Some home improvements are easy to fix at home, others require the help of your local Oneida plumber. One common problem that eventually finds it’s way into most homes is a slow draining bathtub. It’s frustrating, because most people probably don’t like standing in a few inches of water while showering. Before you call your local plumber, there’s a few home fixes that you can try.
First, clean out the blockage! This might seem like a no brainer, but cleaning a tub drain is rarely on the top to-do list when people are cleaning house. Plus, it’s just not fun. The most common cause of clogs in the bathtub is a build up of hair and soap cum. As long as the problem is not too severe, pulling out the stopper and removing the hair that’s twisted around the stopper is an easy, quick fix.
If there’s hair out of your fingers reach, you can use a straightened wire hanger and carefully use it to reach and remove the hair that’s farther down the drain or tightly wound. Just be careful if you’re using the hanger that you’re pulling things out and not pushing it farther in the pipe.
Another option is to grab your toilet plunger. Place the plunger over the drain and plunge like you would for your toilet.
Sometimes the clog is just too far out of reach, or too stubborn. Before grabbing toxic chemical drain cleaners, try something simple like baking soda and white wine vinegar. Pour a half a cup of baking soda into the drain, then half a cup of white vinegar. Give it a time to work. It should help loosen the clog, and either make it easier to pull up, or flow down.
If the clog still hasn’t budged, it’s probably time to call your local Mr. Rooter plumber. We’re located here in Oneida, NY and you can give us a call anytime. You can also contact us online.