Author Topic: Recalcitrant bathtub drain  (Read 4869 times)

La Bibliotecaria Feroz

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Recalcitrant bathtub drain
« on: August 15, 2015, 11:37:13 AM »
We are winding up in ankle-deep water when we shower.

We tried drain cleaner. Helped the first time, not so much the second time (when we used the second half of the bottle--not sure what kind it was but the kind where you can use just half).

I can't get the stopper out to check under it--it's one of those round disk ones and it does not lift out. I doubt there's much of a hair clog anyway (unless maybe one came with the house, but the drain was fine when we moved in in March) as I have short hair and wash it only twice a week.

Is there anything I can try before calling a plumber? We have no plumbing skills at all.

Thanks!

MDM

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Re: Recalcitrant bathtub drain
« Reply #1 on: August 15, 2015, 12:00:39 PM »
Ye olde plumber's helper?  Be more forceful on the pull than the push.

Bleach + hot water usually works for us.  There are plenty of pro/con opinions on this.

Greg

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Re: Recalcitrant bathtub drain
« Reply #2 on: August 15, 2015, 04:29:39 PM »
Plunger (while blocking overflow vent) up and down vigorously will usually loosen whatever the clog is, and may pull out some hair clogs you don't know about.

If you look under the lip of the round stopper from the side (you'll have to get your head down low against the tub bottom) you might find a phillips head screw that holds the stopper on.  Don't remove the screw, just loosen it a little at a time until it comes loose, if there is one.

La Bibliotecaria Feroz

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Re: Recalcitrant bathtub drain
« Reply #3 on: August 15, 2015, 04:36:56 PM »
Thanks--good tips. Will work on that ASAP!

Can I use a toilet plunger, the kind with a flange, or do I need to buy a cup plunger?

MDM

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Re: Recalcitrant bathtub drain
« Reply #4 on: August 15, 2015, 04:40:53 PM »
Can I use a toilet plunger, the kind with a flange, or do I need to buy a cup plunger?

Anything that gives a good seal so none of your motion is wasted.

Drifterrider

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Re: Recalcitrant bathtub drain
« Reply #5 on: August 17, 2015, 06:46:21 AM »
First, try to unscrew the stopper.  (Lefty loosie)  They were assembled so they can be disassembled.

Second, try a drain "snag".  I don't know the proper term but it is made of plastic and is flexible with lots of little "spikes" on it to "snag" whatever it can.  The ones I've seen are yellow and cost $1 or so. 

Third, can you access the P trap?  If you can and if it is put together with compression fittings you can just disassemble and clean. 

forummm

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Re: Recalcitrant bathtub drain
« Reply #6 on: August 17, 2015, 11:28:48 AM »
I have a similar issue. You may need to use a clamping wrench to unscrew it. And then just using a plunger with a cup clears it right up for me.

worms

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Re: Recalcitrant bathtub drain
« Reply #7 on: August 18, 2015, 12:05:17 AM »
Have you tried caustic soda? It's never failed for me. I put about a desert spoonful down the drain and leave it overnight then pour a little hot water down in the morning before anyone uses the bath/shower.

zolotiyeruki

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Re: Recalcitrant bathtub drain
« Reply #8 on: August 18, 2015, 07:42:07 AM »
Subscribing to hear the exciting conclusion to this tale... :)

guitar_stitch

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Re: Recalcitrant bathtub drain
« Reply #9 on: August 18, 2015, 10:42:36 AM »
So many methods...

On your tub, do you have a metallic cover by the drain on the tub wall, often held on by two screws?  If so, you can feed a 1/4" drain snake through there to latch onto and break up clogs.  It takes a little patience, but is very effective.

Drain cleaners are toxic, and often more harmful than good. 

La Bibliotecaria Feroz

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Re: Recalcitrant bathtub drain
« Reply #10 on: August 19, 2015, 10:31:59 AM »
Wouldn't a clamping wrench damage the stopper? There is nothing but the stopper itself to hold on to.

I do have the overflow thing on the wall, although with only one screw. Can you be more specific what kind of snake I would use?

La Bibliotecaria Feroz

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Re: Recalcitrant bathtub drain
« Reply #11 on: August 25, 2015, 10:06:34 PM »
Well, for anyone who saw the other thread, I did call a plumber and he used channel locks to get it off. The last time I got fierce with plumbing I seriously regretted it, so I just wasn't willing to yank on something I didn't understand. Well at least I had some good coupons.

Anyway, new question: He says I should use bio-clean, which conveniently, they sell. Anyone have experience with enzymatic drain cleaners? Are they worthwhile? Can I use a cheaper one like Zep or do I have to shell out the big bucks for BC?

MDM

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Re: Recalcitrant bathtub drain
« Reply #12 on: August 25, 2015, 10:32:20 PM »

La Bibliotecaria Feroz

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Re: Recalcitrant bathtub drain
« Reply #13 on: August 26, 2015, 09:40:06 AM »
Ooh, I hadn't seen that--thanks! That's super-helpful. I'll keep an eye out for Citra-Drain as the plumber seems to think I need enzymatic. Should be a lot cheaper than what they tried to sell me :-).