DIY Tips for Unclogging Your Bathtub (Before You Call the Pros)
Ever step into the tub only to find yourself ankle-deep in yesterday’s shower water? We’ve all been there. You’re ready to relax, and your drain has other plans. Before you reach for your phone—or a bottle of questionable drain cleaner—try a few of these tried-and-true DIY tricks. They’re cheap, simple, and might just save you the cost of a service call.
What’s Actually Clogging Your Drain?
Most tub clogs are the usual suspects: hair, soap scum, and other gunk slowly building up in the pipes until your water has nowhere to go. That slow drain you’ve been ignoring? It’s the plumbing equivalent of a warning light. The sooner you tackle it, the better.
DIY Methods That (Actually) Work
1. The Wire Hanger Hack
Take a standard wire hanger, straighten it out, and make a small hook at the end. Gently feed it down the drain and fish around for hair and grime. You probably won’t enjoy what you pull up, but it gets the job done. Repeat until things start flowing again.
2. Use a Drain Snake
If you’ve got a plumbing snake, now’s the time to break it out. Remove the tub’s overflow plate and feed the snake in until you hit resistance. Twist and pull to break up or remove the clog. It’s not glamorous work—but it’s satisfying when you hear that water finally go down.
3. Pour Boiling Water
Sometimes, the simplest fix is the best one. Boil a kettle of water and pour it slowly down the drain. It can help melt and flush away soap scum or minor buildup. Just be careful not to splash—and skip this method if you have PVC pipes, which may not love the heat.
4. The Baking Soda & Vinegar Method
This one’s a classic. Pour about a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Cover the drain and wait about 30 minutes while the mixture fizzes and breaks things down. Finish by flushing it with hot water. If your clog’s not too stubborn, this can work wonders.
When It’s Time to Call a Pro
Tried it all and still standing in a tub full of water? Don’t sweat it. Some clogs are just more than DIY can handle—and that’s when it’s time to call in backup.
Reach out to My Georgia Plumber at 770-592-0081. We’ve got the tools, experience, and patience to deal with clogs that don’t go quietly.
A Final Tip: Regular maintenance can help you avoid clogs altogether. Using a drain cover to catch hair and being mindful of what goes down the tub can go a long way.
So next time your drain slows to a crawl, give these fixes a shot. You might just solve the problem yourself. But if not—we’re always here to help.
