Let me be honest—unclogging a bathtub drain turned out to be way more frustrating than I expected. I figured it would be a quick fix, maybe a 5-minute job. But after trying every common method and still staring at a tub full of standing water, I realized I had underestimated this mess. If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry—I’ve been there. I tried it all: baking soda, vinegar, wire hangers, even a shop vac. Nothing worked—until one specific combo finally did. Here’s everything I tried and what eventually worked to get my tub draining like new again.
Why My Tub Drain Get Clogged in the First Place
At first, the drain just seemed a little slow. No big deal. But a few days later, I stepped into the shower and realized I was ankle-deep in murky water before I even finished rinsing. It turns out, daily buildup from hair (yes, I shed a lot), soap scum, and conditioner had collected deep inside the drain. I assumed pouring hot water would flush it out—nope. That buildup had turned into a stubborn plug that wasn’t going anywhere easily.
What I Tried First (and What Failed)
I started with the go-to solution: baking soda and vinegar. Poured it in, let it fizz, followed by boiling water. I got a satisfying reaction—but zero results. Still clogged.
Next, I grabbed a drain snake. Fed it in, but it didn’t get very far. It just hit resistance. Either the clog was deeper than I thought or my snake wasn’t long enough.
Then came the DIY wire hanger. I bent it into a hook and dug around a bit. Got out some grime, but the water level stayed the same. Like fishing for a boulder with a paperclip.
Desperate, I tried a shop vac. But the nozzle didn’t fit the drain snugly, and I couldn’t create enough suction. It just made a lot of noise.
Finally, I gave the plunger a shot. After several minutes of plunging, all I managed was swirling dirty water. No gurgle. No drain.
At that point, I was seriously considering calling a plumber—or smashing the tub. Neither option sounded fun.
How to Unclog a Bathroom Tub Drain (Step-by-Step)
Before you call a plumber, here are a few simple but effective things to try. What’s up guys, my name is Brandon Quinn plumber at Elite Rooter company we’re gonna talk about how to unclog that clogged slow draining bathtub drain some tips and tricks you can do before you actually call a plumber because no one likes to stand in ankle-deep disgusting water it’s just gross no alright guys so if you’ve got some water that’s accumulating in that drain correctly there’s a few things we can actually do before you call the plumber and they’re pretty easy to do all you need is a plunger a screwdriver and a plastic zip tool easily found at most hardware stores.
Step 1: Remove the Drain Cover and Stopper
Grab a screwdriver and gently unscrew the drain cover and stopper. If your tub has a pop-up or twist-style stopper, you might need to twist and pull it out instead. Place a towel underneath to avoid scratching the tub or losing small parts.
Once the cover is off, take out the stopper. You might have to wiggle it a bit. Expect to find it covered in hair and grime. Clean it thoroughly—it’ll make the next steps easier.
Step 2: Clear Out Visible Debris
With the stopper out, use a drain tool or even your fingers (with gloves!) to remove any hair or gunk you can reach. Sometimes the clog is sitting just below the surface, and this alone might solve your issue.
Step 3: Use the Zip Tool
This surprised me. I slid in the zip tool—a thin plastic strip with hooks—and twisted it around. When I pulled it out, it brought up a disgusting blob of black sludge and hair. I repeated this a few times and each pull brought more. It was gross, but also super satisfying. I could tell the clog was loosening up.
Step 4: Pour Hot Water Down the Drain
With most of the gunk removed, I boiled a full kettle of water and poured it slowly down the drain. I heard a slight gurgle. It wasn’t completely clear yet, but it was a good sign that something was moving.
Step 5: Plunge with a Proper Seal
This step made all the difference. I filled the tub with a couple of inches of hot water. Then I shoved a wet towel into the overflow drain opening to seal it completely. That part’s key—you need pressure to build.
Then I started plunging. Hard. I gave it about 15 strong pushes and suddenly—whoosh!—I heard the best sound ever: water swirling and draining. It was like music to my ears.
When to Call a Plumber
If none of this works, or if your drain snake just won’t go far enough, it’s probably time to call a pro. You could be dealing with a deeper blockage or an issue with the main line. A plumber visit might cost between $100 to $300, but at least you’ll know it’s fixed correctly.
What I’m Doing Now to Prevent Clogs
After going through all that hassle, I didn’t want a repeat. So I made a few small changes:
- I bought a mesh hair catcher. It’s cheap and catches most of the hair before it hits the drain.
- I brush my hair before showering, so less of it falls into the tub.
- Every month, I pour half a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down the drain, let it fizz for 10 minutes, then flush it with boiling water.
- I also avoid rinsing out thick hair masks or oils directly over the drain now. It’s a small change, but it helps.
Final Thoughts
You don’t always need a plumber to fix a clogged bathtub drain. With a little patience, a few tools, and some trial and error, you can handle it yourself—and even feel pretty proud afterward.
Try these steps, especially the zip tool and plunger combo. It worked for me when everything else failed. And if it doesn’t work for you? At least you’ll know you gave it your best shot before picking up the phone.
