Fixing a Slow Tub Drain

Tip: Fixing a Slow Drain

My tub drains slowly (the only one in the house that does). I am sure there isn't a clog. I have an enamel tub, so I removed the plate, and when I gently pulled it out there wasn't a chain. I don't know if it a plunger type or a ball. Do I have to remove the tub, or is there a way to take out the drain plate from the tub so I can see into the drain?

By George from Berlin, MD

Feedback:

Request: Fixing a Slow Drain

What is a good way to open a slow drain without taking everything apart?

By Charlie from Las Vegas, NV

Feedback:

RE: Fixing a Slow Drain

I use vinegar and baking soda every week to keep my drains running smoothly and odor free. Dump baking soda down the drain, then pour vinegar in after. The acidity of the vinegar and the bubbling action will help keep drains clear. (07/01/2010)

By sassieroses

RE: Fixing a Slow Drain

Also, have you tried the salt and boiling water? There was a post this past week, too, by a man that puts coffee grounds down his drain and never has slow drains, search that out on this site for more details. Good luck! (07/02/2010)

By mom of towers

RE: Fixing a Slow Drain

Try using boiling water, I mean water boiled in a pot or teakettle, not just very hot from the faucet. This should help dissolve whatever is clogging the drain. As you may have to do it several times, while waiting for the next container of water to boil you could use the vinegar/baking soda combination. (07/11/2010)

By AnnmacC

Request: Fixing a Slow Drain

How can I clean out my bath tub drain? I've pulled out a clog of hair, but it still doesn't drain properly. I don't want to have to hire a plumber. I've also poured hot water down it and a drain cleaner. It's still slow.

By Pat from Mid-MI

Feedback:

RE: Fixing a Slow Drain

Because you already used commercial drain cleaner, wear rubber gloves and goggles for safety. While running water into tub, use the toilet plunger (this will bring up a lot of yuk from the drain. Wipe this up with paper towels. Don't allow it to go back down the drain. Plunge until you achieve results.

Then add 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup white vinegar. Let stand approximately 30 minutes. Pour in a quart of boiling water, then run cold water to rinse clear. Repeat if necessary. Remember to use baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water every month or two, and you will never buy Liquid Plumber again! (02/16/2010)

By psr1lady

RE: Fixing a Slow Drain

Enforcer Drain Care. It eats hair and gook. Safe and natural. (02/19/2010)

By muttmom

RE: Fixing a Slow Drain

I bring a pot of white vinegar to a boil and pour it down the drain every now and then. It seems to work. (02/19/2010)

By Stngray

RE: Fixing a Slow Drain

Although I have never tried this, a friend told me about pouring in a whole can of any kind of cola soda pop. She says it works wonderfully. (02/19/2010)

By catcrony

Request: Fixing a Slow Drain

Our kitchen sink is draining slowly. Can anyone help me with this problem?

By Elmerfudd from Peebles, OH

Feedback:

RE: Fixing a Slow Drain

Pour baking soda into the drain until it's coating the upper drain. Pour vinegar over the drain and allow the bubble action and then chase it down with hot water. The drain will open up and you water will flow freely again in the drain.

If this doesn't help unclog the drain, then you may have a more serious problem, but try it a couple of times and see if that helps. I use this method each month to keep drains clean and the water running freely. (10/03/2009)

By Lorelei

RE: Fixing a Slow Drain

Coca-cola can help a lot with this sometimes and is very cheap. You might as well give it a shot. (10/04/2009)

By Cherrier25

Request: Fixing a Slow Drain

What can I do to open a slow moving drain? It is in the bathtub, so probably mostly hair.

Lynn

Feedback:

RE: Fixing a Slow Drain

When our bathtub drain slowed up, my husband used the toilet plunger on it. Gross, but worked. This was after using Drano and boiling water a bunch of times. (10/01/2008)

By Wendopolis

RE: Fixing a Slow Drain

What I do is to take the out the drain stopper, an easy process, pull out the gunk with needle nose pliers and replace the drain stopper. Much easier than taking the time to pouring stuff down the drain and not have it work. (10/01/2008)

By Harry

RE: Fixing a Slow Drain

Get a bent piece of wire and fish the hair out of the drain, it is usually near the top of the drain. You'd be surprised how much hair can accumulate there. (10/01/2008)

By PICO

RE: Fixing a Slow Drain

I recently read here on ThriftyFun that a plumber recommended pouring a bottle of "Nair" or another depilatory type hair remover (for women's legs) down the drain and leaving it sit for several hours because hair is usually the main culprit. You may have to do it twice. (10/04/2008)

By Cyinda

Request: Fixing a Slow Drain

How do you speed up a slow drain?

Beth

Answers:

RE: Fixing a Slow Drain

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91432402.tip.html This same question was posted on thrifty fun and here are some remedies. (04/30/2008)

By MCW

RE: Fixing a Slow Drain

Hi Beth! None of the tips posted on the link above worked for me last time I had this problem, so I bought a product at Menard's called Instant Power Hair and Grease Dissolver. It comes in a tall black plastic bottle, inside of a clear plastic bag, like a baggie. I poured about 2 cups of it into my (bath) drain, and by the next morning the drain was completely clear! I also realized what was causing my problem, it was the body wash I had been using, one of the "cream" types. It was good for my skin, but awful for my drain! Made it greasy and a trap for hair and dirt. You might want to give it a try. :) (05/02/2008)

By Kayray

RE: Fixing a Slow Drain

The Menard's fix sounds interesting. I never use chemical products that might harm the drain. I use my garden hose to clear all drains. It even works on the toilet unless there is an unusually tight clog. Simply hook the hose to a faucet (I try to hook it to my basement stationary tub faucet so I get hot water which is more effective). Use one of nozzles on the hose that is the skinny type if you have one, and push it down the drain as far as possible, then pack wash cloths or rags all around to keep the water from coming back into the basin or tub that is slow. Have a friend turn the water on full force while you hold the nozzle into the drain. Let the water run for several minutes...at least 5. The drain should clear, but if not, I'd try it again only longer. It helps to do this process at the wall of a sink and sometimes you will discover the clog is in the trap (curved pipe) under the sink and can easily be cleaned out by hand, eliminating the need to use the hose. (05/02/2008)

By Cass

RE: Fixing a Slow Drain

Put some baking soda followed by vinegar in the drain on a regular schedule. Maybe once a month helps keep it running smooth. (05/03/2008)

By WIsgal

RE: Fixing a Slow Drain

Hi. I frequently use the method of pouring baking soda in the drain and then vinegar. However, I do heat my vinegar in the microwave before pouring it in on top of the baking soda. But stand back, because it really steams up. You can hear the gurgling, then I run hot water afterwords and watch the little whirlpool because the water runs so much faster. (05/05/2008)

By dianna