A clogged drain in one’s house is one of the worst nightmares. It can be even worse if the clog is in the bathtub drain. It is a situation that makes showering and bathing very uncomfortable. However, dealing with such a situation can be easy without needing professional plumbing Tulsa services. Here you will know some tips, tricks, and life hacks to open a clogged drain in your bathtub.
Top 9 tips to easily open clogged drains in your bathtub
The following are our top 9 tips to help you easily open a clogged bathtub drain. These tips include everything from using tools to makeshift solutions to using chemicals.
1. Use a plunger as your first option.
The first solution you can try out and one of your quickest options is to get a plunger and try fixing the clog. Most of the time, the clog is at the 90-degree pipe turns. So, with a plunger, you can push the clog away that turn into some thicker pipe.
From there, the clog can easily flow as there are no more restrictions. If the regular plunger is not doing the job for you, you can also try using some pressurized products in the market. Those products make the job easier for you by using pressurized air.
2. Try cleaning the drain opening/strainer.
The next method you can try is checking the drain strainer or opening. In most cases, a bundle of hair blocks the drain strainer, which becomes the reason for the clog. Some drains have an exposed filter, while some have a hidden strainer. There are a few options with push-lock as well.
So, depending on the drain installed at your place, you may have to deal with the situation. Wear some latex gloves as protection, and you can get the drain opening/ strainer clean from hair or any other types of clogging material.
3. Try pouring in some boiling water.
Hair is sometimes not the reason behind the clogged drain in your bathtub. In fact, the shampoo you use and the soap can cause a gunky mixture that dries off and builds up inside the drain. Over time, that gunky mixture can cause a clog. The good part about this type of clog is that it is easy to clean compared to other types of clog.
You do not have to get your hands dirty to deal with such clogs. So, simply get a pot of boiling water and slowly pour it down the drain. The boiling water will quickly soften, dissolve the soap gunk, and clear the clog.
4. The baking soda and vinegar technique might work fine
Chemicals do a great job at cleaning the drains. However, some people are hesitant to use chemicals inside their homes. If you are one of them, then this tip is for you. The mixture of baking soda and vinegar makes a natural chemical good at cleaning several things.
One of them is your clogged drain, so you must try it. Here is how you will be using it:
- Put 1 cup baking soda(regular) into the drain
- Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
- Put 1 cup white vinegar(regular) in the drain
- If the solution stays, pour 1 pot of boiling water into the drain as well
You will see how quickly and magically this trick will work for you.
5. A plumber’s snake might or drain claw come in handy.
Did you know there are tools specifically for removing things from tighter spaces? Two of the best examples are:
- Plumber’s snake
- Drain claw
Both can easily go down the drain without any issues from turns or curves. Additionally, they are good at catching the clog and pulling it out. You just need to be a little patient with the process for these to work.
6. Try using pliers to pull the clog.
If the clog is not too deep, it might be in the pipe trap or u-pipe of the bathtub’s drain. Opening up that clog might be easier because it is not too deep. You may not need anything like a plumber’s snake or a drain claw to pull out the clog, as a pair of nose pliers will do the job.
So, open the drain cover and pull the clog out of the drain pipe. Ensure that you are done by running some water down the drain.
7. Make a makeshift metal hook and pull the clog out.
You might be stuck in a situation where you have nothing to use, and you cannot call the plumbing Tulsa services either. A metal hanger will be your best tool in that case. The wire is durable, flexible, and moldable.
So, make a hook out of the wire and put it through the drain. Keep twisting it if it gets stuck anywhere, and pull the clog with the help of this hook. Using a cordless drill with low speed might be helpful to push that wire in easily.
8. Trying chemical cleaners will be your last DIY option
If you still do not want to call the plumbing Tulsa professionals, you can try using drain cleaning chemicals. There are a lot of products available in the market. So, when using one, be careful about the usage instructions and precautions. In this way, you will have the safest and the most effective usage of your drain cleaner.
9. Call professionals for assistance
Sometimes none of the above options will work for you. In that case, using professional plumbing Tulsa services is the last option. So, call plumbing Tulsa services and get their assistance in removing the clog from the drain. With the right experience and tools, plumbing Tulsa professionals will remove the clog within the shortest time with the highest efficiency.
Conclusion
A clog in your bathtub may seem like a job for plumbing Tulsa professionals. However, most of the time, DIY solutions can help you eliminate them. So, follow our tips and try to get rid of the clog. When you go for a DIY solution, follow safety precautions. If you cannot remove the clog, then your last option is to call for a professional’s assistance.