How To Clear a Clogged Bathtub Drain in Phoenix, AZ

As a homeowner, you can take some of the steps for how to unclog bathtub drains yourself. However, most other steps need the help of professional drain cleaning services in Phoenix, AZ. Learn more below about your options for trying to remove a bathtub drain blockage.

Reasons Bathtub Drains May Clog

When your bathtub drain has a blockage, several different causes are possible, including:

• Hair
• Grime
• Dirt
• Foreign objects
• Hard water deposits
• Poor drain line layout
• Soap residue

Hair and soap buildup is a common problem in bathtub drains. Because Phoenix, Arizona, has significant hard water problems, it’s common to see scale buildup inside the pipes. As scale collects, it provides an area for hair, grime, and soap to cling to the interior of the pipes, eventually causing a clog.

Licensed plumbers like Zippity Split Plumbing might recommend installing a water softener to combat the issue of hard water and scale buildup.

DIY Steps To Clear a Clog in a Bathtub Drain

When your bathtub is not draining fast enough, it’s frustrating. Standing water removal might be your primary initial thought, but you need to fix the underlying problem to stop the standing water from returning after the next bath.

You can take a few steps when learning how to unclog bathtub drains yourself and try out these ways of clearing the blockage:

Adding Boiling Water

Boil some water on the stove in a pot with a long handle. Once it’s boiling, carry the pot to the tub and slowly pour it down the drain. If the clog primarily consists of greasy materials or soap buildup, the extremely hot water may loosen it.

Using a Plunger

Using the plunger technique is an option for a stubborn bathtub clog. Add some standing water to the tub to help create suction for the plunger. Block the overflow drain hole with a washcloth.

Then, move the plunger up and down over the drain to try to force the clog loose.

Applying Chemical Cleaners

As a last resort, you might add a chemical drain cleaner to the bathtub. However, these harsh chemicals can damage your plumbing materials if used too often.

Steps Professionals Can Take for Drain Clearing in Phoenix, AZ

Professionals have more tools for clearing a drain line than you can generate at home.

Snaking the Drain Line

When you call licensed plumbers about how to unclog bathtub drains, a drain snake tool is a common recommendation. This technique uses an auger or hook at the end of a metal cable. The plumber moves the cable into the tub drain and pops the clog loose, allowing it to move farther down the sewer line.

Running a plumbing snake requires some skill and practice to have success. Licensed plumbers can do the work safely.

Clearing the Sewer Service Line

You have a sewer service line that runs from your home to the main sewer line under the alley or street. If you have a clog in the service line, you have to remove it yourself. 

The Phoenix, Arizona, Water Services Department manages the main sewer lines for the city and would remove blockages in these areas. However, the chances of a major blockage in the main line are far rarer than a blockage in your home’s sewer service line. Licensed plumbers use a larger snake to try to remove clogs in the sewer service line.

When the sewer service line has a blockage, you’ll probably notice slow drains in multiple places. If the only slow drain is in the bathtub, the problem probably is in the bathtub line. 

Repairing Damaged Plumbing Pipes

If your tub clog relates to damage in the drain pipes or an improper slope in sewer lines, plumbers can make repairs. Such repairs might be the best way to solve a consistently clogged drain line running from the bathtub.