There’s nothing like a relaxing soak after a long day enjoying the Seattle scenery. But fill the tub and… the water just sits there? A clogged drain can really put a damper on your me-time. Don’t sweat it – we’ve got you covered!
Below, we’ll walk through several DIY methods for clearing even the most stubborn tub clogs, from the classic plunger to a drain snake. You’ll also learn how to use chemical cleaners safely, try some natural solutions, and prevent future backups so you can soak worry-free.
Identifying the Cause of the Clog
Before you attack that clog, figure out what’s causing it. That way, you can pick the right method and clear the drain like a pro.
The usual culprits are hair, soap scum from your favorite bath products, or a kid’s errant toy. Sometimes all three combine into a super clog. Yuck!
Other times, the problem is farther down the pipe, like tree or shrub roots infiltrating the sewer line, or years of gunk and grime buildup.
To check, remove the drain cover and shine a flashlight inside. A surface-level clog, like a hairball or toy, will usually be visible. If not, take a whiff – a sewage smell likely means the clog is deeper.
Whatever you find, we’ll cover the tactics to get that tub draining again.
Method 1: Using a Plunger
The plunger is one of the oldest tricks in the book, and for good reason. It’s cheap, easy to find, and can often dislodge basic clogs with some elbow grease.
Use a cup-style plunger made for sinks and tubs; save flanged plungers for toilets. Run the rubber cup under hot water for a minute so it flexes and forms a tight seal.
Remove any drain covers, strainers, or hair catchers. Then block the overflow drain with an old rag – an airtight seal is key.
Position the cup directly over the drain and plunge forcefully up and down while keeping the seal. Go hard for 15–20 seconds to build pressure, then check whether the water is draining.
If you’re not making progress, pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to loosen things up, then plunge again. A force cup attachment can also concentrate the pressure.
With persistence, this method handles most basic hair and soap scum clogs. Be ready to pull out any gunk that comes loose. Not glamorous, but it works! And if it doesn’t, there are more tricks to try.
Method 2: Removing the Clog Manually
If plunging isn’t cutting it, it’s time to get your hands dirty and remove the blockage manually.
Grab a drain snake (also called a plumber’s snake or auger). It’s a long, flexible metal cable with a hooked or barbed end that grabs hair, toys, and whatever else is causing the backup.
Feed the cable into the drain as far as it will go, cranking the handle to work it down the pipe. When you hit resistance, you’ve probably found the clog. Rotate the snake back and forth while pushing to latch onto it.
With some persistence, you’ll snag the clog and pull it free as you withdraw the snake. It may take a few tries, so don’t get discouraged. Just remove all the debris so it doesn’t immediately re-clog.
For an extra-stubborn clog, spray some drain cleaner gel down first to help break it up. Avoid straight liquid drain cleaners with a snake, though – the fumes can be hazardous.
It may get gross, but your drain will be flowing freely again soon. Maybe keep the shower curtain closed…just in case.
Method 3: Using a Chemical Drain Cleaner
You’ve tried plunging and snaking, and that clog is still putting up one hell of a fight. Once you’ve exhausted the physical methods, it may be time for a chemical drain cleaner – the kind that uses harsh chemicals to eat through the blockage.
Fair warning: this stuff is no joke. Most drain cleaners contain caustic ingredients like lye, sulfuric acid, or bleach that can do real damage if mishandled. Open windows for ventilation and keep kids and pets away. Safety first, always.
Put on thick rubber gloves and eye protection – don’t skip this unless you want a trip to the ER. Slowly pour the recommended amount down the drain, following the label; don’t dump in the whole bottle. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes to dissolve the clog.
Then run hot water for several minutes to flush everything out. If it’s still sluggish, you may need to plunge again. If the clog persists after one treatment, try another light application, but don’t overdo it or you risk damaging your pipes over time.
These cleaners are meant for occasional use when everything else has failed. Frequent use can corrode your pipes, so treat them as a last resort, not a long-term solution.
If you do go nuclear, flush the drain thoroughly with hot water afterward. You can even follow up with baking soda and vinegar to help neutralize any lingering chemicals.
Method 4: Natural DIY Solutions
Not keen on harsh chemicals? We don’t blame you. Luckily, there are natural options to try before busting out the hazmat suit.
A classic is baking soda and vinegar. Pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed quickly by an equal amount of vinegar. Let the fizzing reaction work for 10–15 minutes, then flush with a kettle of boiling water. The combo helps break down hair clumps, soap scum, and other organic matter.
You can also try an enzyme drain cleaner from the hardware store or online. These use bacteria cultures and bio-based enzymes to digest whatever’s gunking up your drain. Pour some in before bed, let it work overnight, and flush in the morning. It’s a safer choice if you have kids or pets.
For something simple and cheap, pour a few kettles of boiling water directly down the drain. The heat helps dissolve soap scum, wax, and other buildup. Skip this one if you have PVC pipes, as boiling water can warp or damage them.
Feeling handy? Straighten a wire coat hanger and use it to fish out hair clumps and gunk. It’s free, easy, and works in a pinch!
These methods are generally safer for your pipes and the environment than caustic cleaners. They may take more elbow grease, but they’ll get your tub draining without hazardous chemicals. Save the heavy-duty stuff as a last resort.
Preventing Future Bathtub Clogs
You’ve conquered that clog – take a victory lap! Then take a few preventative steps so you’re not dealing with it again anytime soon.
Start with a drain hair catcher or strainer. These inexpensive covers catch hair before it goes down the drain. Just remember to clean it regularly so it keeps working.
Make it a weekly habit to pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain, then flush with hot water. This breaks down soap scum, hair, and residue before they turn into a full-fledged clog.
If a drain is constantly slow, use a basic tool like a Zip-It or an unbent coat hanger to pull out gunk regularly. Just be gentle so you don’t scratch the pipes.
And watch what goes down the drain. Hair, soap scum, and the occasional action figure are bad enough, but cotton balls, feminine products, and excess toilet paper can quickly become a plumber’s nightmare. Keep them in the trash.
A little preventative maintenance goes a long way. Unless you really enjoy snaking pipes and pouring chemical cleaners…in which case, you do you!
When the Unclogging is Too Tough, Call a Seattle Plumbing Pro
Some clogs are just too stubborn for DIY. You can plunge until you’re blue in the face, snake until you’re dreaming about drains, and try every homemade concoction out there – and it still won’t budge. Before you take a sledgehammer to the tub, call a professional.
The good news for Seattle homeowners: you’ve got a local plumbing superhero on call. Gene Johnson has been clearing the most hellish drain clogs for over 48 years. Our team has the industrial-strength equipment and expertise to handle even the gnarliest backups.
Whether it’s a bathtub, shower, sink, or any other drain, the Gene Johnson crew will clear it quickly and efficiently. No guesswork or harsh chemicals – just tried-and-true plumbing skills. We’ll get to the root of the problem and make sure it doesn’t happen again anytime soon.
