How to unclog a clogged bathtub without calling a plumber?

1. Boiling Water

Boiling water can help dissolve soap scum, grease, and other buildup that might be causing the clog.

Steps:

1. Boil a large pot of water.
2. Carefully pour the boiling water down the drain in stages, allowing it to work for a few seconds between pours.
3. Check to see if the water is draining properly. Repeat if necessary.

2. Baking Soda and Vinegar

This natural chemical reaction can break down clogs caused by hair, soap scum, and other debris.

Materials Needed:

• 1/2 cup of baking soda
• 1/2 cup of white vinegar
• Boiling water

Steps:

1. Pour the baking soda down the drain.
2. Follow with the vinegar. The mixture will fizz and bubble.
3. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
4. Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to flush out the clog.

3. Plunger

A plunger can create enough suction to dislodge a clog, particularly if it’s near the surface.

Steps:

1. Remove the drain stopper if possible.
2. Fill the bathtub with a small amount of water, just enough to cover the bottom of the plunger.
3. Place the plunger over the drain and press down firmly.
4. Plunge vigorously up and down several times, then quickly lift the plunger off the drain.
5. Repeat until the water begins to drain.

4. Drain Snake (or Wire Hanger)

A drain snake is a flexible tool that can reach deep into the drain to remove clogs. If you don’t have a drain snake, a wire hanger can be a makeshift alternative.

Materials Needed:

• Drain snake or a straightened wire hanger

Steps:

1. Remove the drain cover.
2. Insert the drain snake or wire hanger into the drain.
3. Twist and push it deeper into the pipe, then pull it out. It should bring hair or debris with it.
4. Repeat until you no longer pull out any material.
5. Run hot water to flush the drain.

5. Wet/Dry Vacuum

If you have a wet/dry shop vacuum, it can be an effective way to suck out clogs.

Steps:

1. Set the vacuum to “liquid” mode.
2. Cover the drain with the vacuum hose and create a tight seal.
3. Turn the vacuum on to its highest setting and let it suck out the clog.
4. After a few minutes, turn off the vacuum and check the drain.

6. Dish Soap and Hot Water

Dish soap can help break down grease that might be clogging the drain.

Steps:

1. Pour about 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap down the drain.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain.
4. If the clog persists, use a plunger or repeat the process.

7. Wire Coat Hanger

A simple wire coat hanger can be straightened out to reach clogs caused by hair and other debris.

Steps:

1. Straighten out a wire coat hanger, leaving a small hook on one end.
2. Remove the drain cover.
3. Insert the hanger into the drain and use the hook to fish out any clogs.
4. Once you’ve pulled out as much as you can, flush the drain with hot water.

Prevention Tips

• Drain Covers: Use a drain cover to catch hair and debris before it goes down the drain.
• Regular Cleaning: Pour boiling water down the drain once a week to help prevent buildup.
• Avoid Grease: Never pour grease or oil down the drain, as it can solidify and cause clogs.

When to Call a Plumber

If you’ve tried these methods and the clog persists, it may be time to call a plumber. Persistent clogs can indicate a more serious issue in your plumbing system that requires professional attention.

Using these DIY methods, you can often unclog your bathtub drain quickly and easily, saving yourself the cost of a plumber and keeping your bathroom in top shape.