Unclog a Slow Bathtub Drain
Category: Plumbing ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Time: 1h ·
Estimated cost: $30
Tools needed
- Phillips screwdriver
- Drain claw or zip-it tool
- Flashlight
- Rubber gloves
- Plunger
Materials needed
- Hair drain claw / Zip-it tool (1 ea)
- Enzyme drain cleaner (NOT chemical) (1 qt)
- Replacement drain stopper (universal) (1 ea)
- PTFE thread tape (1 roll)
Execution steps
Remove the stopper
For lift-and-turn: turn counterclockwise and lift. For toe-touch: pry up with a flathead. For trip-lever: unscrew the overflow plate and pull the linkage out.
Duration: 10 min
Pull out hair
Insert the zip-it tool down the drain, twist, and pull up. Most slow tub drains are 90% hair. Repeat 4-5 times until clean.
Duration: 15 min
Plunge
Cover the overflow opening with a wet rag (critical — otherwise air escapes and plunge does nothing). Add 2" of water in the tub. Plunge with steady pressure 10-15 strokes.
Duration: 10 min
Apply enzyme cleaner
Pour enzyme cleaner per directions (usually 8 oz down drain), let sit overnight. Avoid chemical drain cleaners — they damage pipes and burn skin.
Duration: 5 min
Flush with hot water
Run hot water 5 min next morning. Should drain freely.
Duration: 10 min
Reinstall stopper
Reverse the disassembly. If old stopper is corroded, install the universal replacement.
Duration: 10 min
Safety first
- Never mix drain chemicals — bleach + ammonia or acid + base creates toxic gas.
- Wear gloves; tub drain hair is biohazard-level gross.
- If you must use chemical cleaner, use it ONCE only and follow with lots of water flushing.
When to hire a pro
If the tub backs up when you flush a toilet, your main line is clogged — call a plumber today.
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