How To Clean A Bathtub Drain

How To Clean A Bathtub Drain: A Complete Guide

Your bathtub drain is a vital part of your bathroom, allowing water to flow out of the tub and preventing flooding. However, over time, hair, soap scum, and other debris can build up in the drain, causing it to clog and become less effective. If you're experiencing a slow-draining bathtub, it's time to clean the drain. Step 1: Gather Your Supplies Before you begin cleaning the bathtub drain, you'll need to gather a few supplies: * A bucket or bowl to catch the water that comes out of the drain * A plunger * A drain snake * Baking soda * White vinegar * Boiling water * A toothbrush or small scrub brush * Gloves * Safety goggles Step 2: Prepare the Area Once you've gathered your supplies, it's time to prepare the area. Place the bucket or bowl under the bathtub drain to catch the water that will come out of the drain. If you have a shower curtain, pull it closed to prevent water from splashing onto the floor. Step 3: Use a Plunger The first step in cleaning the bathtub drain is to use a plunger. Place the plunger over the drain and push and pull it up and down vigorously. This will help to dislodge any large clogs that may be blocking the drain. Step 4: Use a Drain Snake If the plunger doesn't work, you can try using a drain snake. Insert the drain snake into the drain and turn it clockwise. The drain snake will help to break up any clogs that are further down the drain. Step 5: Use Baking Soda and White Vinegar Once you've removed the clogs, it's time to clean the drain. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. The baking soda and vinegar will react to create a fizzing action that will help to dissolve hair, soap scum, and other debris. Step 6: Rinse the Drain with Boiling Water After you've let the baking soda and vinegar sit for 30 minutes, rinse the drain with boiling water. The boiling water will help to flush out any remaining debris and ensure that the drain is completely clean. Step 7: Scrub the Drain If the drain is still dirty, you can use a toothbrush or small scrub brush to scrub the drain. Be sure to scrub the sides of the drain as well as the bottom. Step 8: Flush the Drain with Water Once you've scrubbed the drain, flush the drain with water. This will help to remove any remaining debris and ensure that the drain is flowing properly. Conclusion By following these steps, you can easily clean a bathtub drain and keep it flowing smoothly. If you experience frequent clogs, you may need to clean the drain more often. You can also try using a commercial drain cleaner, but be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.