Before starting, gather all your necessary tools and supplies to ensure a smooth process. Put on a pair of rubber or latex gloves to protect your hands from grime and bacteria. Lay an old towel on the floor of the bathtub next to the drain to protect the surface from scratches and to provide a place to set your tools. Have a small bucket or a sturdy plastic bag ready to immediately dispose of the hair and gunk you will be pulling from the drain. This preparation will help keep your work area clean and organized.
Step 1
⏱ 2 minPrepare Your Workspace
Step 2
⏱ 2 min
Remove the Drain Stopper
To access the clog, you must first remove the drain stopper. For a pop-up stopper, ensure the stopper is in the 'open' position by flipping the lever on the overflow plate. Grasp the stopper and gently pull it straight up while wiggling it back and forth. It should detach from the rocker arm inside the drain. If it resists, you may need to unscrew the overflow plate with a screwdriver and pull the entire linkage out, but often the stopper itself can be removed with a firm pull. Once removed, set the stopper aside on your towel.
Step 3
⏱ 2 min
Extract the Clog with a Hair Snake
Take your plastic hair snake and insert the barbed end into the drain opening. Push the tool down into the pipe, feeding it in until you feel resistance; this is the clog. Once you hit the clog, rotate the tool several times in a circular motion. The barbs are designed to snag and entangle the hair. After rotating, slowly and carefully pull the tool straight back out. A large mass of hair and soap scum should be attached. Use a paper towel to clean the tool and dispose of the gunk in your bucket. Repeat this process two or three more times, trying to go a bit deeper each time, to ensure you have removed the entire clog.
Step 4
⏱ 2 min
Dissolve Remaining Residue
After manually removing the bulk of the hair, use a natural cleaning solution to dissolve any remaining soap scum, oils, and small particles. Pour approximately one cup of baking soda directly down the drain. Follow this immediately with one cup of plain white vinegar. The combination will create a fizzing chemical reaction that works to break down residual gunk. Place a rag or the removed stopper over the drain opening to contain the reaction within the pipe. Let this mixture sit and work its magic for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 5
⏱ 2 min
Flush the Drain with Hot Water
The final step is to thoroughly flush the drain to clear out all the loosened debris and to verify that the clog is gone. After waiting for the baking soda and vinegar mixture, boil a full kettle of water. Carefully and slowly pour the boiling water directly down the drain. The heat helps to melt and flush away any remaining soap or grease. After the boiling water, turn on the bathtub's hot water faucet to its maximum flow for several minutes. Watch carefully to ensure the water is now draining quickly and continuously without backing up. If it drains well, your job is done.
Step 6
⏱ 2 min
Reassemble and Clean Up
With the drain successfully cleared, the final task is to restore your bathtub to its normal state. Take the drain stopper that you set aside, and clean it thoroughly with a cloth or paper towel to remove any soap scum or grime. Re-insert the stopper back into the drain opening. Test its function by opening and closing it a few times. Finally, clean up your work area by disposing of the bag containing the clog, cleaning your tools, and wiping down the inside of the tub with a cloth.
Step 1/6
Prepare Your Workspace2 min