How do I unclogg my bathtub drain?

Question

I have tried to use drano, and that didn't work it is an old tub so i can't get the drain trap out, and i don't have the money for a plumber, what should i do?

Answer 1

Don't use any drain cleaners, they never work and just waste your time and money (as you already found out). Buy what is called a plumbing "snake" at your local hardware store, since they almost always work well. Plumbing snakes are also called augers. The drain auger is a long, tightly wound flexible metal cable with a corkscrew auger at one end and a crank at the other.

Here's how to use a drain auger:
1) Wearing gloves, push the cable into the drain while turning the auger's handle clockwise. Keep repositioning the grip within a few inches of the entry point as you feed the snake into the drain.

2) When you feel the auger reach the blockage, keep turning and pull back a bit to chew away and dislodge the blockage.

3) Push forward again to grind away and, eventually, drive the auger through it.

4) If possible, pull the blockage back out through the pipe. At this point, the job is a mess; have a bucket and rags ready, and pull the cable back through an old towel or heavy rags.

5) If this doesn't work, if you are very handy you can try to find a branch cleanout (a sanitary-T fitting with a plug in one fork, located along the drainpipe that runs from the fixture to the main soil stack, often visible in a basement or crawl space). With a large bucket under the cleanout, slowly back-out the plug with a wrench. Be ready: water and waste may gush out.

6) Run a drain auger in through the branch pipe as described in Steps 1 through 4. If there doesn't appear to be a clog in the branch, the blockage may be in the main waste and vent stack or the sewer line.

7) As a last resort, you can try to find the main cleanout and repeat this snaking effort, or you can try running an auger down the vent stack from the roof (be very careful up on the roof), but I would not. I think it's a better idea to call a plumber or drain clearing service at this point.

Answer 2

Something else to consider: do you have a lever in the tub, beneath the faucet, that raises and lowers the drain stopper?If yes, is it loose or tight? Does it keep water in the tub when you're taking a bath? What I'm getting at is: this is the overflow and at the bottom of it is what's called a 'bucket.' The 'bucket' is activated by the lever being pushed up or down, The bucket is on a threaded rod and can be adjusted upward or downward: unscrew the 2 screws that hold the lever plate in place, then pull the whole assembly out of the overflow channel. I a;ways carry an item called a 'Zipit' strip, available in well-stocked plumbing departments. It's a 30" long, 1/2" wide thin white flexible strip with barbed notches cut into its sides. Stick the Zipit down the overflow hole, twist it and retract it...look for hair stuck to it (This is also good for sticking into the tub drain, shower drain and bathroom sink).

Clean off any scum from the 'bucket section of the stopper-lever assembly, then reassemble everything and check for function. You may have to adjust the bucket up or down in order not to make sure that it not only completely shuts off the drain when you want to take a bath, but also raises all the way when you want to empty the tub.

Yes, NO Drano! Yes, hot water, vinegar, baking soda, etc.Since most bathtubs drain into the same drainline as the sink and toilet. If they are draining okay, the tub drain is your only apparent problem. If the sink is slow, then you have more to look at. If it;s beyond your skills, call a LICENSED plumber or handyman.

Answer 3

Try straightening a wire coat hanger.

Run water in tub so there is about 1" or 2-3 cm

Leave a small hook at on end.

Push the hok end down the drain in a twisting motion.

Pull it out and clean off the hook.

Keeping repeating until you get a good water flow .

After you have a good water flow use draino or a similar product - read the cautions.

When using of draino and similar products; pour it down the drain and let set for at least 1 hour (3 or 4 would be better).

Use it with caution on copper pipes as it can corrode through them.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

You can go buy what they call a snake and feed it down the drain to unclog it or you can try dropping a couple alkaseltzer tablets down the drain and then pour in a cup of vinegar. Wait a few minutes then run the hot water at full force to clear the clog. Or you can try this: If it's clogged by hair, dissolve with 1 cup salt, 1 cup baking soda and a half cup of white vinegar. Pour the mixture down the drain. After 10 minutes, pour 2 litres of boiling water down. Run your hot water tap until the drain flows freely. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Try a snake. And in the future buy a hair retainer on the hole of the drain.

Answer 6

Try this from the folks of This Old House

Answer 7

crystalized lye will work however follow the directions exactly this is pretty harsh stuff.