The classic clogged bathtub drain problem. We all experience this issue at some point in our lives and while at first it might sound like a problem that requires a plumber, in most cases the solution might not be that complicated and we ourselves can take care of it.

First, let’s see how a slow bathtub drain can affect your home:

  • the pipes will eventually start leaking and burst if not taken care of leading to even bigger problems around your home
  • sewer gasses can now find a way to enter your home and bring about their smell and putrid looks
  • mold can start appearing leading to serious health problems, especially for people that suffer from airborne allergies or asthma

Worry not, here’s some of the most popular solutions that can fix a slow-draining bathtub:

A Plunger

In most cases, using a plunger will bring out most of the residue that’s causing the blockage, letting the bathtub regain it’s draining speed. However, if the clog is too deep, a plunger may not be of much use.

Using a plunger is easy as you only need to remove any drain stopper you may have, let the water run and place the plunger on the top of you drain, pushing down and up a few times to see if anything comes up.

Baking soda and vinegar

Another popular and natural way of fixing your slow-drain is by applying 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1 cup vinegar down your drain along with some hot water boiled in a tea kettle or anything similar After that, let it run for 15 ~ 20 minutes and then check your drain again.

This method will ensure that no damage comes to your pipes and will help against minor blockages. It might not work that well if the blockage is serious.

Using a long draining stick or snake

You can also buy a draining stick or snake to plug down the drain and drag out any residue that’s stuck on the pipes. In most cases, this will solve even serious blockages and help you clean the pipes so the water can run smoothly.

Chemical drain cleaners

Alternatively, if none of the above do the trick, a chemical drain cleaner from the store might. Some may contain chemicals that can damage the pipes so it’s best to ask an employee first as to what’s recommended.

Most slow-draining bathtub problems can be fixed with the methods above, if not, the attention of a plumber may be necessary to prevent even bigger issues.

 

For more information, contact Vinny’s Jersey Plumbing, located in Wayne, New Jersey.  We also service other towns in New Jersey, such as Waldwick, Short Hills and Hawthorne.