Troubleshooting a Stubborn Shower or Tub Drain: A DIY Guide

You’ve come home from participating in the 5K Run on the Racetrack of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg to benefit the Police Athletic League. And you jump in the tub to soak your aching muscles. But, when you finish your soak and step out of the tub you discover the water won’t drain. And there’s nothing more frustrating than finishing a relaxing shower or bath, only to find that the water is lingering around.

A clogged shower or tub drain can quickly turn a serene experience into a plumbing nightmare. Fortunately, before you Google: plumber near me, there are several DIY solutions you can try to help unclog the drain and get your bathroom back to working smoothly.

Potential Causes and DIY Solutions:

Before diving into the fixes, it’s essential to understand what might be causing the drainage problem. Because knowing the common culprits (including hair, soap scum, and mineral build-up) will guide you in selecting the most effective solution.

Use a Plunger:

• This classic tool isn’t just for toilets. In fact, it can be highly effective for clearing minor clogs in showers and tubs. Just make sure there’s enough water in the basin to cover the plunger, and create a tight seal around the drain before plunging up and down.

Remove Hair and Debris

• Often, hair is the primary culprit for slow drainage. So, use a pair of gloves and a plastic or metal hair removal tool to fish out any visible clumps of hair and debris. And if you don’t have a specialized tool, a wire coat hanger can be bent and used for this purpose.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

• Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar and pour the mixture down the drain. And then allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes before flushing it with hot water. Because, the chemical reaction can help break down organic material and clear minor clogs.

Hot Water Flush

• Boil a kettle of water and pour it down the drain. Because, hot water can help dissolve soap scum and loosen debris. And be sure to follow it up with a bit of plunging to enhance the effect.

Chemical Drain Cleaners (Caution)

• While chemical drain cleaners can be effective, they also come with potential risks. And they are not suitable for all plumbing systems. So, use them cautiously and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Plumbing Snake or Auger

• If the clog persists, a plumbing snake or auger can be used to physically break up and remove the blockage. But be sure to follow the tool’s instructions and be gentle to avoid damaging your pipes.

Preventive Measures:

Once you’ve successfully cleared the drain, consider using these preventive measures to avoid future clogs:

• Install a hair catcher or drain strainer to catch hair and debris before they go down the drain.
• Regularly clean the drain using a combination of baking soda and vinegar to prevent build-up.

Before You know it, You’ll be enjoying a Soothing Soak Once Again.

Dealing with a stubborn tub drain can be a hassle, but with these DIY solutions, you can often solve the problem. But if you’ve tried everything and the tub still won’t drain, you can get 24/7 help with Billy the Sunshine Plumber.

Billy the Sunshine Plumber has been the Tampa Bay 24-hour plumber of choice since 1924 when he first opened for business. Plus they are open 24/7/365 in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. So, days, nights, weekends, or holidays, Billy the Sunshine Plumber is always there for you.