Unclogging bathtub drains in Birmingham

A clogged drain is annoying, but that doesn’t mean you have to call a plumber. Most clogged drains can be easily cleared with common household items or a few inexpensive tools.

Drain anatomy

All drains have a similar structure. At the bottom of the drain pipe is a curved section of pipe called a trap; under the sink, this trap is shaped like a “U”. Most bathtubs have a slightly different shaped siphon, called the “P” siphon, because it is shaped like the letter “P”. Besides that, the curves in the siphon are meant to “catch” some of the water in the drain line and prevent fumes from going up the pipe and polluting the house.

Over time, however, traps sometimes become clogged, for example, by cooking grease or food debris (in kitchen drains) or by hair and soap residue (in tubs and sinks). Slow-moving drains are partially clogged, and drains that don’t drain at all are obviously completely clogged.

Removing a clog

The first step in clearing a clog in a bathtub drain is to examine the drain and determine what is clogging it. In bathtubs, a buildup of hair and soap scum often clogs the drain. If you see hair on the bottom of the drain, you can often just reach in and pull out the clog. Since this is not fun, you can try bending a wire coat hanger to hold onto the clog to pull it out. Alternatively, you can use tweezers or even needle-nose pliers.

With a plunger

If you can’t see the clog to pull it out, you can next try plunging the drain. The plumber’s helper – for some of us, it’s the plunger – has its name for a reason, and it’s one of the first tools a professional would use to clear a clogged drain. Fill the bathtub or sink with enough water to cover the bottom of the plunger. Then plug the overflow with a rag; place the plunger over the drain and press down and up five or six times. The pressure should clear the blockage and open the pipe. Lift the plunger and the water should drain quickly. If it does not, try again.

To unclog the drain, you must remove the overflow plate and drain mechanism. The overflow plate is usually held in place by two screws, and after you remove them, you can carefully remove the overflow plate and drain mechanism at the same time.

Clogging drain

If a plunger can’t clear a clog, a “snake” – a long flexible steel cable wrapped on a handle – is the next level of escalation. In a sink, you simply insert the snake into the drain, but in a bathtub, you need to insert the snake through the opening of the overflow panel. Start by inserting about 90 cm of the snake into the opening and twist it as you push it forward.

The Emergency Plumber in Birmingham is your right contact partner. We send a plumber to your place in a short time. Furthermore, our Customer Service is around the clock available, so don’t hesitate to call us whenever you need. Besides that, the plumbers are licenced and professionals. Call us now, 01217900365.