Clogged bathtub drains can be understood if you know the anatomy of your drain. Water flows down the drain and through a “P” shaped trap that at rest holds a little water creating a liquid seal that prevents sewer smells from rising into your bathroom. The trap is a great invention, but along with the water other things flow down the drain. Hair, soap scum, and dirt can build up clogging the trap causing water to drain slowly or not at all. Now you’ve got a problem.
Before Your Attack with a Bathtub Plunger
Most bathtubs have two drains; one on the bottom and one higher up to prevent overflowing the tub. You might see a metal disk with a passage at the bottom. Some overflows might have easy to see holes. In order to plunge your drain, you will need to block this overflow so your plunger can provide the pressure needed to remove the clog. A simple way to do this is by using duct tape.
Using a Bathtub Plunger
Place the plunger squarely over the drain and run enough water to cover the plunger creating a good seal. Firmly push down and up six or seven times. The pressure of water forced through the trap will, in most cases, clear the drain. If water still flows slowly, do the same procedure one or two more times. The clog may have simply moved further down the pipe.
If the clog is stubborn, you may need to resort to drain cleaner from your local store. Follow the safety direction carefully when using drain cleaners. The chemicals are very powerful and can be very dangerous. Keep drain cleaners high on a shelf away from children.
