Post By Admin
May 6, 2025Sometimes, a ruined evening starts with a blocked bathtub. You won’t be happy to find murky water refusing to drain on your bathtub when it’s shower time, won’t you?
That’s why, it’s understandable that you’re here to know how to unclog a bathtub.
This quick guide, brought to you by your local blocked drain specialists, will help you fix the problem fast—so keep reading!
Common Causes of a Clogged Bathtub
Before we get into how to unclog a bathtub drain, let’s talk about why it gets blocked in the first place. Trust us, once you know the usual suspects, it’s much easier to avoid dealing with a stubborn, slow-draining tub again.
Here’s what’s likely causing the clog:
- Hair, Hair, and More Hair
Yep, this is the big one. Every time you wash your hair, loose strands go down the drain. Over time, they clump together and trap soap, turning into a slimy mess that stops water from draining properly. - Soap Scum Buildup
Bar soaps and body washes often leave behind a filmy residue. It might not seem like much at first, but that gunk sticks to the inside of your pipes and builds up, especially when it mixes with hair. - Bath Bombs and Oils
A relaxing soak sounds great—until the fancy bath bomb or essential oils clog your drain. Some ingredients don’t dissolve completely, and things like glitter, petals, or salts can settle and block the flow. - Tiny Objects
Things like shampoo bottle caps, kids’ toys, or even razor covers can accidentally fall into the drain. If they get stuck, they’re not moving anytime soon without help. - Hard Water
If your area has hard water, minerals from the water can build up inside your pipes. It happens slowly, but it narrows the space inside the drain, making clogs way more likely.
Knowing what causes a clog is half the battle. Now that we’ve covered the “why,” let’s move on to how to unclog a tub drain—and help you get your tub back in business.
Also Read: How to Fix a Leaking Bathtub [6 Methods]
5 Ways to Unclog Your Bathtub
Without further ado, let’s have the real talk. You’re about to unblock a drain in no time:
1. Pour Boiling Water
This is the easiest fix and works surprisingly well for minor clogs caused by soap or grease.
- Boil a full kettle of water.
- Slowly pour the boiling water down the drain in two to three stages, giving it a few seconds in between.
- Use gloves to avoid burns, and pour carefully to avoid splashes.
Important: If you have an old or plastic bathtub drain, skip this method, since boiling water could crack the pipe or fittings.
2. Use a Drain Snake
Drain snake (or drain auger) is perfect for tackling hair clogs deep in the pipes.
- Insert the snake into the drain and turn the handle clockwise.
- Keep feeding it gently until you feel resistance—this means you’ve hit the clog.
- Twist, push, and pull to break up or hook the blockage, then slowly pull it out.
- Rinse the drain with hot water to finish the job.
You can get a drain snake at most hardware stores, and it’s a great tool to have around if your tub clogs often.
3. Use a Plunger
This works best when there’s standing water and a full blockage. Wondering how to plunge a tub the right way? Here’s what to do:
- Cover the overflow hole with a wet cloth or duct tape to create suction.
- Fill the tub with a bit of water—just enough to cover the plunger’s rubber cup.
- Place the plunger directly over the drain and give it 15–20 strong pumps.
- Lift the plunger to see if the water drains. Repeat if needed.
4. Modify a Coat Hanger
Don’t have a drain snake? A wire coat hanger can work in a pinch.
- Straighten out the hanger and bend one end into a small hook.
- Gently feed it into the drain and twist to catch hair or gunk.
- Pull it out slowly (it might be gross—gloves are your friend).
- Run hot water down the drain to clear out the rest.
5. Call an Expert
Tried everything and still stuck? It might be time to call in the pros. Some clogs go deeper than DIY tools can reach.
A trusted plumber has the right equipment and the experience to solve your bathtub plumbing issue quickly without damaging your pipes.
Sometimes, knowing when not to DIY is the smartest move!
Also Read: How to Remove Bathtub Drain Easily
How to Prevent Clogs in Your Bathtub?
Dealing with a clogged tub is never fun, so let’s keep it from happening in the first place. A few simple habits can make a big difference—and save you from future plumbing headaches.
Try these easy tips:
- Use a Drain Cover
This small tool catches hair before it goes down the drain. Just empty it regularly and you’re already ahead of most clogs. - Avoid Pouring Oils or Heavy Products Down the Drain
Bath oils, conditioners, and even some soaps can leave a residue that builds up over time. Use them sparingly or rinse with hot water right after. - Brush Hair Before Bathing
A quick brush before you bathe can reduce the amount of loose hair that ends up in the drain. - Maintain Plumbing System Regularly
Routine checks from a professional can spot small issues before they turn into major blockages. It’s a smart move, especially in older homes. You can do it by simply rinsing the drain with hot water once a week.
With just a little care, your bathtub can stay clog-free—and your evenings can stay relaxing.
FAQ about Clogged Bathtub
1. What dissolves hair in a bath drain?
While nothing truly dissolves hair without chemicals, a mix of baking soda and vinegar can help loosen it when combined with hot water.
For physical removal, using a drain snake or a hooked tool works best—it might not be pretty, but it gets the job done!
2. How do you fix a slow draining bathtub?
Start by fishing out any visible hair or gunk near the drain. Then, pour a kettle of hot (not boiling) water to help flush away soap scum.
If it’s still draining slowly, use a plunger or a homemade tool like a bent wire hanger to reach deeper blockages.
3. What is the best tool to unclog a tub drain?
A manual drain snake is your best friend for clog-free living—it grabs hair and debris without needing any harsh cleaners.
If you don’t have one, a sturdy coat hanger with a small hook at the end can be a great DIY substitute.
Also Read: 5 DIY Solutions to Block a Bathtub Drain Without a Plug
Conclusion
Knowing how to unclog a bathtub won’t change your life—but it definitely saves your evening from turning into a soggy mess.
If you’re not quite in the mood to wrestle with a drain snake or get your hands dirty, no worries.
Call Neighbourhood Plumbing, and we’ll handle it with zero fuss—so you can relax while we get things flowing again!
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
