Unclogging a Bathtub

Plumbers Tips | Unclogging a Bathtub

 Summary

 – Unclogging a bathtub with a flat trap

 – Solution 1: remove the base of the trap

 – Solution 2: unblock a bathtub equipped with an angled or straight trap

 – Unclog the drain with a plunger

 – Reassemble the trap

 – Make sure the tub is unclogged

 It is common for hair and soap scum to collect in the trap and get into the bathtub pipes, preventing the water from draining. However, unclogging a bathtub is a quick process that you can do yourself.

 Before unclogging a bathtub, open the trap door on the side of the bathtub frame and observe the shape of the drain. The operation will be different depending on the form of the trap.

 Use gloves to avoid contact with the impurities that you will remove from the drain and trap.

 Unclogging a bathtub with a flat trap

 When a bathtub is equipped with a flat trap, it is necessary to disassemble and unblock it.

 – Loosen the threaded rings that hold the trap in place.

 – Disassemble the trap.

 – Clean the trap.

 – Reassemble the trap by assembling the parts that make it up.

 – Tighten the threaded rings that hold it in place.

 Solution 1: Disassemble the siphon base

Unclogging a Bathtub

 Before unscrewing the trap cover, fill a basin with a few centimeters of water and place it under the trap. It will allow you to collect the waste that will flow out of the dismantled trap.

 Then unscrew the base (lower part) of the trap by hand. If your trap is made of brass, use a large wrench and protect the trap with a dry cloth.

 Using a pair of gloves, remove any residue by hand.

 Screw the cap back on and run a stream of water to ensure that the cap is adequately screwed back on.

 Solution 2: Unclog a bathtub with an angled or straight trap

 Dismantle the trap

 Before removing the trap, fill a basin with a few centimeters of water and place it under the trap. It will allow you to collect the waste that will flow out of the dismantled trap.

 – By hand, loosen the threaded rings that hold the different parts of the trap together. Again, if your trap is made of brass, use a large adjustable wrench while protecting the trap with a dry cloth.

 – Then, let the impurities drain into the basin that you have previously placed under the trap.

 – Clean the trap. If you are unable to do so, unscrew the base (bottom part) of the trap.

 

 Important: If you have used a chemical unblocker, wear gloves and protect your eyes from possible splashes: these products are very concentrated and can cause severe burns. 

 Unclog the drain with a plumber’s snake (furet) 

 Once the trap is removed, you can directly access the pipe and dislodge any impurities that may have slipped in.

 – Insert the head of the furet into the pipe.

 – Gradually push the furet head into the pipe while turning the handle or crank.

 – Do not force it when you encounter an obstacle; keep turning with a gentle push.

 – Regularly pull the furet out of the drain to clean the head of the furet of any impurities that may be stuck to it.

 Reassemble the trap

 Before reassembling the trap, check the condition of the seals.

 – If the seals are worn, replace them.

 – Reassemble the trap parts and threaded rings.

 – Tighten the threaded rings. If your trap is brass, protect it with a dry cloth and use a large wrench.

 Make sure the tub is unclogged

 – Run the water.

 – If the water is flowing normally again, the trap and pipe are unclogged.

 – If the trap is leaking, check that the trap parts are correctly assembled and that the threaded rings are adequately tightened.

 – If the water still does not normally drain, repeat the operation.

 Equipment to unclog a bathtub

Plumber’s snake (Furet)  Starting at $15
 Water pump pliers Starting at $2
Plumbers Tips | Unclogging a Bathtub

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