If you have a clogged drain in your tub, you may end up standing ankle-deep in dirty water every time you shower, making the experience less than refreshing.
Don’t ignore the problem until you notice the overflow drain working overtime. Instead, learn how to unclog your bathtub fast with know-how and the best products for the job.
In this PlumbingNav review, we will cover:
What is the best way to unclog a bathtub drain?
What types of products help unclog your tub drain?
How to fix a slow draining bathtub
What do you look for in the best products to unclog a drain?
Top 5 best products to unclog a bathtub drain reviewed
This 25-foot drain auger works on a wide range of tasks, including stubborn clogs. It’s also flexible, so you can use it for just about any drain, including a grease trap, S pipe, or L pipe.
Not only does this product work, but it’s made to last and includes a one-year warranty. It comes with gloves and a carrying case, too.
The absolutely best way to unclog a shower drain is to remove the debris causing the clog.
In the bathtub drain, the most common culprits will be hair and soap scum. As people lather up and shave, these materials escape down the drain. Unfortunately, they can build up and create an unwanted clog.
A drain stopper or enzyme drain cleaner can help prevent the problem before it happens. However, what do you do when you already have a stubborn clog?
What Types Of Products Help Unclog Your Tub Drain?
To unclog a bathtub drain, you need the right tools.
Three of the most popular items used for unclogging a tub drain include:
Plunger – a device that uses pressure to break up the clog.
Drain cleaner – a homemade, chemical, or enzymatic cleaner that breaks up the clog.
Drain snake (aka drain claw or auger) – long, flexible object with a pointy end that reaches the clog and breaks it up.
A plunger works instantaneously, but it is the least effective method. A snake also works right away and handles most clogs, but it costs the most and requires the most DIY experience.
However, a drain cleaner may require time to work, and cleaners with harsh chemicals can cause damage to your plumbing.
How To Fix A Slow Draining Bathtub In 5 Steps?
Step 1: Natural Methods
Start breaking up the clog by using a natural drain cleaner.
You can make a homemade drain cleaner using baking soda and white vinegar. After the mixture settles in your drain, rinse it with boiling water or hot water.
Step 2: Plunger
Most people associate a plunger with the toilet, but it can work on a variety of clogs, including your bathroom drain.
When you get a tight seal around the drain, plunge by pressing down to create pressure. Ideally, the pressure will force the clog to dissipate.
Step 3: Snake Drain
To use a snake drain, you force it down your drain until it reaches the clog. Once it reaches the clog, the end will physically break up the clog. Many snakes make it easy with a crank to turn the end, increasing effectiveness.
Chemical drain cleaners use harsh chemicals to break up the clog.
The most common chemicals used are:
Caustic soda
Sodium hydroxide
lye
Chemical cleaners can damage pipes or lead to drain cleaning poisoning, so only use this option when the first steps don’t work. Also, be sure to wear protective gear and follow the instructions exactly. Ensure the product you use is safe for cast iron pipes or approved for PVC drains on the label.
Step 5: Plumber
If nothing seems to work, you may need to give in and hire a professional plumber to examine the situation.
A plumber may need to take apart the plumbing in your tub to gain access to the clog and completely clean out the problem.
What Do You Look For In The Best Products To Unclog A Drain?
Fast-Acting
The best products work quickly, especially if you only have one bathtub in your home. If the drain gets clogged, you’ll need a fast-acting product so that you can bathe properly soon.
Alternatively, you can use a drain cleaner before you go to bed at night and hope it worked by the time you wake up in the morning.
Easy to Use
It’s important to find a product that is easy for you to use. When things get overly complicated, you have a higher chance of doing something incorrectly, which can stop the product from working.
Appropriate for Your Specific Clog
Find a product that works on your bathtub clog. Some products that work on hair clogs in the tub drain may not work as well on a different type of clog. Always pick a product that specifically claims to break down the specific materials clogging your pipes along with being safe.
Best Products To Unclog Bathtub Reviewed
Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
This 25-foot drain auger works on a wide range of tasks, including stubborn clogs. It’s also flexible, so you can use it for just about any drain, including a grease trap, S pipe, or L pipe.
Not only does this product work, but it’s made to last and includes a one-year warranty. It comes with gloves and a carrying case, too.
Unclog your bathroom drain quickly with the POPOMAN cordless drain snake. This cordless auger reaches 25 feet into any drain, and it runs off a Li-Ion battery that fully charges in as little as an hour. You get to change the speed to your preferences up to 560 RPM (revolutions per minute).
The stainless steel material ensures long-term durability. It even comes with a LED light to help you see what you need to do.
Pros
Auto-scaling shaft for increased safety and sanitation
Reduce your carbon footprint and keep your pipes safe with this award-winning cleaner by Xion Lab. The industrial-strength formula works on tough clogs of hair and grease, but, unlike a caustic cleaner, it won’t damage plumbing. This American family business also donates a portion of its profits to charities.
Enzymes and probiotics work together to eat at clogs made from organic waste to ensure regular drainage when used as a part of your monthly plumbing maintenance.
The enzymes are safe for all aspects of your plumbing, including the septic system. In fact, the enzymes can actually help the ecosystem in your septic tank. You also don’t need to worry about fumes that can cause a burn or irritation.
Pros
Completely safe
No chemicals
100% satisfaction guaranteed
Cons
Best used as preventative maintenance
Won’t work on cloth or paper
Requires hours to work
Final Thoughts On How To Unclog A Bathtub
A clogged bathtub drain can occur thanks to heavy usage. When your strainer fails to work and you develop a drain clog, you can use a number of methods to resolve the issue. The most common methods are a toilet plunger, auger, and drain cleaner.
After you fix your clogged bathroom drain, use a drain trap to ensure that the next time you find yourself standing in water in your tub, it’s thanks to the tub stopper and not a clog.
FAQs For How To Unclog Bathtub
How do you unclog a tub with standing water?
You can use a plunger, drain cleaner, or a snake drain to unclog a tub.
