You don’t have to call in a plumber to investigate and fix this issue, and the only special tool you need is some sort of plumber’s snake, which you can buy at any hardware store or home center. Professional-grade plumbing snakes can cost hundreds of dollars, but you can buy one powered by a drill or by hand for $25 or less. A hand-powered snake may also be called a drum auger if you are doing a product search. A plumber’s snake–even an inexpensive one—is a good tool to have. It can enable you to clear clogs in toilets, sinks, and shower units.
Tub Drain Anatomy
Before you get started, it’s smart to familiarize yourself with the anatomy of a typical tub. The tub’s drainage system consists of an L-shaped assembly that includes the tub drain, the overflow tube, and a stopper mechanism that is raised and lowered inside the overflow tube. The tub’s drainage assembly feeds wastewater to a P-trap, which can also be a clog location. Even if your tub doesn’t have a slow draining problem, it’s good practice to clean out the tub drain once a year or so. This proactive strategy will prevent soap scum and hair from accumulating.
Snake the Drain to Clear Clogs
To begin, remove the tub’s drain cover or drain plug. Depending on the configuration of your drain, you’ll need a screwdriver and/or a pair of pliers to do this.
Clearing a Clogged Vent Pipe
If a tub continues to drain slowly even after the basic cleaning described above, the problem might be caused by a clogged vent pipe. Vent pipes extend through the roof and are open to the atmosphere, equalizing pressure in drain lines so that a vacuum effect won’t disrupt drainage. Because a vent pipe is open at the top, it can be clogged by sticks, leaves, and other debris. Blockages can also occur because of insects or animals. If you suspect that a clogged vent is causing household plumbing to drain slowly, you can investigate just like a plumber would:
