Fixing a Slow-Draining Tub

When you notice that the water in your tub is not draining quickly, you probably have a clog of some sort. Clogs generally build up rather slowly so the problem may be extremely severe when you first notice it. You have a variety of options for fixing a slow-draining tub, you can either choose over the counter products or use natural home made methods to fix your problem.

Before you can begin treating your clogged drain you must remove hair or other obvious items inhibiting the draining of your tub. Once you have removed such items, it is time to choose which method you will use. Your first choice is to take a quick trip to your local grocer and purchase and item like Drain-O or another liquid pipe cleanser. (These are generally found in the aisle containing Windex and other cleaning materials.) If you choose to purchase a liquid pipe cleanser you will also need a sink plunger, wire hanger, gloves (if you so desire) and potentially a screwdriver.

Begin by putting on your rubber or latex gloves. The gloves can protect you from a variety of unappealing items or gunk that might appear during the process of unclogging your drain. You will now need to use the screwdriver to properly remove the covering of the drain. You may wish to wash off the cover with steel wool in case items attached are contributing to how slowly the tub is draining.

Next you should straighten the wire hanger and form a hook the size of your thumb at the end. Stick the wire hanger into the drain to remove hair. Once you have retrieved any hair or items from the drain you should use the sink plunger to clear the drain of any fluids that are inhibiting the flow. Lastly, you should poor about a quarter cup of the liquid pipe cleaner down the drain, closely follow the instructions on the back of the bottle.

If you wish to unclog your drain using natural and homemade products you will need a few different items like vinegar, baking soda and a sink plunger. After removing hair or other items surrounding sink drain, pour a quarter cup of distilled vinegar down the drain. If you wish to use baking soda, add a few tablespoons before pouring down the vinegar. The reaction between the baking soda and vinegar will help to safely clear your drain. After the concoction has had time to work (fifteen to twenty minutes) use the sink plunger to clear any major obstructions. Lastly, pour water down the drain to clear away the vinegar and baking soda.

Whichever method you use, remember to open or window or have some type of proper ventilation so that you avoiding becoming ill from breathing in liquid pipe cleanser or vinegar.