Get Rid of Gunk for Good - Cleaning Bathtub Drains

Clogged and slow-flowing bathtub drains are a common nuisance that can create messy, unpleasant backup of water in our tubs. Grime, hair, soap scum, and other debris inevitably build up over time, obstructing water from draining properly. Fortunately, fixing clogged drains is an easy DIY task. With some simple tools and techniques, you can get rid of that nasty gunk and finally have free-flowing drains again.

Read on to learn how to easily clear drains and keep your tub gunk-free for good.

Why Bathtub Drains Get Clogged

There are a few common culprits responsible for slow and clogged bathtub drains. Identifying the cause can help you better tackle the clog.

Hair and soap scum build-up

The number one source of bathtub drain clogs is hair. As we wash our hair in the tub, loose strands go down the drain and accumulate over time. Soap scum from bath products also sticks to hair, forming a thick mass that obstructs water flow.

Dead skin cells, oils, and debris

Our skin sheds tiny flakes that rinse down the drain. Oils from bathing, plus random gunk like dirt and fibers, catch on existing buildup.

Mineral deposits from hard water

Hard water contains minerals that deposit on drain walls as the water evaporates. These mineral scales gradually reduce drain openings.

Mold and mildew growth

Standing water and accumulated grime create ideal conditions for mold, mildew, and bacteria to flourish. These microorganisms form messy mats and film in the drain.

Signs You Need to Clean or Unclog Your Drain

Pay attention for these common indications that it may be time to give that tub drain some TLC:

Water pooling in the tub

If water sits in the bottom of your tub or only drains slowly after a bath, the drain is likely partially blocked.

Strange smells coming from the drain

Unpleasant or sewer-like odors are usually a sign of built-up gunk or mildew festering in the drain.

Gurgling sounds

A drain making bubbling or loud gurgling noises points to a partial blockage as air squeezes past clogged water flow.

Slow draining water

If your shower or bath water takes longer than usual to empty out the drain, soap scum and loose hair have probably accumulated over time.

Supplies Needed for Unclogging Drains

Gather these handy tools for tackling most simple bathtub drain clogs:

Plunger

Fit a cup plunger securely over the drain to create pressure and loosen clogs.

Baking soda and vinegar

Combine this classic chemical reaction to help dissolve soapy buildup.

Boiling water

Hot water helps melt grease and flush debris further down pipes.

Drain snakes and augers

Manual corkscrew snakes or powered augers physically hook and remove hair and gunk.

Removing the Stopper and Drain Covers

Before tackling a clogged drain, you first need to fully expose the pipe opening. This involves removing any stoppers or protective drain covers hiding all that built-up grime:

Pop-up and toe-tap stopper removal

For pop-up or foot pedal-style stoppers, carefully pry off the cover plate to access the linkage. Remove any debris or hair wrapped around the moving parts.

Unscrewing drain covers and strainers

Basic screw-on strainer cups protecting the opening must be detached to clean drains. Use pliers if necessary.

Caution about cast iron tub drains

Vintage cast iron drains are more delicate. Avoid forcefully prying at stuck stoppers to prevent cracking the porous metal.

Cleaning Techniques for Hair, Grime, and Gunk

Here are four DIY methods to break up and clear out various types of clogs:

Trying a plunger plunge first

Using a standard cup plunger creates suction that helps dislodge minor obstructions. Take multiple plunges at different angles.

Baking soda and vinegar reaction

Dump about 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, follow with 1 cup heated white vinegar. The fizzing chemical reaction helps dissolve soap and oils.

Flushing with boiling water

Let a full kettle of hot water run down the drain to melt grease and fats. Repeat as needed.

Manual cleaning with snakes

Insert an elastic drain snake down the pipe and crank clockwise and counter-clockwise to hook hair and debris as you pull up.

Preventing Future Bathtub Clogs

Practice these easy habitual drain care steps to avoid recurring clog headaches:

Strainer and stopper maintenance

Monthly, remove and clean out stoppers and drain covers of accumulated hair and gunk.

Monthly drain cleaning routines

Treat drains regularly with baking soda and vinegar to reduce buildup.

Hair straining accessories

Use inexpensive silicone drain covers or mesh nets when bathing to catch loose strands.

Avoiding common clogging items

Trash items like cotton swabs should not be flushed down drains where they can snag.

When to Call for Drain Cleaning Help

For severe obstructions that resist at-home efforts, it's wise calling a professional:

Professional drain augering

A plumber uses an powered auger snake that reaches deep into pipes to clear really bad clogs.

Hydro jetting services

High-pressure water jets scour drain walls better than standard snaking methods.

Whole drain replacements

Extreme hair and mineral buildup may warrant replacing old pipes completely.

Special tools for tough obstructions

Pros have tiny cameras to diagnose issues and useful special tools like Magic Drains to extract tricky clogs.

Choosing Hair Catchers and New Drain Stoppers

Look for these helpful features when shopping for bathtub drain accessories:

Built-in and removable strainer options

Silicone or mesh screens inside drains catch loose hairs easily emptied into the trash.

Materials like silicone, brass, and stainless steel

Durable metals and silicone stoppers withstand heat, scratches, and corrosion from drain cleaning chemicals.

Matching finishes and styles

Find a stopper design blending with existing tub and sink faucets.

Why Pop-Up Drains Prevent Clogs

An alternative solution beyond standard screw-in stoppers is installing a special pop-up style drain mechanism:

Mechanical pop-up seal

Raising and lowering the plug is controlled by a lever and linkage rather than loose pieces.

Moveable parts keep water in tub

The spring-loaded stopper creates a tight seal preventing leaks until manually released.

Forget about that missing drain cover problem once and for all. Pop-ups stay connected as one unit

By understanding what causes nasty clogged bathtub drains, trying some DIY home treatments first, and preventing future buildup, you can restore full water flow and enjoy hassle-free, hair-free drains.