So, why does the bathtub drain, or any drain usually get clogged? It is because all the hair and other substances that go down the drain, stick to the pipes. But, the hair and other particles are not the only things responsible. They form clogs by combining with greasy products like shampoos, conditioners, soap etc. These clogs stick to the walls of the pipe. If the pipe is partially clogged and it still allows the drainage of some amount of water, then your job to unclog the drain can become comparatively easier. But, if you have a completely clogged drain, then you will need to opt for some tough measures, or combine techniques.
Keep a bucket, a mug and a few rags handy to fix your plumbing problems. Wear safety gloves, to protect your hands, and a mask in case you are using caustic chemicals for unclogging the drain. Use this measures to get rid of the clogged bathtub drain.
Pouring Hot Water Down the Drain
As I mentioned before the gooey stuff sticks to the inner walls of the pipe due to the greasy products. To break down these clogs, one needs to dissolve the clogs. To unclog bathtub drain, just boil a lot of water, and slowly pour it down the drain. In cases of partial block, this measure will help to unclog the drain completely. However, in cases of complete blocks, you will need to first pour the hot water and then use any of the above measures, and again pour hot water to dissolve all the greasy stuff sticking to the inner walls of the drain. After pouring the hot water, let some normal water run down the drain to check if the method has worked and if you unclogged the bathtub drain. This measure is also an effective one to unclog kitchen sink.
Using a Plunger
Plungers work in most cases, and are safe manual methods. Take any plunger, but preferably a plunger that is a bit larger as compared to the size of the drain. Fill the bathtub with water,and place the plunger on the drain, and pour some more water so that the plunger head is immersed in water. Start plunging vigorously, and plunge at least 10 -15 times to completely remove the blockage; repeat if necessary. Pour some water and check.
Using Chemicals
Wear gloves, and pour down 1 liter of bleach down the drain, the bleach will eat up the hair and dissolve the clogs. Run some hot water and check whether this method has worked. Another method is to pour half cup of baking soda, and half cup of vinegar, letting this solution sit for half an hour and then pouring hot water into the drain. There are some commercial chemicals also available in the market if you are looking for a surefire remedy to learn to unclog a bathroom drain or a bathtub drain. Just read the label and follow the instructions properly, before using the commercial chemical packet.
Unleashing the Snake
Not, literally! There is a product called snake used for many plumbing solutions, which is a long flexible steel cable attached to a handle, which you can buy at a hardware store. You just need to keep feeding the snake into the opening of the drain, to push forward the blocked stuff, and keep it turning it in case it doesn't go easily. The snake will push forward the clogs, after the snake has reached around 3 feet, pull it back, and pour some hot water to remove any slime sticking to the pipe walls.
In case the above methods to unclog the drain fail to work; which will be in case you have a rotten old pipe, you will either have to call up a plumber to replace the pipe or do it yourself. But, in most cases, the above measures will work, and pouring some hot water regularly down the drain, will greatly prevent clogging of the bathtub drain.
