How To Unclog A Bathtub Drain Without Chemicals

There’s nothing more frustrating than standing ankle-deep in dirty water during your shower because of a clogged drain. While it might be tempting to reach for a bottle of chemical drain cleaner, there are more environmentally friendly and pipe-safe methods to get that water flowing again. We recently faced this exact problem and found several effective solutions that didn’t require harsh chemicals or calling a plumber.

A clogged bathtub drain is usually caused by a buildup of hair, soap scum, and other debris that gradually accumulates and restricts water flow. The good news is that most clogs can be resolved with simple tools and ingredients you likely already have around your home. We’ll walk you through the exact process that worked for us and provide additional methods that might work better for your particular situation.

Signs Your Bathtub Drain Is Clogged

Before diving into unclogging methods, it’s helpful to recognize the warning signs of a developing clog:

• Slow drainage after showering or bathing
• Standing water that takes several minutes to drain
• Unpleasant odors coming from the drain
• Gurgling sounds when water is draining
• Water backing up around your feet during showers

In our case, we noticed the water taking longer and longer to drain after each shower until it became painfully obvious something needed to be done. If you’re experiencing similar issues, it’s best to address them promptly before they worsen and potentially lead to more serious plumbing problems.

How We Unclogged Our Bathtub

After trying several methods with varying degrees of success, we finally found a process that completely cleared our drain. Here’s our step-by-step approach that got our bathtub draining properly again:

Step 1: Remove Standing Water

First things first – you’ll need a clear workspace. If there’s standing water in your tub, use a bucket, large cup, or absorbent towels to remove as much of it as possible. We used a small bucket to scoop the water out and dumped it into the nearby toilet, which we periodically flushed to avoid overflowing. This step is essential as it allows better access to the drain and prevents a mess during the unclogging process.

Step 2: Unscrew the Overflow Cover

Many bathtubs have an overflow drain located beneath the faucet with a metal cover. Using a screwdriver, carefully remove this cover by unscrewing it. Once removed, you’ll likely find a metal coil or linkage connected to it. Pull this out and inspect it for any hair or debris that might be causing or contributing to the clog. Clean off any gunk you find. In our case, the coil was relatively clean, which indicated the clog was deeper in the drain system.

Note: If your bathtub doesn’t have an overflow valve, you can skip directly to step 4.

Step 3: Plug the Overflow

This step is crucial for creating proper pressure when plunging. Take a wet washcloth and stuff it firmly into the overflow opening you just uncovered. The washcloth acts as a seal that prevents air from escaping through the overflow when you’re applying pressure to the drain in the next step. A tight seal is essential for the plunging action to be effective.

Step 4: Plunge the Drain

Position a toilet plunger (preferably one with a flange, though a cup plunger can work too) directly over the drain opening. Ensure it creates a good seal against the surface of the tub. Then, plunge vigorously with several up and down motions. The suction and pressure created by the plunger can dislodge many types of clogs.

If you’re working alone and notice the washcloth in the overflow coming loose during plunging, pause to reposition it firmly. Having a helper hold the washcloth in place can make this process much easier and more effective by maintaining that crucial air seal.

Step 5: The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

After plunging, we turned to the classic baking soda and vinegar reaction to break down any remaining blockage. Here’s what we did:

• Poured approximately half a cup of baking soda directly down the drain
• Followed it with one cup of vinegar (we only had apple cider vinegar on hand, but it worked perfectly – white vinegar is typically recommended)
• Covered the drain with a plug or plate to keep the reaction focused downward into the pipes
• Let the mixture bubble and work for about 30 minutes
• Finally, flushed the drain with a pot of boiling water

The reaction between baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) creates a fizzing action that helps break down organic matter like hair and soap scum. The boiling water then helps wash away the loosened debris and completes the cleaning process.

Step 6: Test the Drain

After completing these steps, we ran water in the tub to test drainage. To our delight, the water flowed smoothly down the drain without any pooling! If you find your drain is still slow after trying these methods, you might need to repeat the process or try one of the alternative methods described below.

