How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain Without Using Harsh Chemicals

When you come back home after a stressful day of work and step into the shower or bathtub, all you want is a bit of relaxing time to yourself, right? But what if you find yourself standing in ankle-deep water because the drain is clogged?

Clogged drains can disrupt your whole routine! And pouring harsh chemicals into your drains isn't always the best solution, as it can damage your pipes over time and also harm the environment.

So, what's the solution? Well, you can go for plunging, use baking soda solution, drain snakes, etc. If you're curious about how to actually fix the clog once and for all without damaging your pipes with chemicals, you can keep reading this blog, where we've explained the solutions in detail!

Why Your Bathtub Drains Keep Clogging? (And It's Not Always Because of Hair)

When your instinct tells you that the reason behind the drain clog is "trapped hair," you'll most probably be right. But this is not always the case. While hair is actually a big culprit, it's far from being the only one. Even your daily routine can quietly contribute to those stubborn clogs. 

• Over time, hardened soap buildup can stick to the inside of the pipes and clog the drains.
• Even hard water leaves calcium and lime deposits that can clog pipes.
• If you have a habit of washing off after gardening or outdoor work, soil can get deposited into the drains, causing clogs.
• Sometimes, small objects like plastic pieces or broken drain stoppers can easily cause blockages.

It can start small, but things can add up fast if you don't take the matter seriously. Even if you're not sure about whether your drains are clogged or not (but face problems like slow drains), you can take the help of a plumber in Reno to check the pipes and drains for blockages. This way, you can prevent minor problems from spiraling into big ones and also save yourself from costly repairs.

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How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain without Chemicals?

Here are some safe and efficient ways to get rid of bathtub drain clogs.

• Remove the Drain-Stopper and Clean It

Your first task is to check the drain stopper and see if there's any soap, hair, or sludge that's trapped right there. You need to:

• Use a paper towel or rubber gloves to remove hair or other debris.
• Clean it with warm and mild soap.

And that's it - your drains will be unclogged instantly!

• Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

If cleaning the drain stopper isn't doing any good, you can go for another method - pouring down a solution of baking soda mixed with vinegar.

• You can take 1/2 cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain directly. 
• Then, you need to follow it up with 1 cup of white vinegar.
• Now, you need to plug the drain and wait for 15 minutes.
• Lastly, flush the drain with boiling water.

When you have a minor clog in your bathroom tub drain, this can be the perfect solution to unclog it.

• Use a Drain Snake/Plunger 

If you can still see standing water in the tub, then you might need to pull the clog out naturally using a drain snake or wire hanger.

• You need to simply insert the drain snake into the drain, twist, and pull back slowly.
• You can take out a lot of gross stuff after pulling it up.

Sometimes, you can use a plunger to give the drain a few good plunges to loosen up the minor clogs quickly.

• Contact a Plumbing Repair Contractor in Reno, NV

Your DIY methods can only work if the clog is minor and can be cleared with minimal hassle. But when you're dealing with a stubborn clog, it could mean there is:

• A deeper clog further down the line
• Cracked or damaged pipes
• Buildup in the main sewer line

That's why you need to rely on a trusted and experienced plumber to unclog your bathtub using tools like a motorized auger or hydrojetting equipment. This way, they can get rid of the most stubborn clogs easily and give you the peace of mind you're looking for.

Want A Clog-Free Bathtub Drain? Call Our Experts Today!

Common Myths About Unclogging Bathtub Drains

Not everything you hear about unclogging your bathtub drain is true. Let's take a look at some of the myths and facts!

Myths	Facts
Chemical drain cleaners are the quickest way to get rid of bathtub clogs.	With chemical cleaners, there are chances of damaging the pipes, and they aren't eco-friendly.
If it drains slowly, it'll fix itself eventually.	Slow drains can mean that a clog is forming. Call the pros right away instead of waiting.
You can use a coat hanger instead of a drain snake to unclog the drain.	Hangers can scratch pipes and are not very flexible.
If water disappears eventually, the clog is gone.	Partial clogs can get worse over time, so get help from a professional plumber immediately.

Effective Ways To Prevent a Bathtub Drain Clog

Tackling a clogged bathtub drain can be a big hassle! So, why not follow some maintenance tips and prevent this problem from occurring in the first place? That's why we've come up with some simple preventive ways below!

• You can buy a hair catcher and place it over your drain - it's cheap & effective!
• Make it a point to clean the drain stopper every week.
• You can run hot water down the drain after every bath.
• Ensure that you never wash muddy shoes, pet stuff, or any other dirt-heavy items in the bathtub.
• Opt for a routine checkup of the bathtub by taking help from one of the most reliable plumbing contractor services in Reno, NV.

Takeaway

If you're stuck with a clogged bathtub drain in your home, you don't need to rely on harsh chemicals to fix it. You can go for solutions like pouring a baking soda & vinegar mixture into the drain or using plungers, and drain snakes for removing clogs. 

But the best way to get rid of stubborn clogs is to call for a professional plumbing repair contractor. They can remove the clogs using advanced tools without causing any damage to your plumbing system.

Easy Rooter Plumbing - Your Trusted Solution For a Clog-Free Drain!

At Easy Rooter Plumbing, our expert plumbers in Reno have been helping customers get rid of bathtub drain clogs since 1979. We're there for you during any plumbing emergencies, as we're available 24/7 for service. 

With us, you'll get the best plumbing advice, effective and affordable services, and licensed technicians for solving your plumbing issues. We won't keep you waiting for us! Our customers are our first priority, so we'll get to your property as soon as possible when you call us. 

We're a BBB-accredited company with several happy customers to vouch for our excellent services. So, you can trust us no matter what! Call us now at (775) 252-4583!