The shower and bathtub are one of the best parts of the bathroom, a mecca of calming relaxation. Unfortunately, it can also be a major trouble spot for plumbing issues. Clogs in the bathtub drain can easily grow from a gross plumbing issue to a huge plumbing problem. You can do things to prevent bathtub drain clogs from happening in the first place, and if they do happen (or you already have them), there are some DIY fixes you can try. If DIY plumbing isn’t your speed, you can also always count on Master Plumbing’s drain cleaning service to correct the issue and return your drains to full working order.
Use A Mesh Drain Screen
An ounce of prevention or a pound of cure? Prevention is always a better bet, and the mesh drain strainer is a preventative for many of the things that could clog your drain, especially hair. While it isn’t the only culprit, hair is a major cause of bathtub drain clogs, which is why these drain protectors, or hair traps, are so effective. They allow the water to flow through but catch other debris, and they are available at pretty much any home improvement store. The hair trap fits in or over the drain, and you should clear out the debris regularly.
Snake Out The Drain
The odds are good that there is some sort of debris in your bathtub drain currently, so it might be a good idea to snake it out. A mini snake is a perfect tool for the job, but you could also use a metal hanger. Bend the hanger so it fits down the drain, and then scrap it around to pull out the debris. When you can’t pull out any more debris, you can assume that the drain is clear. You should ensure that all this work is worth it by using a drain strainer to keep more hair from flowing down.
Flush The Drain
Hair and debris isn’t the only thing that can clog a drain. Oils from cosmetics and the body can also build up and cause clogs, even if you are using a drain strainer. Rinse them down by using a drain-friendly flush. You could do this with boiling water – put half a pot of boiling water down the drain, wait five minutes, then pour down the rest of the water. If you’re connected to a public sewer, you can use bleach to clear the drain – let it sit for about 5 minutes and then flush it with hot water. Finally, another natural flush is to pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain and follow it with ½ cup of vinegar.
All of Your Plumbing Needs from Master Plumbing
Give Master Plumbing a call at (301) 650-9100 or contact us online to get more information on how our expert plumbers can help you with your dripping faucet (or just about anything else plumbing related!). We have received Angie’s List Super Service Award recognition for plumbing and drain cleaning every year since 2007, in addition to the Best Plumber award from Best of Bethesda. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured and our service is unparalleled. Give us a call today—you won’t regret it! To see examples of our projects, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.