How to Snake a Bathtub Drain?

21 Jan How to Snake a Bathtub Drain?

A clogged bathtub drain can quickly turn shower time into a soggy, soapy mess. While liquid drain cleaners may seem easy, they come with downsides. The harsh chemicals can damage pipes and release toxic fumes. Snaking a drain manually provides a safer, deeper clean. Unclogging a stubborn bathtub drain is possible with some simple equipment and techniques. By understanding the anatomy of a drain and taking the proper steps, you can restore free-flowing water. Avoid damage and frustrations by learning to snake a bathtub drain correctly.

Anatomy of a Bathtub Drain

Before grabbing a snake, take a moment to understand what’s lurking below the drain cover. A typical bathtub has an exposed drain opening that connects to a tailpiece, also called a waste arm. This curved pipe comes off the bottom of the tub and fits into a P-trap.

The P-trap is a U-shaped curve filled with water that prevents sewer gases from entering the tub. Past the P-trap, pipes angle downward into the main home drain line. Tree roots, grease, hair, and soap scum often get caught where the tailpiece meets the P-trap.

You can better navigate a drain snake through the pipes by visualizing the layout. Discover how to remove bathtub drain by carefully feeding the snake through the curves. Trying to force a stiff snake may get knotted up or even damage pipes. Instead, work with the design by carefully feeding the snake through the curves.

Types of Drain Snakes

Not all drain snakes work the same, and the right type makes a big difference. Here are some standard options:

Hand Snake

A hand snake coils into a tight spring and is designed to reach just a few inches into drains. Plastic or metal coils unfurl from a plastic handle to poke through and pull out loose clogs.

While handy for bathroom and kitchen sinks, hand snakes lack the length needed for most bathtub drains. They also tend to be too flexible. Unless the clog is right under the drain, deeper snaking is required.

Closet Auger

A closet auger is a good choice for stubborn clogs that are more profound down the drain. The metal coil is stiff enough to push through gunk several feet down the pipe. The hook tip grabs hold of debris to pull it back out.

A closet auger is still slender enough to feed down through the P-trap and into the tailpiece. Sections add length as needed to reach clogs farther down the line. It takes some finesse, but a closet auger can clear out even heavily blocked drains.

Drum Auger

Also called a drum snake, this tool works much like a closet auger but on a larger scale. A power drill spins the coil to help chew through tough blockages. The snake coils off a drum as the drill pushes it down the pipe.

Drum augers come in lengths over 100 feet, making them ideal for main sewer lines. But all that bulk makes them impractical for everyday tub drain clogs. Leave drum augers for major sewer backups.

Electric Eel

As the name suggests, this powered snake runs on electricity. The motor whips the snake through pipes while chopping up debris. Electric eels easily tear through all types of clogs and gunk.

However, electric eels are heavy-duty equipment best suited for professional drain cleaners. The high torque can damage pipes if misused. For home use, choose a hand-operated snake.

Before You Snake

Arriving prepared avoids frustrations and ensures the best results. Follow these tips before tackling a clogged bathtub drain:

Have the Right Tools

For most tub drain clogs, a closet auger is the best bet. Get one at least 3 feet long to reach beyond the P-trap. Choose a hook tip design to grab hair and debris.

Also, have clean rags and a bucket handy. Wear gloves to protect your hands and keep dirt at bay. Safety glasses guard eyes from splashing dirty water. Finally, lay down towels to catch drips.

Seal The Overflow

Before snaking, seal the overflow opening with a drain plug or wet rag. This prevents loosened gunk from entering the overflow line instead of exiting the main drain. Any debris that sneaks into the overflow causes new clogs.

Remove The Drain Cover

The drain cover pops off most tubs by unscrewing a large plastic nut holding it in place. Prying off the cover with a screwdriver allows direct access to the drain opening.

Just take care not to damage the finish. Replacing the drain cover seals the opening when done.

Flush With Boiling Water

Pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain can help remove debris and prep the pipes. The hot water melts grease and emulsifies soap buildup. This gets things flowing again before snaking.

Just boil water on the stove, not in the microwave. Microwaved water can erupt when poured and presents a scald hazard. The goal is to run, not dump, carefully.

Try A Plunger First

Before snaking, take a couple of tries plunging the drain. Place a wet rag around the plunger to form a tight seal. Rhythmic, forceful plunging creates pressure surges to dislodge soft clogs.

Repeat plunging for 2-3 minutes to get the best results. This simple step alone may get rid of the clog completely.

How To Snake A Tub Drain

Once equipped and prepped, it’s gone time. Follow these steps to clear clogs the right way:

Feed In The Snake

Carefully insert about 12 inches of the snake with the drain cover removed. Angle it to align with the curve of the tailpiece. Take care not to scratch the finish.

Slowly turn the handle clockwise while applying light downward pressure. This advances the snake around the P-trap. Use one hand to guide the snake and prevent kinking.

Look for Resistance

Continue steadily rotating the handle until feeling significant resistance. This likely signals reaching the clog. Don’t force the snake past the blockage yet.

