How Do I Clear A Bathtub Clog? A Mississauga Homeowner’s Guide

Perhaps you utilize your bathtub on a daily basis and subscribe to Blanche DuBois' notion that a bath has the power to soothe one's nerves. Maybe you bathe after a long, hard week of work. Maybe you hate bathing, but your family members love it. Whatever your relationship to bathtubs is, you will likely at least one point in time, experience a bathtub clog. A clog in the bathtub may appear when draining the water, or it could be discovered by your seven-year-old after a lengthy bubble bath with many Lego bricks. Whatever the cause, you should be equipped with the right knowledge on how to resolve a bathtub clog when one gets thrown your way.

You likely have a cupboard with white vinegar and baking soda in it. Good. You probably have a plunger tucked somewhere underneath your bathroom sink. Great. Tea kettle? Perfect! This blog showcases the most effective DIY solutions for removing a bathtub clog using the four items listed above. If you've tried DIY methods and still can't clear your bathtub clog, there's no need to worry. In Mississauga, you can depend on Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Mississauga, the top plumbing company for all drain issues.

Since the 1970s, our local experts have been skillfully resolving clogged drains. While bathtub clogs may appear daunting, addressing them promptly can prevent the need for costly repairs, saving you both time and money. So grab your overalls and gloves, and let's plunge into the world of bathtub clogs in Mississauga!

Reasons For A Clogged Bathroom in Mississauga

Typically, these five culprits are responsible for a bathtub clog in Mississauga. Sometimes, these five factors can't be avoided, and that's the real challenge. They are:

Hair: Hair strands are problematic for bathtubs as they often lead to clogging. Once they become stuck in the drain, they can create significant blockages that impede water flow. Catch the hair while washing your head and dispose of it in the garbage to prevent it from clogging the drain.
Dirt and grime: You'll notice a rapid accumulation of dirt and grime if you treat your bathtub as a dumping ground for dirty clothes, muddy pets, and potted plants during watering. Your bathtub sides become a magnet for dirt and grime, which eventually find their way into the drain. A clog is born.
Soap scum: Over time, soap can build up in your pipes and will form a thick layer of residue that can trap other debris and create a blockage. The general rule of thumb for the soap portion is about the size of a quarter!
Foreign objects: If you have children that like to take toys into the tub, your drains run risk to the impeding threat of Barbie shoes, or Lego bricks. You will want to ensure that you're aware of the size of toys going into your bathtub! Rubber duckies are always a great go-to!
Mineral buildup: If you have hard water, it leaves thick mineral deposits that coat the lining of your pipes. Eventually, the mineral deposits will grow, causing nasty blockages in your pipes, and then you'll get a bathtub clog.

Slow Draining Tub

You've just indulged in a long, warm bath. The kids have gone to sleep, and you've got your favourite television show on as you soak your stress away. When you finish up, you find that your bath is taking longer to drain than it did to fill. A warning sign of a bathtub clog is often ignored by homeowners, leading them to attempt ineffective DIY solutions. Unfortunately, this can lead to even more expensive repairs in the future. Here's why your bathtub is draining slowly:

Damaged or misaligned pipes: In the event of pipe damage or misalignment, water may not flow through them as efficiently.
Hair and soap buildup: Debris from hair and soap can accumulate in your drain, causing a blockage that decreases the flow of water.
Sewer line issues: A slow draining bathtub may be a sign of a more severe problem with your sewer system, such as blockage or damaged pipes.
Clogged overflow drains: The overflow is a tiny aperture located at the top of your bathtub. When it becomes blocked or fills up, water is unable to pass through it.
Mineral buildup: If your bathtub is draining slowly, it could indicate a more serious issue with your sewer system, such as a blockage or damaged pipes.

How To Tackle a Mississauga Bathtub Clog

Regular maintenance and preventive measures are essential to prevent such occurrences in Mississauga. Clogged bathrooms are a nuisance but can be prevented. Homeowners can regularly clean drains with a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. And always avoid pouring oils, grease, and other fatty substances down drains. It's also a great idea to have a drain cover to catch anything from going down. When you have nasty clogged drains, sometimes it is better left to a professional plumber. And the pros at Mr. Rooter Plumbing know just the right remedies to unclog that bathtub clog in Mississauga.

But now that we know why your bathtub drains get clogged or drain slowly, let's take a look at some DIY measures you can take before you call a skilled plumber.

Take Out The Stopper or Strainer To Remove Gunk

While both separate stoppers and strainers, as well as combination stoppers and strainers, may be found in bathtubs, they all inevitably become filled with hair and debris. To effectively tackle this issue, remove the stopper or strainer and diligently eliminate the gunk using an old toothbrush. For enhanced results, consider letting the stopper or strainer soak in a mixture of vinegar and baking soda for approximately 10–15 minutes before cleaning.

