How to unclog bathtub drain full of hair
We’ve all been there—you’re looking forward to a nice, relaxing soak, and then bam, you’re staring at a stubbornly clogged drain. The main culprit? Hair.
Hair is the number one cause of bathtub clogs. It can wrap around the drain opening and form a clog, preventing water from draining properly. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of bathtub drain clogs and share five effective and easy ways to unclog your bathtub drain step-by-step. Whether you prefer natural remedies or chemical solutions, I’ve got you covered.
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What Causes Bathtub Drain Clogs?
The first thing before we get into fixing the problem is to understand why your bathtub drain gets clogged. Soap scum, minerals, and hair build up in the drain over time. Hair clogs are the biggest culprit. It’s long and thin, so it can easily get wrapped around the drain opening and form a clog. Even if you don’t have long hair, it can still get caught in the drain, especially if you have multiple people sharing the bathtub. This creates a blockage, stopping water from flowing smoothly. The more you ignore keeping your drain clean, the worse the clog gets.
What You Need to Know About Unclogging a Bathtub
Before you start clearing a clogged bathtub drain, make sure you have these tools and materials ready:
- Rubber Gloves: Keep your hands clean and safe. This will protect your hands from harsh chemicals and debris
- Bucket: Handy for collecting water or debris.
- Drain Cleaner (Optional): If you want to use chemical drain cleaners, make sure they’re safe for your plumbing.
- Natural Cleaners (Baking Soda, hot water, and vinegar): If you prefer a natural way and eco-friendly solutions.
- Plunger: A versatile tool for getting rid of clogs.
- Drain Snake or Drain Claw: Great for tackling deep clogs.
- Wrench or Pliers: You may need these to remove the drain stopper.
How to unclog a bathtub drain full of hair
Now, let’s go through the five easy methods and step by step for unclogging a bathtub drain.
Use chemical or natural drain cleaner
Chemical drain cleaners are highly effective ways of dissolving clogs, but they can also be harmful if misused due to harsh chemicals.
Step-by-Step:
- Put on gloves and protect your hands.
- Get rid of standing water and use a bucket to scoop it out.
- Follow the product instructions. If you’re using a chemical drain cleaner, do what it says on the label.
For natural cleaners, it is a safe home remedies and alternative to a chemical drain cleaner. There are a number of natural drain cleaners that you can make at home, using ingredients like baking soda, a cup of vinegar, and boiling water.
Step-by-Step:
- Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Follow it with half a cup of white vinegar.
- Let it bubble up for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse the drain with boiling water.
Please note that it is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners and natural drain cleaners together. The combination of chemicals can create chemical reaction and dangerous fumes.
Use a Drain Snake or Drain Claw
A drain snake or a plumber’s snake is a long, flexible tool that can be used to break up and remove clogs. Drain claws have three or four prongs that can help to loosen and remove clogs.
A drain snake is the way I clear clogs when I have them. It works really well and is easy to use.
Step-by-Step:
- Put the snaking tool inside
- The next step is to twist and wiggle and gently move the tool to break up the clog of hair.
- Slowly pull out the tool, taking the clog with it.
- Put it in a bag or bucket for disposal.
Use a Toilet Plunger
A plunger is a great way yet effective tool for unclogging drains. There are two main types of plungers: flange plungers and cup plungers. Flange plunger is specifically designed for toilets, while cup plunger can be used for toilets, sinks, and showers. Flange plungers have a rubber flange that fits over the toilet drain opening, creating a better seal.
Step-by-Step:
- Take off the overflow cover to create better suction.
- Cover the overflow drain opening with a wet rag.
- Fill the tub with enough water to cover the plunger.
- Plunge vigorously. Push up and down quickly to make a strong vacuum.
- Do it again if needed. Keep plunging until the water flows freely.
- If the clog doesn’t clear, try using a chemical products or natural drain cleaners first, and then try plunging again.
Clean the Stopper
If you have a bathtub stopper, it’s important to clean it regularly to prevent hair from building up. Sometimes, a clogged bathtub drain is simply caused by a buildup of clumps of hair and debris on the stopper.
Step-by-Step:
- Find the stopper. It’s usually in the drain or under the overflow plate.
- Remove the stopper. If the stopper is screwed in, use the needle-nose pliers or wrench to unscrew it. If the stopper is pressed in, use your fingers to pull it out.
- Clean the stopper: Pay special attention to any areas where visible hair or other debris has accumulated.
- Rinse the stopper. Once the stopper is clean, rinse it thoroughly under running water.
- Put the stopper back in.
Calling a Plumber and Seeking Professional Help
When you’ve tried all the DIY methods and are still facing a persistent, blocked drain in your bathtub, it’s time to consider the last resort – calling in a professional plumber. These experienced individuals have the expertise, knowledge, and tools needed to tackle even heavy-duty clogs and provide the best results for your plumbing system.
Although they’re not cheap, he certainly knows how to unclog bathtub drain full of hair.
How to Prevent Bathtub Drain Clogs and Maintain a Clear Flow
Preventing a bathtub drain clog is not just about saving time and effort; it’s also crucial for maintaining a clean and fully functional bathroom. To ensure your bathtub drain remains free from obstructions and the need for severe clog intervention, consider these steps and top tips:
- Install a Drain Guard: A handy solution to combat the ever-common issue of hair blockage is to set up a drain guard. Hair is a frequent offender in causing bathtub drain clogs. Drain guards are designed to trap hair and other organic materials before they make their way into the drain pipe. These guards come in various designs to suit your preferences, and they are relatively easy to install.
- Regular Stopper Maintenance: The stopper in your bathtub drain is prone to accumulating soap scum, hair, and other debris over time. This buildup can lead to a slow drain or even a severe clog. Periodically, remove the stopper and give it a thorough cleaning. You can use a simple brush or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to dissolve any residue. This not only improves water flow but also promotes good hygiene.
- Flush with Hot Water After Each Use: After every bath or shower, make it a habit to flush your bathtub drain with hot water for a few minutes. Hot water serves as an effective preventive measure to halt the accumulation of soap and shampoo residue. It also helps in dissolving any existing mineral buildup in the drain pipe. This simple and regular step can significantly contribute to maintaining an open and smoothly flowing drain.
- Use Natural Drain Cleaners: To prevent the gradual buildup of hair, soap scum, and other debris, consider using a natural or homemade drain cleaner regularly instead of commercial drain cleaners. Natural drain cleaners can help dissolve minor obstructions and maintain a clean, free-flowing drain.
- Avoid Pouring Grease and Food Down the Drain: While this advice is typically more relevant to kitchen drains, it’s important to keep in mind that pouring grease, food scraps, or any non-bathroom waste down your bathtub drain is a bad idea. Grease, in particular, can solidify within the drain pipe, leading to challenging blockages that are not easily cleared. Avoid this practice to maintain a trouble-free bathtub drain.
These preventive measures and maintaining regular care for your bathtub drain can avoid the inconvenience of dealing with future clogs and ensure that your bathroom remains clean and functional.
Conclusion
Dealing with a clogged bathtub drain, especially when it’s full of hair, can really spoil your bath time. But don’t worry, you can fix it with the best way to clear hair and deal with those stubborn clogs. Hopefully this article provided the tips you need in knowing how to unclog bathtub drain full of hair. Just follow these different methods and simple steps to enjoy your baths without the worry of a slow-draining tub. With these tips, you can keep your bathtub drain clear and enjoy your baths without interruptions. Say goodbye to clogs and hello to happy bathing!
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