How to unclog a bathtub drain – 5 simple techniques to try

Blocked bathtub drains are a common issue that few households escape, particularly when there are long-haired people in residence. Plumbers take time and money, so it’s only natural that you might prefer to learn how to unclog a bathtub drain yourself. 

While this task isn’t as off-putting a job as unclogging a toilet, hair is the worst bathtub drain-clogging offender, alongside soap build-up and residue from bath oils and conditioner. However, if your bath has drained slowly ever since it was first installed, the issue will likely be down to the gradient of the pipework beneath or a more serious sewerage issue, which is when you’ll need to call in a professional. 

This guide will tell you how to unclog a bathtub drain in simple, expert steps; you can take similar steps to unclog a shower drain.

How to unclog a bathtub drain

Prevention is often better than cure. ‘If you find your bathtub is constantly getting clogged, then make a few changes to stop it happening again,’ says David Cruz, plumbing expert at MyJobQuote. ‘A simple strainer will prevent hair from clogging the drain, and regular drain cleaning with a ready-made cleaner or hot water can help keep soap residue at bay.’ It’s worth adopting the same tactics to avoid the need to unclog a sink, too.

If you are currently experiencing a blocked bathtub, the experts recommend simple bathroom cleaning tips are often the best way to deal with the problem. Here’s how to unclog a bathtub in five steps – we’ve ordered them by ease, so work through step-by-step until your bath empties in a timely manner. 

You will need:

• Sink plunger (we like this one from Amazon)
• Bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar
• Plumbing snake (we like this one from Amazon)

1. Remove obvious obstructions

If you have a traditional drain stopper on a chain, accessing the drain opening on your bathtub will be a breeze. However, most modern baths support some form of integrated drain stopper – be it pop-up, click-clack (a.k.a. toe-touch), or trip-lever. In this instance, you must remove it to gain better access to the drain. The majority screw off, but some may require a screwdriver to pop the drain stopper. 

Once you have taken the drain stopper out of the equation – and you may find a clog of hair/gunk comes with it – take a good look down the drain, using a torch if required. If you can see any obvious obstructions, use your fingers, a set of small tongs (we like these bamboo toaster tongs from Amazon), or a wire coat hanger to drag them free.  

2. Boil the blockage away

Assuming there is no standing water in your bath, the next easiest solution for unclogging a bathtub is the good old boiling water trick. ‘Pouring boiling water down the drain will help you get to the areas that may be out of reach. Boiling water is ideal for clearing grease and soap that has stuck together – the heat will activate it and help get things moving,’ explains Chris Wootton, Managing Director of cleaning service Poppies.  

Just a liter or so of boiling water should suffice. Once it has cleared, try running the faucet to see if things are running smoothly. If not, it’s worth trying one more kettle full before moving to step three. 

3. Use a plunger

Before using a plunger you will need to plug the bath’s overflow to create the necessary vacuum. Most overflow covers screw off, then you can simply plug the hole with a damp face cloth or large slab of putty (like Blu Tack).  

‘To execute the plunger technique properly, remove the drain stopper and fill the water up by a couple of inches. Take a sink plunger, not a toilet plunger, and place this directly over the drain before pumping it up and down a few times, taking pauses to see if the water begins to drain,’ says Trinity Owhe, Design Expert, Victorian Plumbing. ‘Repeat this a few times until, with luck, the blockage is gone.’

This Luigi's Sink and Drain Plunger at Walmart is designed for use on sink and bathtub drains.

4. Add baking soda and vinegar

'Cleaning with vinegar and baking soda is a great home remedy for unclogging a bathtub drain,’ says Trinity Owhe, Design Expert, Victorian Plumbing. 'Pour some bicarbonate soda into the drain and let it sit for 15 minutes before pouring white vinegar down the drain.

‘The chemical reaction creates a strong foam-like substance that might dislodge any blockages and help neutralize unpleasant odors. Once the mixture stops fizzing be sure to rinse this away with water,’ she adds.

It's important to note that some experts say you shouldn't use vinegar and baking soda to unclog a drain. This is because in older homes, with metal pipework, acidic solutions like vinegar can accelerate the corrosion of pipes. If you're worried about damaging your own pipes, skip to step five. 

5. Invest in a plumber's snake

If your blockage is still refusing to budge, it’s time to tool up and learn how to use a drain snake or one of the range of tools readily available from hardware stores or online, designed to delve deeper into your drain. Plumber’s snakes, hair snakes, and long, flexible pipe cleaners are all brilliant for breaking through blockages further down the pipework underneath your bath. 

‘A metal plumber’s snake that is about 9ft long is best for accessing any obstructions that can’t be removed by hand. They’re easy to use and very effective,’ says Ben Chalk, Chartered Construction Manager, GIR Services.  

FAQs

What can I pour down my bathtub drain to unclog it?

Boiling water should be your first port of call. ‘Baking soda and vinegar are also great natural alternatives to chemical solutions. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, wait a few minutes for it to set, then pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain,’ advises Chris Wootton, Managing Director, of cleaning service Poppies.

‘The mildly acidic solution should break down more severe clogs and following up by pouring boiling water down a few hours later should help clear any lingering debris. In the event this doesn’t work, you may need to resort to chemicals or unblocker – there are lots of reasonably priced and effective drain unblockers on the market,’ adds Chris.  

Learning how to clean a bathtub drain will help prevent potential blockages from developing. It's one of the steps people with nice-smelling bathrooms take to remove bad odors and keep their bathtub drains flowing freely.