Slow draining means that the water stays in the tub for much longer than it should after you have pulled the plug. Clogs happen more frequently in homes where one or more of the bathtub users has long hair, as short hair is much less likely to get caught in the drain system. It can also attach to drains and pipes, making it difficult to remove. The slow draining sink is a very common household problem, but you can fix it quite easily. We usually use them for toilets, but you can also use them to clear minor clogs out of your drains. Unfortunately, these DIY drain fixes most often make the problem worse. If you suspect that a clogged vent is causing household plumbing to drain slowly, you can investigate just like a plumber would: Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–straight to your inbox. We have all been in a situation where we had to struggle against a stubborn kitchen sink, bathtub, toilet, or floor drain clog. Remove the drain stopper to inspect and gain access. This amount you use will vary. Cover the exposed drain with a towel. Older underground pipes can crack or leak, attracting root growth. If you are unwilling to take your drain apart and don't feel comfortable with using chemicals (or they simply don't work), then you will have to call out a professional plumber. video for How to Replace a Bathroom Faucet, Tankless Water Heater: What You Need to Know Before You Buy. A Guide to Garage Organization, Storage, and Cleaning. This guide will tell you how to unclog a shower drain. Here your goal is to make the snake travel farther, past the tub drain, and into the P-trap, where there’s probably more debris to clear. You can also try using a store - bought drain cleaner, or you use a plunger on the slow running drain. You will find that hair and soap residue may have … This is another inexpensive method for fixing a slow bathtub drain. A hand-powered snake may also be called a drum auger if you are doing a product search. A slow-draining bathtub is annoying and usually just gets worse if not dealt with Often, the cause is a clog made up of dirt, hair, and soap that's blocking the drainage. No, but it will still make you ill if you drink it. Pour the mixture down the clogged drain and let it sit for about 25-30 minutes. Repeat the process if necessary. Drain Plunger. Our bath tub drain has never been cleaned. Unfortunately, once the drainage problems have begun, they will typically only get worse over time unless action is taken. Most toilet backups aren't 100% blocked, so there's a good chance yours will drain slowly at first. Be mindful that you are holding scalding hot water and that any splash back could burn you. If your tub is the type where you flip a switch, then you can just leave the tubshroom in. If this does not work, try the process one more time. Once that puppy is whistling, pour your pot of boiling water down the drain. This proactive strategy will prevent soap scum and hair from accumulating. Copyright © 2020 This Old House Ventures, LLC. This will prevent a dropped tool from marring your tub, while also preventing loose screws from falling into the drain. Plunger/Drain Cleaner Method . ). DIY Drain Unclogger. So I would recommend removing that too for inspection and access. The success rate is high if the issue your dealing with is a clog. The tub’s drainage system consists of an L-shaped assembly that includes the tub drain, the overflow tube, and a stopper mechanism that is raised and lowered inside the overflow tube. With tub drains it can be a little bit tricky, but with the right steps, you can use the pressure created by the plunger to force the clog down the drain. All rights reserved. It is environmentally safe and doesn't require harsh chemicals. Let’s explore these steps in detail. A slow-draining tub is a common problem, and an irritating one, too. Typically the cause of a slow-draining bathtub is a clog that is restricting water flow. Different cleaners work for different types and severity of clogs … Often the drain will be narrow with a screen to catch debris. The combined ingredients should foam for five minutes. It's usually not recommended that a harsh chemical de-clogging agent be used to clear clogged drains and pipes. Some people complain that it is awkward to clean, but I've not had much trouble. If the water draining out of the washing machine causes the toilet to overflow or backs up into the tub or shower, it's a good sign the sewer drain is clogged. This flexible rod with bristles on the end is called a drain stick, and its ideal for pulling out that goop that slows the flow of water. Most clogged bath drain issues can be resolved by using some easy, affordable, and straightforward tools and methods. 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