It can happen at any time, you’re taking a shower and the tub or basin starts filling up. You check the stopper and find it’s open and realize your drain is clogged. A slow draining tub is a common problem and most of the time is fairly easy to fix. The problem is usually hair and fuzz from clothing along with soap scum and dirt that builds up over time and blocks the water from draining freely.
If you find the drain early, remove the drain cover and tub stopper and pull any hair or build up that comes out with it. Run some water and see if it’s still clogged. If the water still drains slowly, use a zip-tie and a pair of needle nose pliers to push or pull the clog out of the way. While you have the drain stopper out, use this combination of ingredients to clean the drain line. Pour boiling water down the drain. Next add a half a cup of baking soda and let it sit. Then pour about a cup of vinegar down the drain. The baking soda and vinegar will bubble up and help remove the soap scum that’s adhered to the sides of the drain. Cover the drain for a few minutes. When the bubbling has subsided, pour more boiling water down the drain.
If the problem has been happening for a while and you’ve tried to ignore it, the clog may be fairly severe. Also, if you find other drains in the house are backing up or you are smelling a sewer-like smell, call a plumber immediately. You may have a bigger problem than a drain clog. InSink Plumbing, serving Addison can help. We offer 24 hour emergency plumbing help.