The Plunger Method

When your bathtub is filled with stagnant water, get ready to take action! Roll up your sleeves, wear protective rubber gloves, and seize your trusty plunger. Make sure to completely submerge the plunger head in the water for optimal results. And if required, consider adding more water to the tub if it helps. Then, complete this plunging action:

Position the plunger's head over the drain and ensure that the rubber lip makes full contact with the tub surface. This will establish an airtight seal crucial for effective suction and unclogging.
For a strong and reliable seal, make sure to firmly push and pull the plunger stick for 15–20 seconds. This will guarantee a secure and dependable seal.
After waiting for 20 seconds, raise the plunger and check if the water drains quickly. If the clog remains, repeat this process several times before contacting our reliable plumber.

Boiling Water Method

Boiling water is an effective and universal solution for removing bathtub clogs in Mississauga. To use this method, pour the boiling water directly into the drain pipe, preferably using a tea kettle with a spout. Take care to avoid splashing yourself. Running the faucet afterward can instantly unclog your drain, but repeat the process if necessary. Note that if your drain pipes are made of PVC, it's crucial not to use boiling water repeatedly or too frequently as it may loosen the adhesive.

The Trusty Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

Baking soda and white vinegar are excellent all-natural products that are not only eco-friendly but also completely safe for your drains. To effectively clean your drain, start by pouring hot water down the drain. Then, generously pour about 1/4 cup of baking soda, and follow it with 240 ml of white vinegar. Allow this powerful combination to work its magic for approximately 20 minutes. Finally, complete the process by pouring another kettle of boiling water down the drain. Witness the remarkable results!

If this method doesn't work after two tries, try mixing the baking soda and vinegar with warm water. Like your children's volcanic school experiment, it will bubble and foam. Once you see this reaction occurring, you can pour it down your drains. If that bathtub clog in Mississauga still persists, don't hesitate to contact local plumbing services for assistance.

Can’t Seem to Break Up That Clog? Here’s What Mr. Rooter Plumbing Can Do

If you're facing a stubborn bathtub clog or slow drains, it's often best to call in our professional plumbing services at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Mississauga. These are some of the common techniques our plumbers will take:

Drain snake: The drain auger method is an essential plumbing tool featuring a long, flexible cable. It is inserted into the drain and rotated to effectively break up clogs.
Hydro jetting: Our method implements high-pressure water as an effective drain cleaner, ensuring a thorough clearing of your pipes. Our plumbing expert will skillfully insert a specialized nozzle, propelling a forceful stream of water through the pipes to effectively dismantle and eliminate any clogs.
Remove the trap: Sometimes, the plumber might have to eliminate the trap, a U-shaped pipe under your bathtub, to reach and clear out any significant debris.
Video inspection: Should our technicians encounter difficulties in finding the clog, they may utilize a small camera to conduct a thorough inspection of your pipes and pinpoint the exact location of the problem.
Repairing or replacing damaged pipes: Should damaged or misaligned pipes be the cause of the slow draining bathtub, our technicians will address the issue by repairing or replacing them to ensure proper water flow. In such a scenario, they will consult with you to determine the necessary steps before proceeding with any work.
Clearing the overflow: Our Mr. Rooter plumber will conduct a thorough inspection of the overflow to prevent clogging. In case of any blockages, they will promptly clear them, ensuring optimal water flow.
Sewer line inspection: In case of a serious blockage, our technicians may have to perform a thorough inspection of the sewer line to identify and resolve any potential issues.

The method chosen depends on the severity or location of blockages or clogs. Contact our experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing to address any concerns or questions. Let us help you ensure a quick and efficient resolution to the problem.

Get Your Water Flowing Freely: Rely on Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Bathtub Clogs in Mississauga, ON

If you haven't already, it is worth it to invest in professional sewage backup and drain cleaning services from Mr. Rooter Plumbing. This will prevent bathtub clogs from happening on a regular basis, if at all! The locals in Mississauga trust Mr. Rooter Plumbing for these reasons:

Never an overtime charge
Upfront pricing
Exceptional customer service
Locally owned and operated
Licensed and insured
Convenient appointment times
And the list goes on!

Don't let bathtub clogs in Mississauga prevent you from having a peaceful evening. Contact our friendly customer service team today, and see the difference with Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Mississauga. We’re committed to providing you with exceptional service and guaranteed workmanship. Have peace of mind knowing that no more stubborn clogs will disrupt your day when you hire our plumbing services.