Why won't the standing water in my bathtub drain?

Author: Mr. Tobin Hill Jr.  |  Last update: Saturday, November 4, 2023

There's nothing more inconvenient than a tub that won't drain, and it's a problem that most homeowners encounter. There are a few common causes for this—such as hair clogs, soap scum, or damaged drain pipes—but it needs immediate attention, either by troubleshooting yourself or calling a professional plumber.

How do you unclog a bathtub with standing water?

You can also try a baking soda and vinegar mixture to clean out clogged bathtub drains. First, pour boiling water down the pipe. Then pour in about half a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar into the drain. When baking soda and vinegar are mixed, they create a chemical reaction that foams up.

How do you fix a bathtub that isn't draining?

  1. Remove obvious obstructions. If you have a traditional drain stopper on a chain, accessing the drain opening on your bathtub will be a breeze. ...
  2. Boil the blockage away. ...
  3. Use a plunger. ...
  4. Add baking soda and vinegar. ...
  5. Invest in a plumber's snake.

What causes water to back up in the bathtub?

Generally, backed-up bathtubs indicate a plumbing problem on your sewer line or drainage pipes. Usually, you may get more warning signs on your different drainage systems that should prompt you to act on the issue.

Can you use Drano if the tub is full of water?

4. CLEAR THAT CLOG. The best way to clear that clog is by pouring Drano® Max Gel Clog Remover straight over the drain (even if there's standing water). It works by dissolving the remaining hair and gunk—and boom!

How to Unclog a Tub Drain with Standing Water

Why you should never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain?

When you are using a baking soda and vinegar solution to clean out your drain, you are actually causing the rubber and plastic that are used for the drain's pipes to be eaten away by the mixture. Over time, this rubber and plastic will break down, causing the drain to become even more blocked.

How do I know if my main line is clogged?

If water starts coming out of the drain in a main floor tub or shower, or if the toilets start filling up when you use a drain or run the washing machine, most likely you have a main sewer line clog.

What will dissolve hair in a drain?

If your drain is clogged with hair, baking soda can dissolve hair in a drain. To try this safe and easy method at home - first, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Then pour a cup of vinegar (white vinegar) down. Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes.

Why is my water not draining?

If the water is still not draining correctly, there might be a blockage in the P-trap, aka the elbow-shaped pipe under your sink. Food, grease and other debris may be stuck in the pipe, causing your sink to drain slowly or not at all because the water hits a snag on its way down.

Will hot water unclog a bathtub drain?

Use Boiling Water

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. Boiling water helps break down grease and soap holding the clog together to clear the blockage. This method is easy and only requires one or two steps. Most important is to boil water on a stove using a kettle or saucepan.

How long does it take to unclog a bathtub?

About 80 percent of the time, you can fix slow-draining or clogged tub drains in about five minutes, without chemicals and without a $100 plumber bill. In most cases, you'll only need a screwdriver and a stiff wire or a bent coat hanger.

How do I know if my plumbing stack is clogged?

If used water takes a long time to drain, that can be a sign of a clogged vent stack. Debris blocking the vent won't allow air to get inside and push the water out of drainage pipes. Any drain in your home that takes forever to drain can be due to a blocked vent.

How do you unclog a main line drain without calling a plumber?

Clean Your Drains

One way to try to clear a clogged sewer drain is to create a solution out of vinegar and baking soda. Mix 1/3 cup of each and pour them down the drain lines immediately, while they're still fizzy. The chemical reaction should help break down any build-up that could be causing a sewer clog.

How do I know which drain is clogged?

How Do You Know if Your Drain is Clogged?
  1. Slow Sink Drains. Are you annoyed that your sink fills with water when you wash your hands or brush your teeth? ...
  2. Backed-Up Plumbing Fixtures. ...
  3. Sewage Smells. ...
  4. Musty Drains. ...
  5. Pests in the Pipes. ...
  6. High Water Bills. ...
  7. Standing Water. ...
  8. Gurgling Sounds or Air Bubbles.

Can you leave baking soda and vinegar in drain overnight?

Can you leave baking soda in the drain overnight? It is safe to leave baking soda (and vinegar) to work overnight to unclog a drain.

How long do you leave vinegar and baking soda in a clogged drain?

4 Steps to Unclog Your Drain with Baking Soda & Vinegar
  1. Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain.
  2. Next, pour a cup of baking soda and 1 cup water/1 cup vinegar solution.
  3. Cover with the drain plug and wait 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. Pour boiling water down the drain again.

How often should you put baking soda and vinegar down your drains?

Some people say weekly, bi-monthly or quarterly. However, we feel that cleaning your drains monthly should be sufficient to avoid major plumbing issues. A monthly cleaning will allow you to use safe cleaning methods which will save you time, energy and money in the long term.

What is the best drain opener for standing water?

Drano Max Gel Clog Remover

It will work through standing water in the pipe to get to the clog itself and dissolve it. It works on hair, food, soap scum, and general buildup in your pipes that can lead to slow draining or even backups. This gel should not be used in toilets, however.

Does liquid plumber work in standing water?

Yes. This product is designed to pour through standing water. However, it is formulated to work effectively on slow flowing drains. Therefore, for particularly stubborn clogs that cause standing water in drains, we recommend using Liquid-Plumr® Urgent Clear®.

Is it better to snake a drain or use Drano?

Using a snake is also more invasive and time-consuming than using a chemical cleaner is, and can often become a dirty job. When it comes to getting at and removing major clogs or clogs that are deep down in your pipes, however, a plumber's snake is your best bet.

Why won't my snake go down the tub drain?

If your snake isn't unclogging your drains, it could be because the thumbscrew is loose, the clog is too severe, or the auger is dirty. Or maybe you just need a refresher on how to use a drain snake. A drain auger (snake) is a simple, inexpensive necessity for every homeowner.

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