Are you tired of dealing with a slow-draining bathtub? If so, you’re not alone. Clogged bathtub drains are a common household nuisance, but the good news is that you can easily tackle this issue on your own. In this article, I will walk you through the process of how to snake a bathtub drain, providing you with the necessary tools, step-by-step instructions, and tips for preventing future clogs.
Gather the necessary tools
Before you begin snaking your bathtub drain, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools. You will need a drain snake, also known as a plumber’s snake or auger, which is a long, flexible tool designed to break up and remove clogs from drains. Additionally, you may want to have a pair of rubber gloves, a bucket, and a flashlight on hand to aid in the process.
Remove the overflow cover
The first step in snaking a bathtub drain is to remove the overflow cover. This is the metal plate located under the faucet that covers the overflow drain. Use a screwdriver to carefully unscrew the cover and set it aside. Be sure to keep track of the screws so that you can easily reattach the cover later.
Insert the snake into the drain
Feed the snake into the drain
With the overflow cover removed, it’s time to insert the snake into the drain. Start by feeding the end of the snake into the opening of the overflow drain. Slowly push the snake into the drain, using gentle pressure to navigate it through the pipes. As you feed the snake into the drain, you may encounter some resistance, which is a sign that you’ve reached the clog.
Turn the snake handle to break up the clog
Once the snake has reached the clog, it’s time to put it to work. Begin turning the handle of the snake in a clockwise direction, which will cause the snake to twist and break up the clog. Continue turning the handle and pushing the snake further into the drain until you feel the resistance start to lessen. This indicates that the clog is starting to break apart and clear the drain.
Retrieve the snake and test the drain
After you’ve worked the snake through the clog, slowly retract it from the drain. As you pull the snake out, you may notice that it brings some debris and gunk with it, which is a good sign that the clog has been successfully cleared. Once the snake is fully removed, run some water in the bathtub to test the drain. If the water flows freely down the drain, congratulations – you’ve successfully snaked your bathtub drain!
Clean up and prevent future clogs
Now that your bathtub drain is clear, it’s important to clean up any mess that may have been made during the snaking process. Use a bucket and some paper towels to wipe down the area around the drain and the overflow cover.
Additionally, consider implementing some preventative measures to avoid future clogs, such as using a hair catcher in the drain and periodically pouring hot water and vinegar down the drain to break up any potential build-up.
Conclusion
Snaking a bathtub drain may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a bit of know-how, it’s a manageable DIY project. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively clear a clogged bathtub drain and prevent future issues. Remember, if you encounter a particularly stubborn clog or are unsure about the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional plumber for assistance. Happy snaking!
FAQs
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Can you run a snake through a bathtub drain?
To use a snake on a tub drain, you need to remove the overflow cover plate from your tub, which sits underneath the faucet. After this, remove the stopper. If removing and cleaning those does not resolve your issue, a snake is the best solution.
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How do you unclog a bathtub without a snake and Drano?
Pour a pot of hot boiling water into the bathtub drain. Pour a cup of vinegar and ¼ cup of baking soda into the drain and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Pour another pot of boiling water down the drain and check if the clog is removed by running the water. Once the clog is cleared, replace the strainer and the stopper.
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How do you get a snake past the P-trap?
It is very hard to force a drain snake cable through the sharp bends of a fixture P-trap underneath a sink or tub. The solution is to disassemble the trap to bypass some of the tightest bends in the tub or sink. Or you may want to work the snake down the drain slower.
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Why is my bathtub not draining after snaking?
If your snaking session yields plenty of hair and soap scum, but still leaves you with a slow drain, there’s a good chance that the P-trap is still obstructed. To clear it, plug the overflow hole with a rag and fill the tub drain with hot water, which will help to soften and loosen soap scum.
Originally posted 2023-11-14 09:21:25.