have a drain cover, you will have to remove it to clear the drain. Put on some gloves and clear out anything that has settled into and around the drain.
2. Use the Drain Snake
For hair that might be stuck around the bend in the pipe that you can’t reach with your finger, a drain snake is a great tool. Use the snake to bypass the drain and twirl it around a bit to wrap up any hair that is just out of reach. Doing this routinely can help to minimize the chance of having a clogged drain in the future.
3. Plunge the Tub
Plunging the tub may seem futile, but it is a process that is going to take some time and effort to get the blockage moving.
Make sure you take the overflow cover off and cover it tightly with a towel or washcloth to prevent any air from getting in. Have someone hold the towel in the hole while you plunge the tub so that it doesn’t fall out. Once you get the water flowing out of the tub, rinse it with hot water to encourage the clog to continue moving.
4. Use a Chemical Drain Cleaner
If it isn’t hair that is causing the clog, you may have to resort to a chemical drain cleaner to make any progress in the clogged drain. Follow the directions exactly how they are written on the bottle and make sure that you wear gloves to protect your skin from any splashing chemicals. You will also want to rinse the cleaner down after the appropriate amount of time passes.
If you would rather not use the harsh chemicals, for any reason, there are alternative options. You can use baking soda and vinegar to break down the blockage in the pipes. If that helps drain the tub, you should rinse it down with hot water. If it doesn’t work, feel free to try again to see if it helps.
5. Call the Plumber
When all else fails, call the plumber to resolve your plumbing needs. Your plumber will be able to take the drain apart and get to the root of the issue. They will also be able to make your draining issues become a thing of the past in no time at all.
So, the Bathtub Won’t Drain…
You don’t have to worry when your bathtub won’t drain. It could be a simple fix, like cleaning the drain opening or pulling out the hair that made its way down the drain. Or you may have to call the plumber to help you out.
If you found this post to be helpful, be sure to check out our other bathroom-related content!
Leave a Reply