How to Unclog Bathtub Drains With Standing Water

The first thing you notice is that your bathtub is draining more slowly than usual. But before long, you’re stuck with icky standing water in your bathtub that won’t drain at all, and that’s unacceptable! Before throwing in the towel and calling us, here are a few unclogging tips to try first, plus the causes of most clogs and some handy prevention tips.

How to Unclog a Shower or Bathtub Drain With Standing Water

The good news is that many shower and bathtub clogs can be safely cleared by homeowners without any professional intervention, which is a good thing for your wallet. However, be sure to have the right tools on hand and be careful — your safety always comes first!

Also, certain clogs may require more than one method. Now that we’ve cleared all that up (pun intended), here’s a step-by-step guide for unclogging showers and bathtubs with standing water:

Step 1: Remove Visible Debris

Use gloves to remove hair, soap scum, or other visible debris from the drain cover or surface. Once any visible debris is removed, move to Step 2.

Step 2: Use a Plunger

First, cover the tub’s overflow drain with masking tape or stuff it with a towel (to block any air from escaping). Next, push the plunger down over the drain so it creates a firm seal. Then push the plunger up and down several times while maintaining the seal.

As you plunge, you should start to notice the level of the standing water going down. If the standing water has been drained and you think you’ve cleared the clog, run more bath water to see how well it drains. If it’s still slow, try plunging some more and move to Step 3.

Step 3: Try a Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution

First, remove as much standing water as possible. Also, cover the bathtub’s overflow hole so the solution can take full effect. Next, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain. Then pour in 1/2 cup of vinegar. You’ll start to hear fizzing.

Cover the drain with a plug and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. Then, take out the overflow plug. Finally, slowly pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. If it’s still clogged, repeat the entire process and move to Step 4.

Step 4: Use a Drain Snake or Auger

First and foremost: When snaking your bathtub drain, never attempt to snake the drain at the bottom of your tub, which has a sharp turn and could cause drain damage from the snake. Only use the snake in the overflow opening. Before you start, cover your bathtub floor with a dropcloth to protect the porcelain. Next, remove the overflow cover with a screwdriver. If your tub has a lever-operated stopper, you’ll need to remove that as well.

Bring the snake close to the overflow hole and gently and slowly lower the snake down the drain. When you hit a point of resistance, lock your snake in place and turn it (either manually or by motor) so it can grab all the hair and debris. When you think you’ve grabbed the clog, slowly bring the snake back up. Be sure to have a towel handy because you’ll be bringing up quite a mess.

Step 5: Consider a Chemical Drain Cleaner

We never recommend using a chemical clog clearer as a first option because most people are unaware of the age and condition of their pipes. Harsh clog-clearing agents contain abrasive chemicals that can corrode pipes, causing leaks and other plumbing problems. If you must use a chemical cleaner, be sure to follow the product instructions carefully.

Step 6: Call a Professional Plumber

If you have little luck with the above methods, or you’re facing several problems, it’s time to call JD Service Now for our professional clog-clearing services. Our licensed and certified plumbers have cleared countless clogs and have the expertise to clear clogs safely and swiftly.

What Causes a Clogged Shower or Bathtub Drain?

While clogs come in all shapes and sizes, they tend to be made of the same old stuff:

• Hair buildup: Hair accumulation in the drain is one of the biggest offenders.
• Soap scum: This yucky combination of soap and minerals loves to block pipes.
• Hard water deposits: If you have hard water, your pipes are prone to clog-creating mineral buildup.
• Foreign objects: When small objects like earrings or toys get accidentally dropped into the drain, clogs or other pipe problems are inevitable.
• Grease or oils: Many people are surprised to learn that bath products and body oils create a residue that can clog pipes.

How to Prevent Clogs in Your Shower or Bathtub

• Use a hair catcher: This simple step prevents a lot of clogs.
• Brush your hair before showering: You’ll catch many loose hairs and keep them from going down the drain.
• Clean and flush drains regularly: Clean your drains with baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water every few months (see Step 3).
• Use a drain cover: Prevent small objects like toys or debris from falling into the drain.
• Avoid oily products: Bath bombs and bath oils can congeal and clog pipes.

The good news is that most bathtub and shower clogs can be cleared without a plumber. A little preventive maintenance like flushing and cleaning your drains, using hair catchers, and avoiding certain bath products can help you prevent clogs.

And when clogs do occur, you have plenty of options to try (see Steps 1-5 above) before calling us. If you’re simply in over your head, you can turn to JD Service Now seven days a week.

When in doubt, expert clog-clearing help is only a call away. Contact us today to schedule your service.