If your bathtub is draining slowly or not draining at all you may need to snake your drain. Snaking a drain is a relatively easy and cheap DIY project that you can do yourself without having to call a plumber. This guide will show you how to snake your bathtub drain step-by-step.
What You’ll Need:
-Plunger
-Coat hanger or small drain snake
-Bucket
-Gloves
Instructions:
1. Start by plunging your drain. This will often dislodge whatever is causing your drain to be blocked and will allow water to start flowing through again.
2. If plunging doesn’t work you’ll need to use a coat hanger or small drain snake to remove the blockage.
3. Straighten out a coat hanger or unwind a small drain snake.
4. Feed the coat hanger or drain snake down your drain until you feel resistance. This is the blockage.
5. Gently wiggle the coat hanger or drain snake until you break through the blockage. Be careful not to push too hard or you may damage your pipes.
6. Pull the coat hanger or drain snake out of the drain and dispose of the blockage.
7. Rinse out your drain with hot water to remove any debris.
8. If your drain is still draining slowly repeat steps 2-7 until the drain is clear.
9. Prevent future clogs by regularly cleaning your drain with a drain cleaner or plunger.
Tips:
-If you don’t have a coat hanger or small drain snake you can try using a plumbers’ snake. These can be rented from most hardware stores.
-If your drain is still clogged after trying to snake it you may need to call a plumber.
What are some signs that your bathtub’s drain is starting to get clogged?
Water taking longer to drain than usual water spilling over the rim of the tub while the drain is in use or a gurgling sound coming from the drain.
What are some things that you can do to prevent your bathtub’s drain from getting clogged?
Use a hair strainer/catcher when showering don’t pour oils or grease down the drain don’t pour coffee grounds down the drain don’t flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet.
Why is it important to clear your bathtub’s drain periodically?
Drains can become clogged over time from soap scum hair and other debris.
By clearing the drain periodically it will help to prevent a complete clog and make it easier to clear if one does occur.
If your bathtub’s drain is already clogged what are some things that you can do to try and clear it?
Use a plunger to try and dislodge the clog pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain and let it sit for a few minutes before flushing with hot water use a commercial drain cleaner.
What are some things that you should not do if your bathtub’s drain is clogged?
Do not use a chemical drain cleaner as they can be corrosive and damage your pipes.
Do not pour boiling water down the drain as this can also damage your pipes.
Do not use a wire hanger or other sharp object to try and clear the drain as this can scratch or damage the pipes.
How can you tell if the clog is located in the bathtub drain or further down the pipes?
If water is backing up into other drains in your home then the clog is likely located further down the pipes.
If the water is only backing up into the bathtub then the clog is likely located in the bathtub drain.
What are some signs that the clog is located further down the pipes?
Water backing up into other drains in your home such as the toilet or sink.
Where is the best place to start clearing the clog if it is located further down the pipes?
The best place to start is at the furthest drain from the clog and work your way back.
This will help to push the clog through the pipes and clear it.
What are some things that you can use to clear the clog if it is located further down the pipes?
A plunger a plumber’s snake or a jetter.
What is a jetter?
A jetter is a high-pressure water hose that can be used to clear clogs in drains.
How do you use a plunger to clear a clog in a drain?
Cover the overflow drain with the plunger and create a seal.
Pump the plunger up and down to create suction and pressure.
This will help to dislodge the clog and clear the drain.
How do you use a plumber’s snake to clear a clog in a drain?
Insert the snake into the drain and turn the handle to spin the coil.
This will help to grab onto the clog and clear it.
How do you use a jetter to clear a clog in a drain?
Insert the jetter into the drain and turn on the water.
The high-pressure water will help to clear the clog.
What are some things that you should do after you have cleared the clog?
Run hot water down the drain for a few minutes to flush any debris that may have been loosened.
Check all of the other drains in your home to make sure that they are clear as well.
What are some things that you should not do after you have cleared the clog?
Do not pour oils or grease down the drain do not flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet and do not pour coffee grounds down the drain.
