It is one of the worst nightmares when you go for a shower and find the water standing. You never know what the reason for this unpleasant experience is. Studies show that most of the home plumbing clogs are a result of hair, soap scum, and everything that we take for granted.
However, some home remedies should be tried before seeking professional help. In this blog, Dript will discuss some effective methods. Let’s get started.
Common Causes and Signs of Clogged Bathtub
Knowing the usual culprits and some hints that a drain is starting to get clogged can prevent worse situations.
Here are some common causes and signs to look for clogged bathtub drains.
1. Hair Build-Up
A major cause of drain blockage is always hair. Over time, the hairs falling off your head naturally combine to form a mesh-like structure in the shower drain. This hinders the free flow of water, and the blockage builds up until it produces total blockage. Furthermore, hair collects soap, dirt, and oils, making the clog more challenging to eliminate.
2. Soap Scum
Soap scum is formed by soap together with minerals which compile a solid base that sticks to the walls of your pipes. Gradually, this layer accumulates and reduces the channel size through which the water passes.
3. Mineral Buildup
When water is hard, it contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which slowly build up in the pipes to constrain the water flow and ultimately lead to clogging.
4. Foreign Objects
Some clogs result from objects that may have been flushed accidentally, like shampoo caps, cutlery, rings, and even children’s toys. These items hang in the water column and may form a considerable barricade.
5. Grease and Oils
While not as frequent in bathtubs as in kitchen sinks, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner oil deposits can crystallize, clogging up the pipes. These greasy substances are difficult to wash when mixed with other items, such as hair.
6. Tree Roots
Tree roots tend to penetrate through pipes and cause blockage to plumbing lines. If trees are near your home, most of their roots may sneak through small pipe cracks that cause significant clogging problems.
Signs of a Blocked Drain
Here’s what you may suspect.
- Slow Draining: If the water takes longer than usual to drain, something needs to be fixed with the pipe.
- Standing Water: Water stagnant inside the tub after a shower indicates a complete blockage.
- Unpleasant Odors: Bad odours emitted from the drain indicate that there could be trapped organic stuff, such as hair, soap residues, or oils that are growing stale.
- Gurgling Sounds The sounds of bubbling, which happen when water drains, indicate that air has gotten trapped in the blockage of pipes.
Methods for Unclogging Bathtub Drain
You should know that there are several things that you can do to clear this blockage before you look for professional intervention. You can return your drain to its optimal working state, from using simple household remedies to employing specific tools.
Following are the methods you can use.
1. Use a Plunger
The best way to unclog bathtub drain is to use a plunger. The plunger creates suction and applies pressure to free the clogged hole. Correctly place it on the drain and pour enough water to cover the plunger’s bottom.
Using the push-pull motion, create a suction environment. Try to go fast, as this will effectively clear the blockade, and your drain will be free from debris or accumulation.
2. Boiling Water
Another way to deal with foul drains is by using hot water. It is very effective to let go of the grease, oil, or soap scum. Begin by pouring boiled water into the drain, but avoid doing it too frequently as it may harm the PVC pipes.
3. Vinegar & Baking Soda
One of the effective ways to resolve barriers in the drain is by using this mixture. To unclog the drain, add half a cup of vinegar and soda to the drain and then let it rest for fifteen minutes. It’ll clear out all the dirty stuff. Turn on the faucet to let hot water run through it and clear out the drain.
4. Drain Snake
A plumber’s primary tool is called the drain snake or auger, a flexible tool supposed to force its way through stubborn objects such as hair or debris blocking the path of the water. Push the snake as far into the drain as you feel some resistance.
After that, turn the handle in the opposite direction to grab at the clog and take it out. This is especially useful when there are deeper clogs in the drain.
5. Wire Coat Hanger
Wire coat hangers are another drain snake you can fix if you don’t need professional help. Straighten the hanger up to leave a small hook on the opposite end. Push it gently in the drain to help retrieve hair or any other item that may have formed the blockage. Do not drag anything across your drain or pipes because you might damage them.
6. Plumber’s Drain Tool (Zip-It Tool)
A plumber’s drain or Zip-It tool is a small, white plastic tool with barbs along its length used for extracting hair and debris. Place the tool in the drain; turn it and then remove it. The barbs will pull any hair that has been trapped, which makes it convenient and mess-free to deal with minor blockages.
7. Chemical Drain Cleaners
You can purchase chemical drain cleaners at any store. They do an excellent job clearing the blockage immediately. Although they are very effective, they should not be frequently used because they damage pipes and the environment.
It is recommended that you read the information provided on the product label. In most cases, this involves pouring the chemical cleaner down the drain and waiting for the set period before rinsing it with water. Always wear gloves and safety glasses and handle the cleaner carefully.
8. Dish Soap and Hot Water
Another simple homemade remedy combines dishwashing soap with hot water, especially for cleaning grease. Pour some dish soap into the drain, making sure it goes down generously, and pour boiling water afterward. The soap emulsifies the greasy materials; the hot water rinses them out.
9. Remove and Clean the Drain Stopper
Sometimes, the clog can stem from hair and other particles lodged near the drain stopper. Just washing the stopper is enough to deal with the situation. Lift the drain stopper by unscrewing or pulling it off, and clear out the accumulation of hair and other material. Remove the stopper, clean it, and return it in a way that will allow the water to pass through the drain.
When to Seek Professional Help
Although home plumbing is less complex than it might look, some people cannot perform it out of fear or caution. Sometimes, when the clogs keep forming in the drain and cannot be cleared, you should seek professional plumbing services in Kitsilano.
Also, if you have tried to unclog your drain, but the water still stands and doesn’t go away, a plumber should look into it. They have the tools and expertise to identify and resolve these persistent issues.
Conclusion
The key to a fresh shower is learning how to deal with the draining issues. People might initially take it as a complex job, but it is as simple as it can be done using home remedies. You must use the right tools and methods to resolve minor clogs and restore your drain to full functionality.
However, if you want professional plumbing services, then opt for Dript. Our certified team is proficient enough to address all your concerns quickly. We ensure your drains function properly after we service them. Contact us today for all your plumbing worries.
FAQs
How Can I Unclog My Washroom?
You can easily do it using a drain claw to remove all the dust and debris. If you think the problem is bigger, you can unscrew the drain and use a plunger to fix it.
Can I open a Clogged Drain without Using a Snake?
Yes, you can! If you don’t want to use chemicals or snakes, try natural remedies, such as a mixture of vinegar and soda. You can also use a vacuum or plunger side by side.