Learning how to snake a bathtub drain can be a great way to solve a clogged bathtub. However, the process can be messy. To avoid getting soaked, you should have some paper towels handy. Read on for some tips. Also, don’t forget to have the proper cleaning supplies. If you use vinegar and baking soda, you may have to pour some of these into the drain. You can also use Hydrojets and plungers.
Baking soda and vinegar
Using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to snake a bathtub drain can be an effective way to free a clog. The baking soda acts as a drain cleaner and creates a base for the chemistry of draining, leading to the dissolution of the gunk. Moreover, the vinegar will disintegrate grime and other acids in the pipes. Combined, these two ingredients can remove clogs and prevent them from reoccurring.
The baking soda and vinegar method works by creating an acidic reaction in the bathtub drain. When mixed together, the two substances will loosen the clog. If the clog remains, you can pour boiling water down the drain. If this method does not work, you can also add some vinegar. This mixture can help you snake a bathtub drain without damaging it. It can even be left in the drain overnight.
A baking soda and vinegar solution acts similarly to commercial foaming drain cleaners. The baking soda and vinegar solution will react with water to form carbon dioxide, which bubbles through the drain liquid. This reaction will break up fatty and greasy clogs. Besides that, the
boiling water will soften and shrink the buildup, creating pressure and forcing the clog out of the pipe. You’ll be surprised at how fast the process will clear.
In addition to vinegar, you can use baking soda to unclog your bathtub drain. These two solutions can dissolve hair, soap scum, and other clogs. And, because baking soda and vinegar are both highly effective disinfectants, they will also fight bacteria and fungi. Add the mixture to the drain and watch the magic begin! And don’t forget to keep the drain stopper clear of debris!
Another DIY unclogging method is to use boiling water and baking soda as a drain cleaner. When combined with vinegar, this combination can unclog even the toughest drains. The process will take a little patience, but it works. Once you’ve mixed the two, simply pour the hot water down the drain. After a few minutes, the baking soda will dissolve any remaining particles in the drain and the water will run freely again.
Hydrojets
Plumbing snakes and hydro jets are both effective at removing clogs. However, which one is right for you depends on the type of clog. Although any tool can shine in a specific situation, a plumbing snake is more effective when it is used by a professional plumber. In some cases, a plumber may need to use both a snake and a hydro jet to clear a bathtub drain.
A typical hydro jet system can release water with 1,500 to 4,000 pounds of pressure. Larger hydro jet systems can reach 35,000 to 40,000 pounds of pressure. Hydro jet nozzles come in
different sizes, including 1.5-inch, 2-inch, 4-inch, six-inch, and eight-inch. A professional plumber will never recommend using a hydro jet to clear a drain without first performing a video inspection. If the clog persists, there might be an underlying problem. If so, a sewer line camera may reveal this and provide an appropriate plan of action.
A plumbing snake, also known as an auger, is an effective way to unclog a bathtub drain. This tool can be a good choice for older homes that have deteriorated pipes and may not be capable of coping with the high-pressure water of a hydro jet. However, a plumbing snake only reaches the clog close to the surface. A small auger hole can help clear the area but won’t remove the clog completely. This method is only an effective temporary solution.
A high-pressure water jet blast will break through any clog and flush debris down the drain. Hydro jets can also be helpful in removing bad odors from your drain. However, it is imperative that you call a professional plumber to use hydro jets to snake a bathtub drain. Do-it-yourselfers should not attempt this process because it may cause more harm to your pipes than good.
When you use a hydro jet to snake a bathtub drain, you can expect to get a cleaner and more effective result. A hydro jet can effectively clear clogged pipes in a matter of seconds, and it can also prevent hazardous waste from backing up into the plumbing system. However, this method of drain cleaning is best left to a professional. It will ensure the safety of your home and the environment.
Plunging
One of the most common home remedies for a clogged bathtub drain is to use a toilet plunger. This device forces a pocket of air and water into the drain, breaking up the clog. A clog in a bathtub drain is typically hair or soap collections that have accumulated over time. It is important to use a plunger that covers the entire drain and forms a tight seal against the tub.
Using a power snake
Before you begin, you must ensure that the drain is clear. If water is not draining out of the tub, turn on the faucet to run hot water. Using hot water, you will be able to snake through the clogged drain without having to deal with the smell or splashes of water. After snake-driving, you should rinse the area well and return the overflow cover and trip lever.
Begin by inserting the cable of the drain snake into the overflow opening of the tub. If the drain is blocked, you may need to apply pressure in order to snake through the trap, which is the first bend in the overflow pipe. Be sure to wear gloves while running the snake. Do not attempt to snake the drain through the tub’s bottom bend, which is too sharp for the snake. Also, you run the risk of tearing the tub’s pipe if you attempt to snake through the bottom.
A wire hanger is another option for snake-drain cleaning. A wire hanger can act as a clog remover, but this method requires more manual work. An electric snake will work similarly to a power drill, but it is driven by electricity, making it ideal for large pipes or long distances. If you’re not comfortable using a power snake, you can hire a professional to handle the job.
Once you have a good idea of the size of the obstruction, the next step is to set the cable housing to the drain’s opening. Most models have a foot pedal switch to allow you to use the
power auger hands-free. Set the auger’s motor to clockwise rotation and feed the cable down the drain pipe until you feel resistance. Once you feel resistance, reverse the rotation to back it out and feed the cable back and forth until the clog has been cleared.
Before using a power snake to snake a bathtub, be sure to ask for instructions on how to use the tool. Because different models have different safety features, you should familiarize yourself with the safety precautions before using it. First, ensure you’re using a drop cloth to protect the tub. The metal cable on the drain snake can scratch acrylic, fiberglass, and porcelain. A thick drop cloth will protect the tub from scratches.
