Is your bathtub or sink draining slowly? This can be a real nuisance. Clogs, hair, and even food scraps can prevent your drain from doing its job as it should. To solve the problem, you might be tempted to use one of the magic home remedy procedures available on the internet. Don’t! Some of these chemicals can damage your pipes or even cause a fire.
At Acme Plumbing, we’re here to help. Our experienced professionals can quickly diagnose the issue and provide a fast, reliable solution. We will assess your slow-draining tub or sink and determine the best approach for removing the clog. Whether it takes an auger or a plumber’s snake, we have the tools and expertise necessary to get your drain flowing again.
We have the tips, tricks, and tools to help you get your slow draining tub back up and running in no time! With our safe and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be able to have a fully functioning sink or bathtub after a few easy steps. All you need are a few ingredients you can find in any kitchen. Don’t let a slow drain bring down your day – get it fixed fast with our guide.
Covering The Drain Cleaner Basics
While there are drain cleaners in the market, it’s important to exercise caution when using them. Chemical drain cleaners can cause damage to your pipes and are often tough on the environment. It’s safer to prepare your own cleaners.
Before you begin mixing your own cleaners, lift the cover off the drain and remove any hair or debris that may be blocking it. You’ll also want to check to see if your strainer is blocked, as this can cause a build-up of water in the tub. Sometimes, this is all you need to solve your slow-draining tub problem.
If this doesn’t work, the next thing you can try is a plunger. Drain out as much water as you can. Put the plunger over the drain, then plunge up and down vigorously about 10 times. Take a break and wait to see if it worked. If not, repeat the plunging process until you solve your slow-draining tub issue.
Slow Draining Bathtub Home Remedies
Baking Soda And Vinegar Drain Unplug Remedy
If the steps above do not get rid of your slow-draining tub issue, or if you’re dealing with a more serious clog, then it’s time to move on to home remedies. Create a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, pour it down the affected tub, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, flush the drain out with hot water and test the drain.
Use one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar for a small, slow draining tub. You may add a cup of salt for extra effect. There should be no water in the tub. Pour the baking soda into the tub drain, then the salt, and finally the vinegar.
Another way of doing this is to put in the baking soda and vinegar combination and then plug the tub and fill it up with water. You then release the water to flush out any clogs.
Using a Plumbing Snake
A plumbing snake is a long flexible rod with an auger on the end, it is designed to break up blockages in pipes and drains. This tool can be used for more serious slow-draining tubs (and other clogged piping) when home remedies have failed to work.
If you decide to use this method, the first step is to insert the snake into the pipe and turn the crank. Move the snake around gently to break up any debris that may be blocking the pipe. When you’re finished, flush with hot water.
How to Unclog Slow Draining Tub: Four Steps
Dirt, soap scum, and hair can all contribute to a slow draining tub. To unclog it, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Remove the tub stopper with a screwdriver. Different bathtub drains have different stoppers and strainers so follow the manufacturer’s instructions to remove them.
If the bathtub drain stopper has a screw, then unscrew it counterclockwise. If there’s no screw, then remove the stopper by pulling it up gently. If you have to, you may use a wrench. If you can’t remove the stoppers or strainers, contact Acme Plumbing for help.
Step 2:
When you remove the stopper, you should see a threaded rod which is often the reason that bathtub drains get clogged. You can take it out with your fingers by unscrewing it counterclockwise. Keep it in a safe place along with the screws from the previous step.
Step 3:
It’s time to remove the tub stopper base and see if you can locate any clogs. You may use a pair of pliers after wearing your gloves. Empty the items causing the clog into a polythene bag.
Step 4:
To finish up, flush the drain using natural drain remedies. Here are some home remedies that are effective in clearing bathtub drain clogs.
1. Boiling Water
If you have clogs caused by soap and shampoo, hot water can be effective in clearing them out. Boil a pot of water and pour it into the bathtub drain. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then flush it with cold water. If it doesn’t solve the problem, move to the next method.
2. Plunger
If the boiling water method doesn’t work, try a plunger. Place it over the drain, then plunge it up and down vigorously. Take a break and wait to see if it worked. If not, repeat the plunging process until you solve your slow-draining tub issue. Make sure there’s water in the bathtub and place some petroleum jelly on the rim of the plunger to form a strong seal.
3. Baking Soda And Vinegar
In place of chemical cleaners, use a natural solution of baking soda and vinegar to clear the drain. Create a mixture of 2 tablespoons each of baking soda and vinegar, pour it down the affected tub, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, flush out with hot water and test the drain.
4. Use a Plumber’s Snake
A plumber’s snake is one of the most effective tools for removing stubborn clogs from bathtub drains. Insert the snake into the drain and turn its handle until you feel resistance, then pull it out to remove the debris. After using a plumber’s snake, flush with hot water to make sure no blockages remain.
Get Help With Difficult Bathtub Clogs
While these steps can help you to unclog most slow-draining tubs, some clogs may be too difficult to handle on your own. If you are unable to clear a clog with the methods described above, contact Acme Plumbing at (919) 688-1348 for assistance. We have experienced professionals who will be able to diagnose and resolve any plumbing issue quickly and efficiently.
