Unclogging a bathtub drain can be a frustrating task, but it doesn’t have to be. Using a drain snake is an easy and effective way to clear out soap scum, hair, and other debris that often gets trapped in bathroom drains and causes slow drainage or complete clogging. With the right tools and techniques, you can learn how to unclog a bathtub drain using a snake in no time.
What You’ll Need
Before starting, make sure you have the following supplies on hand:
- Drain snake/auger – This is a long, flexible metal cable used to dislodge and pull out blockages. Get one that is at least 3 feet long for bathtub drains.
- Gloves – Wear protective gloves since you’ll be working with dirty drain contents.
- Bucket – Place under the drain to catch water and debris.
- Plumber’s putty – To reseal the overflow plate when done.
- Cloth – For cleaning up any mess.
- Eye protection – Safety goggles to prevent debris from getting in your eyes.
Preparing the Drain
First, take a few preparatory steps:
- Remove the drain stopper or pop-up plug. This allows full access to the drain.
- Place a bucket underneath the drain outlet to catch any water or debris.
- Partially block the overflow drain holes with a wet cloth. This prevents debris from clogging the overflow as well.
- Remove the overflow plate using a screwdriver. Set aside all removed parts so you can reassemble later.
With the drain access unobstructed, you’re ready to start snaking!
Running the Auger Down the Drain
- Put on protective gloves. The contents of a clogged drain are extremely dirty, so gloves will prevent direct contact with bacteria and grime.
- Insert the snake. Feed the end of the auger down the tub drain opening. Push gently but firmly until you feel resistance, which is the clog.
- Crank the handle. Once the snake meets the clog, turn the handle to rotate the snake tip and work through the blockage. Sometimes running it back out then pushing back in can help.
- Advance and retrieve. Keep slowly cranking the snake around then pushing down and pulling back up to work through the clog bit by bit until it penetrates through. Retrieve any debris dislodged.
- Remove large debris. If any large items like hair clumps come up, use a paper towel or gloves to pull them off the snake before continuing. This prevents re-clogging.
- Repeat as needed. Keep plunging, cranking, and removing debris until the snake moves freely down the full drain length without resistance. Remove the tool once the drainage is clear.
Using Caustic Chemicals
For stubborn clogs, you may need to use caustic chemical cleaners to break things up:
- Try an enzyme cleaner or foaming cleaner like Drano Max Gel. Follow label instructions.
- Allow to sit for up to 30 minutes to work then re-snake the drain.
- Avoid using too much or too frequently, as this can damage pipes.
- Never mix chemical drain cleaners! Reaction can cause harmful fumes.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when using chemicals and avoid skin contact.
Finishing Up
Once the drain is unclogged:
- Run hot water for a few minutes to flush debris. Check under to confirm it’s draining properly.
- Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining sludge from the pipes.
- Scrub and disinfect the tub basin to eliminate bacteria left behind.
- Reassemble the overflow plate and drain pieces. Apply plumber’s putty so they seal tightly.
- Remove rags or towels from overflow openings.
That’s it! With a little elbow grease and the right snake technique, a bathtub drain can be cleared of even severe clogs. Just remember to work slowly and carefully. Rushing the process can cause mistakes or damage. Investing in a quality drain auger and using proper safety precautions will make the task easier each time.
FAQs About Unclogging Drains with a Snake
How do I know if my clog requires a drain snake?
If you’ve tried liquid drain cleaners, boiling water, or a plunger with no success, it likely means something solid is trapped that requires the mechanical force of a snake to dislodge and remove. Slow draining along with bubbling or gurgling noises also indicates a deeper clog.
What could be clogging my bathtub drain?
- Hair, pet fur, and soap scum are some of the most common bathtub cloggers.
- Globs of grease or thick hair gel can also stick to pipes.
- Small items like toys, jewelry, or bath salts accidentally dropped down the drain.
- Even hygiene products, cotton balls, or dental floss improperly flushed.
How do I know if the clog is fully clear?
After snaking, run hot water for a few minutes and check under the tub to make sure the flow is strong and fast-draining without any trickling or pooling water sounds. You can also flush some dish soap and look for bubbles. Bubbles that immediately swirl down indicate a clear pipe.
Can I damage my pipes?
If you force or twist too hard, a snake can scratch plastic pipes or get tangled and stuck. Go slow and steady, pulling out often to check progress and remove any pulled up debris. Avoid overusing harsh chemicals as well which corrode pipes over time.
How can I prevent future clogs?
- Use a drain catch to trap hair and debris before going down.
- Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain.
- Only flush toilet paper and bodily waste, not other products.
- Install hair catchers.
- Perform regular light snake sessions to keep pipes clear.
Is it better to snake or use a plunger?
A plunger can work for minor clogs in the drain opening but is useless once stuff gets lodged deep in the pipes. A snake can reach down multiple feet to grab trapped debris. Alternate plunging then snaking for best results.
When should I call a plumber for drain clogs?
If DIY drain cleaning methods all fail to improve the clog, it likely requires professional power equipment. Call a plumber if snaking efforts hit an impenetrable obstruction, pipes leak or damage during snaking, or slow drainage persists after multiple attempts.
