It’s never a good time for a clogged bathtub drain.

It seems like homes get smarter every day. Like the common cold, however, we still haven’t found a way to eliminate those pesky bathtub clogs. If your bathtub is clogged, you may wonder what to do.

Until scientists invent self-cleaning drains, we’ll have to continue to deal with this unpleasant problem. Meanwhile, a clogged bathtub can turn your shower or bathtub into a wading pool.

A bathtub clog can start anywhere, from a small blockage in the drain to an obstruction of your main sewer line. For this reason, it’s important to figure out the root of the problem quickly.

You can start by taking basic measures to remedy the issue. If those don’t work, however, you’ll need the help of a professional plumber.

For a survival guide and helpful tips for when the bathtub’s clogged, keep reading.

Oh No! My Bathtub Is Clogged and Full of Water

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, or so the saying goes. This adage holds up pretty well when it comes to bathtub drains.

You can help to prevent clogs by using a mesh drain screen. A mesh drain screen only costs a few dollars at your local hardware store. However, it can save you a world of headaches and frustration.

Drain screens cover the opening of your bathtub drain. They prevent hair and other debris from clogging up your drains.

Like most people, you probably want to grab a drain cleaner to try to resolve your problem. Drain cleaners use enzymes to clear drains. If you plan to use this method, choose a product that says it’s safe for your septic system.

However, some people prefer a more eco-friendly method. If this sounds like you, you can try to use baking soda and vinegar to clear your drain.

Begin by pouring half a cup of baking soda into your drain. Next, pour half a cup of white distilled vinegar into it.

Now, cover up the drain and let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, flush your drain with hot or boiling water. It’s also helpful to use this method every couple of months to make sure your drain stays clear.

Why Is My Bathtub Clogged?

Before answering the question, “What should I do if my bathtub is clogged?” it helps to know why drains get clogged in the first place.

You may wonder why your drains get clogged, even if you keep your bathroom sparkling clean. Your hair is a common culprit.

When you take a shower or bath, hair comes off your body and goes down the drain. There, it can get stuck to the sides of the drainpipe. Over time, the hair can build up along with other debris and cause a clog.

Soap scum is another common bathtub drain culprit. If you ever noticed the white buildup on your tub sides, that’s soap scum. However, it also gets into your drain.

When soap scum gets into your drain, it solidifies when it cools down. If enough of it builds up, it can cause a blockage in your bathtub drain.

There is, however, one unlikely culprit that might cause your bathtub drain to stop working—water. Hard water has high mineral content. You can’t see it as it builds up.

However, it does buildup, just like soap scum and hair. Over time, it can also build up along with other debris and cause the bathtub drain to clog. If your water has a high pH level, you may experience a hard water clog.

What to Do if Your Bathtub Is Clogged

Now, let’s answer the question, “What do I do when my bathtub is clogged up?” With a minor clog, clearing your drain is relatively straightforward.

Intrinsically, many people go for a liquid drain cleaner. Liquid drain cleaner is easy to access. You can purchase it at any local supermarket or hardware store.

However, all drain cleaners aren’t the same. Make sure that you read the label warnings and instructions before you buy a drain cleaner for your home.

Also, you may want to bypass drain cleaner if you have old pipes or an aging septic system. Alternatively, you may want to skip drain cleaner if you’re environmentally conscious. Instead, you might want to go for the baking soda and vinegar method.

Before you try drain cleaner, however, you might want to try elbow grease. Nearly everyone has a plunger. You can clear simple clogs using a plunger or a plumber’s snake.

To clear the clog with a plunger, make sure that you have water in your bathtub. Doing so will help the plunger to build up suction. Once you fill some water in your tub, plunge the drain as vigorously as possible.

If the plunger doesn’t work, you can try investing in a plumber’s snake. A plumber snake is relatively inexpensive and handy to have around your home.

To use a plumber snake, insert it into the drain as far as it will go. Next, turn the handle to grab the clog and pull it out of the drain.

Now, you can run some water and see if you cleared the blockage. If none of these methods work, you’ll need to call a professional plumber to get your drain working once again.

When It’s Time to Throw in the Towel

If you’re like most people, you want to try every method available to try to clear your drain before calling a professional. However, it’s important to know your limitations.

Some clogs are easy to fix. However, others require a professional touch.

A professional plumber has experience and tools that most homeowners don’t keep on hand. They can clear your drain and make sure that it stays clear. More importantly, they can fix your problem without causing more damage to your plumbing system.

If you decide to call a plumber, there are a lot of contractors around. It can prove challenging figuring out who can do the job. However, there are a couple of things that can help you to find the right plumbing professional.

For instance, make sure that your plumber is licensed and insured. Also, ask for referrals. You may also want to choose a plumber that offers emergency service should you need help in the future.

Finally, make sure that your plumber provides a warranty on their work. A plumber that’ll do a good job will gladly warranty their services.

Reclaim Your Bathroom With Expert Help

If your bathtub is clogged, you need it fixed as fast as possible. A trusted local plumber can help you do just that.

Plumb Time Plumbing & Drain Services can help you clear your drain and get back to normal as fast as possible. We’ll also gladly provide you with a warranty, so one call is all you need.

If you have a clogged drain or need other plumbing services, please feel free to contact a Plumb Time Plumbing & Drain Services representative today at (803) 988-9202 or connect with us online.