Before you call a plumber for a clogged shower or bathtub drain, it’s worth taking a few minutes to see if you can find and fix the problem on your own.
- If there’s standing water, scoop out as much of it as you can. If you’ve already tried to clear the drain by pouring chemicals into the water, be sure to wear protective gloves and goggles.
- Remove the stopper and/or screen from the drain opening, and remove any visible gunk—hair, tiny bits of soap, and so on.
- Using needle-nose pliers, bend a hook into the end of a stiff wire—or use the hook end of a wire clothes hanger. Push the hook down through the drain opening, and rotate it several times. Pull the hook—and hopefully the clog—up and out of the drain. Repeat until nothing comes out on the hook.
- If your drain still isn’t flowing freely, pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by ½ cup of vinegar. Cover the drain opening with a stopper, duct tape, or a wet washcloth to keep the chemical reaction inside the pipe where it needs to do its work. Let the solution sit for 20 minutes or so, and then pour several cups of boiling water into the drain. If your pipes are PVC, use hot water, rather than boiling water.
- Still clogged? Try using a plunger and, if that’s not successful, a plumber’s snake.
Maplewood Plumbing and Sewer has been cleaning bathroom drains in St. Louis homes for more than 40 years. Our family owned business prides itself on our solid reputation in the community. Give us a call and see for yourself why our loyal customers won’t use anyone else!
We offer a one-year warranty on all parts and labor excluding washers.
We are also experts in Kitchen plumbing, basement plumbing, bathroom plumbing and tankless water heater installation. Give us a call at 314-645-6350 or fill out the contact form here to request a bid.