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How to DIY: Unclog a Bathtub Drain

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Dallas Plumbing & Air Conditioning - How to DIY: Unclog a Bathtub

“There’s nothing as pleasant and beautiful as a clogged bathtub, dishwasher, or toilet,” said no one ever. Discovering this issue is often met with grimaces of disgust and annoyance.. If you’re in this type of predicament, don’t fear. You can fix this problem with a bit of elbow grease and a few household staples. We know how inconvenient and troubling these clogs are, but Dallas Plumbing & Air Conditioning is always around to help you, even if these DIY hacks don’t work. In this blog, we will explain why your bathtub may be clogged and give pointers on fixing the problem. 

Why Is My Bathtub Clogged?

The first thing most people want to know about drained clogs is why this is happening.There could be several reasons why your bathtub is clogged,  which are outlined below: 

Hair and Soap Buildup

Over time, hair and soap can accumulate in the drain and cause a clog. This is especially true if you or anyone in your home has long hair. 

Mineral Buildup 

Hard water often causes mineral buildup in pipes, which leads to clogs. If you know that you have hard water in your home, you may benefit from installing a water softener. A plumbing professional in Dallas, TX, can do this for you. 

Foreign Objects

Items like toys, jewelry, and other objects can accidentally fall into the drain and cause a blockage. Sometimes removing these things helps resolve the clog. However, if they are stuck deep inside the pipe, a plumber may need to diagnose and repair the problem. 

Tree Roots

If your bathtub is connected to an outdoor plumbing system, tree roots can grow into the pipes and cause clogs. A plumbing pro in Dallas, TX can resolve this issue. Unfortunately, the only way to fix the problem is to remove the tree roots and repair the pipe, which is often very expensive. 

Old Pipes

If you’re living in a house that was built before the 1970s, the pipes in your home may be too old. They may be corroded and deteriorated, which leads to clogs. 

How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain

Now that you know why your bathtub might be clogged, you’re probably wondering what to do about it. Unclogging a bathtub is easier than you think. Here’s what you’ll need for this task: 

  • Sink plunger
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • Boiling water

 

Once you’ve gathered these items, follow the five simple steps to unclog that tub. 

1. Remove Any Visible Debris or Items

Begin by removing any visible items from the tub. This could include luffas, toys, soap bars, and the stopper. Also, if there is hair stuck in the drain, do your best to remove it as well. 

2. Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain

Now, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. This will help begin to loosen any debris or grime that is stuck in the drain. 

3. Use a Plunger

Fill the tub with hot water and position the plunger over the drain. Make sure the cup seals against the tub’s surface. Then, begin plunging by pushing the plunger up and down. Do this about five or six times. After the last plunge, pull the plungers all the way up and remove itthem. You may need to do this a few times until the water begins to flow freely down the drain. Most of the time, this is enough to unclog a bathtub drain

4. Pour Baking Soda and Vinegar Down the Drain 

To finish off the cleaning process, pour a ratio of one part baking soda and one part vinegar down the drain. Let it for 10-15 minutes to let the chemical reaction loosen the debris and soap. 

5. Finish Off With Another Pot of Boiling Water

After the time is up, pour another pot of boiling water down the drain. Finish off by cleaning out the tub of any remaining dirt and grime. 

Call Us For Emergency Plumbing in Dallas, TX

Are you in need of help with unclogging a drain? Look no further than Dallas Plumbing & Air Conditioning for emergency assistance. Give us a call at (866) 576-0976 for prompt and reliable service.

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