Unclogging Bathtub Drains
Things You’ll Need
- Drain snake/auger
- Bucket
- Goggles
- Gloves
Step-by-Step Guide
- Remove the drain cover and stopper. Place a bucket underneath to catch water.
- Feed the drain snake down the drain until you feel resistance.
- Turn the handle on the snake to break through the clog.
- Keep retrieving the snake and pulling out debris until the clog is clear.
- Flush with hot water. Check that the drain is fully unclogged.
- Replace drain hardware and any seals. Disinfect the tub.
Tips for Success
- Go slowly to avoid scratching pipes or getting the snake tangled.
- Pull out debris so it doesn’t re-clog the drain as you work.
- Wear gloves and goggles for protection when handling dirty drain contents.
- Use a chemical cleaner if simple snaking fails to clear stubborn clogs.
- Prevent future clogs by installing drain catchers and avoiding improper drain usage.
Warnings
- Never use a metal snake on ceramic, porcelain, or glass tub materials as it can scratch or chip them. Use a plastic snake instead.
- Don’t push too forcefully or you may accidentally push the clog further down the pipes.
- Don’t overtighten the snake so you avoid getting it tangled or stuck.
- Avoid toxic chemical drain cleaners which can corrode and damage pipes when overused.
Unclogging a Bathtub Drain Using a Snake
A clogged bathtub drain can make bathing a hassle. Fortunately, you can often unclog a drain yourself using a common plumbing tool called a drain snake. With the right techniques, this flexible metal snake can dislodge hair, soap scum, and other gunk to get your bathtub draining freely again.
When to Use a Drain Snake
Try using a snake if:
- Water drains very slowly or incompletely.
- You hear gurgling sounds as water goes down.
- A plunger didn’t solve the clog.
- You’ve tried liquid drain cleaners with no improvement.
These are signs of a partial or complete clog in the drain pipe that requires mechanical force to clear.
How a Drain Snake Works
This type of snake is a long, spiraled metal wire wound tightly into a coil. To use it:
- You first loosen the snake and feed it down the drain opening, pushing past the trap bend in the pipe.
- When resistance is met, you twist the snake’s crank handle. This rotates the spiraled tip to bore through debris and catch on clogs.
- Keep rotating the snake as you push down and pull back up repeatedly to work through the blockage until the snake moves freely again.
Repeated passes break up gunk and grab onto debris so it can be extracted from the pipe.
Step-By-Step Unclogging Process
Follow these steps to clear a bathtub drain clog:
- Remove drain covers – Take off any decorative finishes, strainers, or stoppers so you can access the drain.
- Protect overflow holes – Prevent debris from entering and clogging the overflow by stuffing rags into the holes.
- Insert snake – Feed the snake down until you hit the clog a few feet down the pipe.
- Work the clog – Twist the crank handle while pushing and pulling the snake to penetrate the clog.
- Remove pulled up debris – Regularly retrieve the snake and pick off any hair or gunk wrapped around it before continuing.
- Repeat – Keep rotating the snake into and out of the clog until the tool moves freely through the full pipe.
Helpful Hints
- Go slowly to avoid damaging pipes or tangling the snake.
- Position a bucket under the drain to catch any dislodged debris.
- Wear gloves to handle gunk and protective eyewear.
- Try using a chemical cleaner to help dissolve stubborn clogs after snaking.
With some perseverance and the right technique, a simple drain snake can remove even severe bathtub clogs to get your drain flowing fast and free again!
How to Prevent Bathtub Drain Clogs
Clearing a clogged bathtub drain is a hassle you want to avoid. Try these tips to prevent clogs from forming in the first place.
Remove Hair Properly
- Install a hair catcher or drain screen to trap strands before going down the drain.
- Wipe extra hair off tub walls and surfaces after bathing instead of rinsing down.
- Clean out hair catchers regularly before they get overwhelmed.
Minimize Product Buildup
- Rinse soap, shampoo and conditioner thoroughly off your body before exiting rather than letting suds go down the drain.
- Limit use of thick conditioners and hair products that can leave sticky residue.
- Frequently flush drains with hot water to keep residue from accumulating.
Manage What Goes Down the Drain
- Never pour grease, oil or thick liquids like sauces down the drain. These cling and harden in pipes.
- Allow hair dyets or colors to wear off naturally rather than rinsing down the drain.
- Use a trash can for hygiene products, dental floss, and other items that shouldn’t be flushed.
Check for Leaks
- Dripping water allows mineral deposits to slowly build up and clog.
- Feel under pipes for moisture and immediately fix any leaks found.
Stay vigilant with regular tub maintenance and you can avoid the need for drain snaking altogether!
Conclusion
Unclogging a sluggish bathtub drain is an easy task with the right tools and techniques. Using a mechanical drain snake to remove built-up debris is often the most effective approach when standard plungers fail. By slowly rotating the spiraled end down into the clog then retrieving pulled up gunk, the snake can clear even severe obstructions. Remember to always go slowly to protect pipes and use protective gear when handling dirty drain contents. Stay diligent with hair catchers and avoid pouring grease down drains to prevent clogs from forming in the first place. Armed with these tips, you can restore fast, free-flowing drainage to enjoy hassle-free bathing once again.
