What to Do When Your Tub Won’t Drain

Here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we offer a wide range of bathroom plumbing services, including drain cleaning. In this blog post, we’re going to share effective methods on how to unclog your bathtub in no time.

• Use a Drain Claw to Unclog the Tub

A drain claw is a long, flexible wire cable with a hooked or barbed claw-like attachment at the end. This tool is designed to remove hair clogs in drains. The first step is to remove the stopper and strainer to gain access to the drain pipe for thorough cleaning. Slowly push the drain claw into the pipe as deep as you can until you feel resistance. This indicates the claw has reached the clog. Gently turn and wiggle the claw to snag the hair or debris and pull it out of the drain. Run some water to see if the tub is draining smoothly. Alternatively, you can straighten a wire coat hanger and follow the aforementioned steps.

• Get the Plunger

If the drain claw doesn’t clear the clog, then it’s time to grab a plunger and give it a try. Partially fill the tub with water and position the plunger directly over the drain opening. Make sure the entire rubber cup is submerged in the water. Next, press down on the plunger handle to create a tight seal between the rubber cup and the bathtub drain opening. With the seal in place, push the plunger down and pull it up in quick succession several times. If the clog dislodges, the water level should recede noticeably. If the water level doesn't recede much or the clog persists, try plunging a few more times.

• Try a Plumbing Snake/Drain Snake

If plunging the drain doesn’t help, it may be time to use a plumbing snake. This tool is available in hardware stores or home improvement stores. Insert the drain snake down the drain opening, slowly feeding it with a turning motion until you feel resistance. Next, turn the crank handle to rotate the snake and break up the clog. Slowly pull the snake out of the drain pipe and run water to see if the problem has been resolved. If you’re unsure about using a plumbing snake properly, call a professional plumbing service that specializes in bathroom plumbing to help you unblock your bathtub.

Caution: Do not opt for chemical drain cleaners to unblock your bathtub. While they’re marketed as a quick fix for drain clogs, they come with several downsides. First, they can cause pipe damage if used for a long period of time. Second, they may not be effective for all types of clogs. If DIY solutions won’t help, reach out to a plumbing repair service that offers professional drain cleaning services.

Hire Professional Plumbers for Drain Cleaning

When you’re in need of dependable drain cleaning, trust the plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing to do an outstanding job. We are a professional plumbing company that offers reliable bathroom plumbing services, including clogged drain line repair, toilet repair, showerhead replacement, bathtub installation, and many more. If any of your drains are clogged and you need professional help, we are one phone call away.