What to Do When Your Bathtub Drain is Clogged

What to Do When Your Bathtub Drain is Slow or Clogged

Is your bathtub drain slow or clogged?
The first thing you should do is shut off the water to prevent a potential overflow.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you start clearing your clogged bathtub drain yourself:

1) Prepare the Area

Lay down towels, a bucket, or a tarp around the bathtub to catch any mess caused by the blockage.

2) Get a Drain Snake (Also Known as an Auger)

Rent or borrow a drain snake from a local hardware store like Home Depot, Lowe’s, or a tool rental shop.
Let them know you’re dealing with a bathtub clogged with debris so they can recommend the right type of tool.
For a clogged bathtub drain, a hand-crank snake or a drill-powered auger with a ¼-inch cable, 15–25 feet long usually works best.

3) Access the Overflow Drain

It’s best to go through the bathtub overflow drain (located between the tub’s spout and the main drain) when clearing a bathtub drain clogged with hair or soap scum.
Carefully remove the two screws holding the overflow cover.
Block the main drain to avoid dropping parts into the clogged drain pipe in the bathtub.
If you can’t use the overflow, remove the bathtub drain cover and go directly through the main tub drain.

4) Start Feeding the Snake

After you take off the overflow or main drain cover, gently feed the snake into the bathtub drain.
Always wear gloves to protect your hands during the unclogging process.
Keep the snake drum close to the drain (around 6–18 inches away) to avoid cable kinking while snaking.

5) Work Through the Trap and the Clog

As you begin, you’ll likely feel resistance at the bathtub trap. Push gently past it to reach the main blockage.
Once you get past the trap, you’ll feel additional resistance. That’s probably the obstruction in the drain of bathtub.
Carefully work the snake back and forth until you feel like you’ve hooked onto the clog.
Important: Avoid using the reverse function on motorized snakes — it could damage your equipment or your drains. Only use in an emergency

6) Clean the Snake

After you’ve cleared the clog, run hot water through the bathtub drain with the snake still inserted to flush out any remaining debris.
This also helps you keep the snake cable clean and ready for future use, especially if you encounter another bathtub clogged situation later.

7) Reassemble

Reattach the overflow plate or bathtub drain cover once the clog is cleared.
Run water to test and make sure the bathtub Drain is fully flowing again.

When to Call a Professional

If you’re unable to clear the bathtub drain that is clogged with heavy buildup, don’t worry — Master Rooter is here to help!
Call us at (203) 547-1800 for fast, professional service to fix any clogged drain pipe in your bathtub or other clog problems.

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