How to Unclog a Slow-Draining Bathtub

Gravity is the only thing moving water through your bathtub drain, and when that process slows to a crawl, it is almost always caused by a buildup of hair and soap scum. A bathtub drain acts as a trap for debris, meaning even a small collection of hair can catch soaps and oils, eventually turning a fast-moving drain into a stagnant pool. Fixing this is a rite of passage for every homeowner. You do not need harsh chemicals, which can damage your pipes and seals over time. Instead, a targeted physical removal of the clog will restore flow immediately and keep your plumbing system healthy for years to come.

  1. Access the blockage. Inspect your stopper mechanism; most push-pull or lift-and-turn styles require you to unscrew a small set screw at the base or rotate the cap counter-clockwise to lift it free. If you have a trip-lever style, loosen the faceplate screws and gently pull the entire linkage assembly out of the overflow drain.
  2. Pull out visible clogs. Use a flashlight to look into the drain opening and identify any visible clumps of hair. Use your fingers or a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull out the gunk stuck to the crosshairs of the drain shoe.
  3. Fish out trapped hair. Insert a plastic barbed drain snake into the drain opening, pushing it down past the shoe and into the trap. Twist the tool as you pull it back up to catch and drag out hair that is lodged deeper in the pipe.
  4. Plunge the remaining blockage. Fill the tub with a few inches of water, then place a standard cup plunger over the drain opening to create a tight seal. Plug the overflow drain with a wet rag held firmly in place, then pump the plunger vigorously for 30 seconds to dislodge any remaining sediment.
  5. Verify full drainage. Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to melt away residual soap scum and oils. Follow this immediately with a strong stream of tap water to verify the drain is clear and running at full speed.
  6. Reassemble and finish. Clean the stopper assembly thoroughly with a scrub brush and vinegar before replacing it. Tighten the set screws or the faceplate screws, ensuring the mechanism moves freely again.