Bathtub is draining REALLY slowly. Draino hasn't helped. What else should I try before calling a plummer?

Answer 1

You can go to Home Depot and there are these "zip strip" things, it is a long pieces of thin but sturdy plastic with a barbed end. You take the drainer/strainer thingy off the drain, and then stick that zip strip down into the drain as far as you can. Then pull it back up and it will pull up any hair or gunk that is stuck down in the pipe. With three girls all of us having long hair, my husband does this periodically. But be prepared...it is really gross. But has worked great for us.

Answer 2

Try a plumber's helper, BUT, before you use it, plug the overflow with a wet washcloth or some other cloth. If you don't you're just exercising your arms for nothing. Make sure the overflow is plugged, run two or three inches of water in the tub and VIGOROUSLY, and violently (so that water splashes all over the place) work the plunger until you get tired and can't do it any more or the water goes down. If that doesn't clear out the gunk, the blockage is downstream below the vent and more equipment will be required.

Answer 3

Put cleaner in ALL of the drains (maybe a 1/2 portion) the drains all come together . The might have more effect.

Try a plunger in a toilet (before using more cleaner) to see if the pressure will help open up the drain. Make sure you get a good pressure going .

Are you on a city sewer or a septic tank?

Answer 4

Someone else said this as well, the Zip-It is the best thing ever! It has worked for my showers and sinks. This is the website: http://www.zipitclean.com/. In San Diego, I looked at Walgreen's and Home Depot but they weren't there - I finally found them at Lowe's - for only about 2.50, it's great, cheaper than a whole bottle of Drain-o and easy! Like the other individual said, it can get a little gross, but it's well worth it! Try it!

Answer 5

i work in a hotel and we encounter this problem often we like to use a chemical called RESCUE DRAIN it seems to have a little more strength then some of the otheir products we have tried Clobber works also but is very volitile and has a awful rotten egg smell I recommend you try rescue drain

Answer 6

You might also want to try plan bleach. About a cup full evey hour or so until drain opens. Once a month poor about a cup in to keep clean.

Answer 7

try a plunger on the drain, might fee up the drain after a few tries ,,,fill bt quarter full of water,plunge pull forcefully,,,,next,buy enzyme based powder consistency of sawdust or instant tea from home depot,,,,,,,it dissolves organic matter w/o acids,,,,,,its like ants that digest cellulose,,,let it sit for 24-48 hrs

Answer 8

rent a snake from a home center or tool rental place usually about 10 bucks