Pause, turn the handle, and slowly pull the snake back out, keeping it rotated. Often, this is enough to hook debris and drag it out.

Work The Clog

If the snake pulled out clean, the clog remains in place. Feed the snake back to the clog and slowly start turning the handle. The spinning and hook end will work to break up the gunk.

Rotate back and forth while applying gentle downward pressure. Use an up-and-down jabbing motion to poke the clog loose. Take care not to bend the snake.

Pull Out Debris

Once the clog breaks free, retrievable pieces get hooked on the snake end. Slowly pull the entire snake out of the drain while rotating. Have a bucket ready to collect any debris.

Spinning the snake helps wipe off gunk along the pipe walls. Be sure to pull out any debris caught on the hook once entirely removed.

Flush The Drain

Run hot water down the drain with the snake removed at full force. This flushes away any remaining specks of sludge and clears soap residue. Letting the hot water run for 2-3 minutes ensures a thorough rinse.

Dump a couple more pots of boiling water as a final rinse—test by plugging the drain and filling the tub with several inches of water. The water should drain completely without any backups.

Finish Up

Once the drain is cleared, wipe down the snake to prepare it for next time. Replace the drain cover and linkage. Check for any remaining grime around the tub and wipe clean.

Finally, take off gloves and wash up. Dispose of any collected debris. With an open drain, showering is once again a pleasure.

Mistakes To Avoid

A little care goes a long way to getting drains flowing and preventing damage. Steer clear of these common snake pitfalls:

Forcing The Snake

Jamming the snake past a tight clog risks kinking the metal and getting stuck. Never apply excessive force if feeling strong resistance. Take a delicate approach to protect the pipes.

Lost Snake

Feeding the snake too quickly can lead to losing the end down the drain. Always control the speed and tension of the snake. If the end slips free, Retrieve it immediately to prevent it from getting stuck deep in the pipes.

Wrong Rotation

Spinning the snake the wrong way causes the tip to unscrew. Only turn the handle clockwise to advance further down into the drain. This keeps the hook end oriented correctly to snag debris.

Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain openers seem convenient but, in reality, cause more harm than good. The caustic ingredients corrode pipes and release toxic fumes. Stick to mechanical removal with a proper snake tool.

Ignoring Safety

Drain snaking involves spinning metal and dirty water. Be sure to don gloves and eye protection. Never reach your hand into the drain opening. Take precautions to avoid cuts or contamination.

How Often To Snake The Drain

Snaking the drain every 3-4 months helps avoid significant clogs for tubs that see daily use. Make it part of a regular bathroom cleaning routine. Regular snaking removes small debris and keeps pipes clear even if water flows freely.

For guest bathrooms or other infrequent-use tubs, snake the drain at least every six months. Clogs can develop over time, even with minimal usage. Don’t wait until you encounter a full backup.

Watch for signs of trouble, like slowly draining water or gurgling noises. Jumping on clogs early before they worsen makes unclogging much easier. Set a reminder on your calendar to snake tub drains on a routine basis.

When To Call A Professional

With patience and the proper gear, snaking a tub drain is a reasonable DIY project. But not all clogs can be conquered by homemade methods. Call in a pro if:

• The clog refuses to clear after several snaking attempts.
• Standing water in the tub won’t drain, signaling a complete block.
• You suspect the clog extends beyond the P-trap into inaccessible pipes.
• Snaking causes leaks, cracks, or other pipe damage.
• Sewage odors persist even after removing debris.

A professional plumber or drain cleaner has specialized snakes that reach over 100 feet into pipes. They also have the expertise to diagnose issues and repair damages fully. For severe clogs, the extra cost brings peace of mind.

FAQs

1. How do I know which way to turn the drill?

Constantly rotate the snake handle clockwise when inserting it down the drain. This clockwise motion helps feed the snake into pipes and through curves—counterclockwise risks unscrewing the tip.

2. Can I use a wire coat hanger to unclog my tub?

Stick to purpose-built drain snakes. Coat hangers and other improvised tools can scratch porcelain finishes or get permanently stuck in pipes. Investing in the proper gear makes the job quicker and safer.

3. My drain flows slowly after snaking. What should I do?

Try giving the drain a very hot water rinse after snaking. If it still seems sluggish, there may be remaining gunk inside. Rinse the snake and try working the clog again. Repeated snaking generally clears all debris.

4. Why does my snake keep twisting up?

Enter the drain, holding the snake lightly to guide but not force it. Pushing too hard when hitting a clog can cause kinking. Pull the snake out and start again, careful not to bend it.

5. Is it normal to have some leakage when snaking?

A small amount of water splashing out during snaking is normal. Place towels around the tub to catch drips. Significant leaking could signal pipes coming loose and may require professional attention.

The Takeaway

Snaking your tub drain removes the need for harsh chemicals and the cost of a plumber. You can bust through annoying clogs with the right auger tool and proper technique. Regular snaking keeps pipes debris-free for smooth bathing.

While not overly complicated, snaking does take some finesse. But with a few tries, you will get the hang of spinning away shower-stalling sludge. The satisfaction of an open drain makes learning the process worthwhile.