Alternative Unclogging Methods

Using a Drain Snake

If the plunger and baking soda/vinegar method doesn’t solve your problem, a drain snake (also called an auger) might be necessary. These flexible tools can reach deeper into the pipes to physically remove or break up clogs:

• Manual drain snakes are affordable and available at most hardware stores
• Insert the snake into the drain (sometimes going through the overflow opening works better)
• Rotate the snake while pushing it further into the pipe until you feel resistance
• Continue turning the snake to either hook onto or break up the clog
• Slowly pull the snake back out, bringing the clogged material with it
• Flush the drain with hot water

For particularly stubborn clogs, powered drain snakes are available that attach to drills or come with built-in motors. These provide additional force to break through difficult blockages.

Shop Vacuum Method

A wet/dry shop vacuum can be an effective tool for sucking out clogs:

• Set the vacuum to liquids mode
• Remove any standing water first to avoid mess
• Create a tight seal around the drain with the vacuum nozzle (you may need to improvise an adapter)
• Turn the vacuum on at its highest setting
• Run for about 30 seconds, which may be enough to dislodge the clog

This method works particularly well for clogs that are relatively close to the drain opening.

Boiling Water Method

Sometimes, the simplest solution is effective, especially for soap scum and grease-based clogs:

• Boil a full kettle or pot of water
• Pour the boiling water directly down the drain in a steady stream
• Repeat 2-3 times if necessary

Important: This method should only be used with metal pipes. If you have PVC pipes, use hot (but not boiling) water to avoid potential damage.

How To Prevent Clogs

After going through the hassle of unclogging our bathtub drain, we’ve implemented several preventative measures to avoid future problems:

• Installing a better mesh drain trap that catches more hair than our previous metal plug
• Brushing hair before showering to remove loose strands that would otherwise end up in the drain
• Performing monthly maintenance with the baking soda and vinegar method even when the drain is flowing well
• Avoiding rinsing thick conditioners, bath oils, or bath bombs directly down the drain
• Regularly cleaning the stopper or drain cover to remove accumulated hair and soap scum

These simple habits have significantly reduced the frequency of slow drainage issues in our bathroom. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way in avoiding the need for more intensive unclogging procedures.

When to Call a Professional

While most bathtub clogs can be resolved with the DIY methods described above, there are situations where professional help may be necessary:

• If you’ve tried multiple methods and the drain remains clogged
• If you notice multiple drains in your home backing up simultaneously
• If there are sewage odors coming from the drain
• If you hear gurgling in multiple drains when using water fixtures
• If your home has older pipes that might be damaged by aggressive unclogging methods

These symptoms could indicate a more serious plumbing issue beyond a simple bathtub clog, possibly in your main sewer line or vent system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners in my bathtub?

A: While chemical drain cleaners can be effective, they have several drawbacks. They can damage pipes (especially older ones), are harmful to the environment, can cause chemical burns if they splash, and may not be effective on all types of clogs. The natural methods described in this article are safer for both your plumbing and the environment.

Q: How often should I clean my bathtub drain to prevent clogs?

A: As a preventative measure, cleaning your drain monthly with the baking soda and vinegar method is recommended. Additionally, remove hair from drain covers or stoppers weekly.

Q: Can I use a plunger designed for toilets on my bathtub drain?

A: Yes, a toilet plunger can work on a bathtub drain. However, if you use the same plunger for both, be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect it before using it on your bathtub for hygiene reasons.

Q: Why does my bathtub drain smell even after unclogging?

A: Odors may persist due to biofilm buildup in the pipes. After unclogging, pour a mixture of equal parts baking soda and salt down the drain, followed by boiling water after 30 minutes, to deodorize.

Q: Is there a difference between unclogging a shower drain and a bathtub drain?

A: The methods are largely the same, but shower drains may be easier to access without an overflow valve to consider. Some shower drains also have different types of covers or hair catchers that need to be removed first.

Using these techniques and preventative measures, you can keep your bathtub draining properly and avoid the frustration of standing in ankle-deep water during your next shower. Not only will you save money by avoiding professional plumber visits for simple clogs, but you’ll also extend the life of your plumbing system by using gentler, non-chemical solutions.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

Read full bio of Shinta