How to Unclog Bathtub With Snake

Chances are, at some point in your life, you’ll find yourself with a clogged bathtub. There are many ways to try and unclog it, but one of the most efficient is using a snake. Snakes can be bought or rented at most hardware stores, and they’re fairly easy to use. 

How to Unclog Bathtub With Snake

In this post, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to unclog bathtub with snake. Keep reading for more information! If your bathtub is clogged, you may be wondering how to unclog it. One common way to unclog a bathtub is by using a snake. Snakes can be hired from plumbing stores or rented from tool rental stores. Here’s how to use a snake to unclog your bathtub. 

What Causes an Unclog Bathtub?

There are many reasons why your bathtub may become clogged. Such as:

1. Debris Buildup

Hair, soap scum, and other debris can easily get caught in your drain and build up over time. It will cause a clog if it’s not regularly cleaned out. So if you do not want to deal with a clogged bathtub, be sure to clean out your drain regularly.

2. Buildup of Soap Scum and Grime

Another common cause of clogs is soap scum and grime that has built up over time. This can happen if you don’t regularly clean and maintain your bathtub, or if you use a lot of harsh chemicals and cleaners that can damage your drain.

3. Clogs from Foreign Objects

If you drop foreign objects such as toys, jewelry, or other hard materials into your bathtub, they can often clog the drain and cause problems. To avoid this, make sure to keep any small items out of your tub and take care not to drop anything down the drain.

4. Clogged Drain Vent

Your bathtub may become clogged if there is something wrong with the drain vent. This vent is responsible for carrying away the water and waste from your bathtub, so if it becomes clogged or backed up, it can cause your tub to not drain properly.

Your Tub to Not Drain Properly

How to Unclog Bathtub With Snake in 6 Easy Steps

Step 1: Locate the Clog in the Bathtub

Before you start using your snake to unclog your bathtub, it’s important to locate the clog itself. To do this, run some water and watch for any areas that are slower or seem more blocked than others. Be careful not to splash water out of the tub while doing this.

Step 2: Insert the Snake into Drain

Once you’ve located the clog, insert the snake into the drain slowly, using a twisting motion as you go. Make sure to be gentle when inserting the snake so that you don’t accidentally damage your drain or cause further clogs.

Step 3: Use the Snake to Unclog the Bathtub

Once the snake is fully inserted into the drain, begin manually turning it from side to side to help dislodge any clogs and loosen them from the sides of the drain. But you have to be careful at the same time because if you turn it too wildly, you may end up damaging your drain and causing even more issues.

Step 4: Clean the Rest of the Drain

Once you’ve successfully used the snake to unclog your bathtub, it’s important to clean any remaining debris from the rest of the drain. Use a plunger or another tool to clear out any remaining gunk from the sides and bottom of your drain.

Step 5: Flush Out any Clogs that Have Been Removed

Once you’ve dislodged the clog from your drain, flush out all of the remaining residues by pouring water down the bathtub drain. This will make sure that all of the clogs have been fully removed, leaving your bathtub free and clear to use once again.

You Can Check It Out to Turn on My Shower

Dislodged the Clog From Your Drain

Step 6: Inspect The Drain Again

To make sure that your bathtub is fully unclogged, it’s important to inspect the drain again after flushing out any remaining clogs. Look for any leaks or other signs of damage, and address any issues promptly to avoid further problems down the line.

If you follow these steps, you should be able to successfully unclog your bathtub and get back to enjoying a clean and functional bathroom in no time.​

Some Tips to Prevent Unclogged Bathtub

1. Regularly Clean Out Any Hair or Debris

One of the most common reasons for clogged bathtubs is excess hair and debris that builds up around the drain. To prevent this from happening, make sure to regularly clean out any hair or other debris that may be accumulating in your tub.

2. Use a Clog-Preventing Drain Protector

Another way to prevent your bathtub from getting clogged is to use a drain protector device, such as a strainer or grate, that helps keep debris out of your tub. Also, make sure to regularly clean out your drain protector to ensure that it is working properly.

