Which is the best way to unclog tub drain? I want to get away from using those heavy-duty chemicals because I don’t want them in my house.
Pauline S., Modesto, CA
The best way to unclog tub drain depends on what is causing the clog. Many times you can solve the problem without resorting to chemical drain cleaners. There are four main ways to clear out a clogged drain. You can plunge it or snake it, or you can use boiling water or a homemade drain cleaner.
We also covered some cleaning recipes and how to make a homemade bathroom cleaner here. Boiling water may be the easiest method to try. But it only works as long as the water does drain from the tub. Try pouring boiling water into the drain at twice when the tub doesn’t have any other water in it. If that doesn’t work, move to the next step.
The next step is using a tool like a plunger or a drain snake. Plungers work well if there is water backed up in the bathtub and is the best way for how to plunge a toilet to remove debris. By the time you’ve cleared all the water out of the tub by plunging, the pipe should be clear.
Otherwise, try a snake to free the clog. This method works whether there is water or not in the drain. You should be able to feel it when the snake hits the obstruction. Then once it’s moved out of the way, the water should drain out normally.
Finally, a mixture of two cups vinegar and one-half cup baking soda can release a clog. Pour the baking soda into the drain first. Wait for a few minutes for it to settle. Then add a cup of hot water to the two cups of vinegar and pour it all into the drain. Plug the hole and wait 20 minutes.
You can also use this recipe for cleaning a dishwasher filter. The filter’s job is to keep food particles from getting into the parts on the interior of the appliance so it can get pretty nasty after a while. Add the ingredients with some warm water in the sink and take the filter from the dishwasher. Scrub with a brush or sponge in the mixture to remove debris and rinse clean.
All of these solutions can also be used to unclog a toilet drain, too. A plunger is usually the go-to for clearing a clogged toilet but sometimes that just isn’t enough to clear the blockage. This holds true particularly if there is a child’s toy or other large object stuck in the drain. Try some of these methods to see what works best for you.
For more details and other information, check out this article: https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-unclog-a-drain-shower-or-toilet-homemade-cleaner-recipe/
Hope your tub drain stays clear in the future.
Joan