How do you snake a bathtub?

Can I snake my own bathtub?

Luckily, it's not difficult to snake a tub drain. To clear a clogged bathtub drain, you'll need a plumbing snake, some work gloves and some basic cleaning supplies. Unscrew the overflow plate, which is the plate under the faucet and above the drain in the tub.

Why can't I get snake down my tub?

Too much force – When you're trying to dislodge a blockage, it can be tempting to try and force a snake cable through the drain too fast. If you force it, sometimes the cable can bend back on itself or kink. Instead of forcing the cable, extend the snake cable a few inches at a time until you reach the clog.

What do you do if your snake doesn't unclog the drain?

Extend the snake cable into the drain a few inches at a time, gradually extending it. Once you feel it reach the clog, move even slower. It is the rotation of the cable that will loosen the clog.

How do you get a snake past the P-trap?

If you suspect the snake is getting stuck in a corner, try operating the crank in reverse. This makes the head wobble back and forth, but because you're cranking counterclockwise, it can't collect any debris. If the bend in the pipe is really at fault, the wobbling of the head should help the snake clear the corner.

How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain Using a Snake (Drum Auger)

How do you unclog a bathtub with standing water?

How do you unclog a bathtub drain naturally?

How do you fix a bathtub that won't drain?

Can I plunge my bathtub?

You can easily unclog your bathtub drain with a standard cup-style plunger, but you have to seal the overflow drain first. Tubs essentially have two drains: There's the familiar one at the bottom of the tub that you close to fill up the tub with water.

What can I use as a drain snake?

A drain snake (also called a plumber's snake or auger) is a drain cleaning tool that plumbers have used for generations. If you don't have a drain snake at your home, you can use a pipe cleaner, a straightened clothes hanger, or make this simple tool out of a plastic bottle: Start with an empty 2-liter plastic bottle.

Does Coca Cola unclog drains?

Coke. Coke is a lesser-known fix you can find in your refrigerator. Pour a 2-liter bottle of cola — Pepsi, Coke, or generic brand substitutes — down the clogged drain. Coke is actually quite caustic and effective at clearing away buildup in your drains, but it's far milder than commercial drain cleaners.

What works best for clogged tub?

If you're not a fan of using chemicals, this all-natural solution may help to unclog a bathtub drain. Start by pouring one cup of baking soda down the drain and let it settle for at least five to 10 minutes. Next, pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain and allow the mixture to work its magic.

Can a drain snake make a clog worse?

While drain snakes can be very effective in clearing certain clogs, sometimes they can actually exacerbate a problem. For example, if your pipes are old and corroded, sticking a drain snake down there can scrape off chunks of metal, making the clog much worse and damaging your pipe.

Can I snake my own drain?

For smaller clogs, snaking your own drain is possible. Routine, minor sink clogs from hairballs or food remnants are typically located in the U-shaped trap directly below the sink or only a few feet deeper in the drainpipe. They may be cleared by using a light-gauge, hand-operated auger.

How do you snake a shower drain without a snake?

Use a natural drain cleaner.

Mix together 1 cup of vinegar (distilled white vinegar works best) and 1 cup of baking soda. First, pour boiling water down the drain to loosen; then follow with the baking soda-vinegar mixture and wait 15 minutes. Rinse with more boiling water.

How long should it take to snake a drain?

Plumbers take about five minutes to snake a drain for clogs located near the tub, toilet, or sink. Main line sewer clogs can take hours to snake, depending on the length and number of pipes affected.

How much does it cost to have a plumber snake your drain?

How much does it cost for a plumber to snake a drain? According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to have a drain professionally snaked is $220, with a range of $136 to $305.

What is the difference between a drain snake and an auger?

Drain snakes work for smaller drains like your kitchen or bathroom sink. Drain augers tackle larger pipes like your toilet or shower drain. The snake covers lines from 1-1/4″ – 2″ range, and you'll use an auger for lines in the 1-1/2″ – 3″ range.

What can dissolve hair in a drain?

Combining baking soda and vinegar is a natural way to dissolve hair clogs, without resorting to harsh chemicals. Pour a cup of baking soda down the clogged drain first, and then after a few minutes add a cup of vinegar.

Why does my bathtub keep getting clogged?

The most common cause of a clogged bathtub is hair. When you bathe or shower, your hair has nowhere to go but down the drain. When it slithers down the drain, it can get stuck to the sides of the piping, building up over time and attaching to other materials—like dead skin or scum—that went down the pipes.

What eats hair in a drain?

Products like Drano and Liquid Plumr are caustic and can slowly eat away at your plumbing pipes. Baking soda, on the other hand, has many benefits. Not only does it help dissolve the hair down your drain, but it also has disinfectant properties that can fight odor, bacteria, and fungi.

How do you unclog a bathtub full of hair without vinegar?