3. Treat Your Drain with a Commercial Cleaner

If you notice that your bathtub is starting to get clogged, you can try treating it with a commercial drain cleaner. Make sure to carefully follow the instructions on the bottle, as some cleaners can be harsh or toxic.

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Bathtub is Starting to Get Clogged

4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals or Drains Cleaning Tools

While it can be tempting to try to unclog your bathtub yourself using harsh chemicals or drain cleaning tools, these methods can often do more harm than good. Instead, it is usually best to call in a professional plumber who has the experience and expertise needed to properly unclog your tub.

By following these tips, you can help prevent your bathtub from getting clogged and keep your bathing experience as enjoyable as possible.

Precautions You Must Take While Unclogging Bathtub With Snake

If you are planning to unclog your bathtub drain with a snake, it is important to take certain precautions in order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the process. These include:

1. Always Wear Protective Gear

It is important to wear protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, while using a snake to unclog your bathtub. This will protect you from any potential injuries that may occur due to the sharp edges of the snake or splashes of dirty water.

2. Ensure That You Have Access to Water

Before starting the process of unclogging your bathtub drain with a snake, it is important to make sure that you have access to water. This will allow you to flush out any debris or build-up that might be blocking the drain and ensure that the process is as effective as possible.

3. Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

If at all possible, it is best to avoid using chemical drain cleaners to unclog your bathtub drain. While these chemicals can be effective in clearing out debris and other blockages, they can also cause damage to pipes over time. Instead, opt for a snake or another non-chemical method for unclogging your tub drain.

By taking these precautions when using a snake to unclog your bathtub drain, you can ensure that the process is as safe and effective as possible. With the right tools and techniques, you can quickly clear out any blockages in your tub and enjoy a functional and clean drain once again.

You Can Check It Out to Keep Toilet From Freezing

Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Snaking Drain Damage It?

Many people are hesitant to use a snake to unclog their bathtub drains, worrying that it may damage the drain or pipes. However, using a snake is typically a safe and effective method of clearing clogs. But you have to make sure that you are using the right type of snake for clogs in your tub, and that you are being careful not to apply too much pressure.

How Much Does It Cost to Snake Out a Bathtub?

Snaking out a bathtub drain typically costs somewhere between $100 and $150, depending on the type of snake being used and the complexity of your particular clog. Some homeowners may be able to do this job themselves using a basic hand-cranked snake, while others will need to hire a professional plumber with more powerful equipment.

How Do You Snake Out a Bathtub Drain?

To snake out a bathtub drain, you will first need to locate the main drain line that runs from your tub down to the sewer or septic system. Next, you should select an appropriate snake for your particular clog, making sure to choose one that is long enough to reach deep into your drain. 

Then, carefully push the snake down into the drain until you have reached the clog. Firmly rotate the snake to break up and dislodge any blockages, then remove it from the drain once you have cleared away any obstructions.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to unclog bathtub with snake, you can save yourself a lot of time and money. You won’t have to call a plumber every time your tub gets clogged. Just follow the simple steps outlined in this blog post, and you’ll be able to fix the problem on your own.

Unclogging your bathtub with a snake is not as difficult as you may think. With the proper tools and a little bit of elbow grease, you can get your tub back up and running in no time. So the next time you find yourself standing in an inch of water, don’t reach for the phone to call a plumber. Grab a snake and get to work! Thanks for reading!

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Terry Alexander

Hi, I am Terry. I started my professional life as a handyman and did a lot of external and internal repair of home and plumbing support. From my childhood, my passion for home repair and fixtures created an opportuinity to pursue a career in HVAC and plumbing industry. As I gained years of knowledge and my love for plumbing grew overtime, I thought to document my journey so that I could help others who ran into daily problems in their home repair. Hopefully it will help you fix those pesky home repair and plumbing problems that always seem to happen at the worst time possible!

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