Over time, hair, soap scum, and dead skin that has collected in the drain usually results in bathtub clogs. To help resolve clogs, we at The Original $49.95 Plumber would like to discuss how to unclog your bathtub drain using a plunger, why you should avoid using a harsh chemical drain cleaner, and when involving a plumber for assistance should be considered.

How Do You Unclog a a Bathtub with a Plunger?

To fix a clogged drain, using a plunger is the simplest way. No harsh chemicals are required since you are pushing the water downward and upward until it eventually dislodges the clog when a plunger increases and decreases pressure in the pipe. Below are a few steps when it comes to using the plunger.
1) Invest in a sturdy sink plunger, often known as a cup plunger, not a toilet plunger.
2) With pliers or tweezers, try to clean the drain beforehand by removing as much hair and debris as possible.
3) With a wet rag, plug up the tub’s overflow opening. You may not be able to build up enough suction with the plunger, otherwise.
4) Over the drain opening, position the plunger’s cup. Ensure the cup edges are in contact with the tub and it covers the opening completely.
5) Fill the tub, by turning on the bathtub faucet, with enough water to cover the plunger’s cup. Plunging will not work without this step.
6) Start pushing on the handle in an up-and-down motion while keeping the plunger’s cup in contact with the tub. Repetitive motion will build up pressure inside the drain.
7) Lift it to see water is draining correctly after you pump the plunger about six or seven times. Keep trying if proper drainage is not occurring. Before the clog finally loosens, you may need to plunge several times.

When Do You Need a Plumber to Unclog a Bathtub Drain?

It is time to involve a plumber if in the event your bathtub clog is still a problem after multiple attempts at plunging. Despite it being a cheap and easy solution, you need to avoid using chemical drain cleaning products. Some store-bought drain cleaners can get hot enough on the skin to cause heat burns aside from releasing harmful chemicals into the air. You, your family, and the plumber who comes to clean your drain are endangered when you opt to use these products. Additionally, these products can negatively impact the integrity of your piping. A plumber might need to clear it with a drain auger or water jetting equipment, depending on how severe the clog is and where it’s located
Drain Augering: With a long, flexible, metal cable with a sharp hook on the end, a plumber removes clogs from the drain. Manually or electronically powered drain augers can be used.
Water Jetting: To blast away particularly stubborn blockages, a plumber feeds a hose with powerful, multi-directional water jets through your home’s main drain.

Drain Pipe Cleaning, Unclogging & More in Staten Island, Maspeth, Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Yonkers, Queens, NYC Boroughs, New York City NY

At The Original $49.95 Plumber, we often use water jetting options because of the efficiency it offers. If you are faced with a stubborn bathtub drain clog in New York, call The Original $49.95 Plumber and let us assist you.