A free-running drain makes using the bathtub a more pleasurable experience.
A clogged bathtub drain is frustrating. It turns taking a shower into a bath and taking a bath into a less-than-relaxing experience. Bathtub drains are susceptible to clogs due to their construction. The drain stop mechanism catches and holds clog-causing hair, soap and shampoo residue. Compounding the issue, bathtub plumbing is usually beneath the floor and inaccessible, particularly when the tub is on the second floor. While standing water in the tub makes the job seem more daunting, plungers work more effectively when the rubber cup is covered with water.
Instructions
1. Wear rubber gloves. Clear any material visibly blocking the drain and discard it.
2. Block the bathtub overflow with a damp rag. Place the cup portion of the plunger over the drain, firmly seating it over the drain.
3. Apply quick even downward pressure on the plunger, depressing it fully and then pulling the plunger up quickly. Repeat the downward and upward motion 10 to 15 times. If the plunger comes away from the drain, seat the plunger back over the drain and repeat the process.
4. Remove and discard any dislodged material brought up by the plunger. If the tub drains freely and the clog appears cleared, run hot water down the drain for several minutes to dissolve any residue of the clog.
5. Remove the rag from the overflow drain if the plunger did not dislodge the clog. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw from the overflow cover. Pull the attached mechanism for the drain stopper away from the overflow drain, allowing enough room for the plumber's snake.
6. Insert the end of the plumber's snake into the overflow opening. Extend the snake down the pipe until you meet resistance at the clog.
7. Turn the crank on the snake in a clockwise direction, working the auger end of the snake into the clog. If the clog does not break apart and move down the pipe, pull back on the snake to attempt to pull the clog out of the overflow opening.
8. Pull the snake and the resulting clog out of the overflow opening. Discard the clog. Run hot water down the drain for several minutes to dissolve and remove any residue. Replace the overflow cover. Rinse the snake and rewind for storage.
Tips Warnings
If using the plunger or the snake does not remove the clog, do not use caustic chemicals to remove the clog. Chemicals can damage plumbing and septic systems or, if left in the standing water, splash into eyes or on skin. Call a plumber if plunging or using the snake do not clear the clog.
Tags: bathtub, drain, standing, water, from overflow, over drain, overflow opening, away from, clog overflow, clog overflow opening
