by Ma Picard

Created on: November 06, 2009   Last Updated: May 02, 2012

When the water starts draining slowly from your bathtub, it's an indication there is a clog in your pipe. It is important that you take action quickly to unclog that drain. Acting sooner rather than later means the difference between clearing the clog yourself and having to pay a professional plumber to do it for you. There are a couple methods to try on your own. If they don't work, then you will need to call the plumber.

• Types of Clogs

Most clogs in household drains are made up of either grease or hair. Little bits of these materials slip down your drains everyday. This slow accumulation eventually adds up to a big problem. The first sign of a clog is a slow drain. If you ignore this warning signal, you will eventually have a drain that is completely blocked and will not empty.

• First Line of Defense

Before leaning on commercial drain cleaners, reach for a plunger. You can use your standard toilet plunger or purchase a smaller one designed specifically for drains. Set the plunger over the drain opening and plunge vigorously. The suction created by plunging can dislodge clogs and bring them up to the surface. You may need to plunge repeatedly, but this simple action can clear many clogs.

• Homemade Solutions

It is easy to create homemade drain cleaners from items in your kitchen pantry. The most effective involves baking soda and vinegar. Dump about a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. When the vinegar meets the baking soda, the solution will start to bubble. This action loosens clogs. Once the reaction settles down, flush the drain with several cups of hot water. This will help rinse away any dislodged clogs. You can use this solution in any type of drain, for any type of clog.

• Chemical Applications

The market shelves are flooded with a variety of chemical drain cleaners. Some are designed to dissolve grease clogs, others are aimed at loosening clogs of hair. All should be used with extreme caution as they contain potent chemicals. Read all labels carefully and follow directions exactly. Certain solutions can only be used in plastic pipes; some must never be used in plastic. Do not mix solutions as a very violent reaction can erupt, sending dangerous fumes into the air.

• Plumber Intervention

If none of the above techniques are successful in clearing your drain, it is time to call a plumber. The plumber has a wide range of tools for removing the clog. In addition to heavy-duty chemicals, the plumber will bring a plumbing snake. This is a metal coil that is threaded through the pipe and then twisted and turned. The coil catches and removes clogs in the drain.

• Prevention Methods

The best way to prevent a clogged drain is to prevent clog-forming materials from going into your drain. Always use a strainer in the kitchen sink. Purchase drain screens for your bathtub drains. Everyday vigilance will save you a tremendous amount of aggravation later. In addition to keeping materials out of the drain, it is also a good idea to periodically clean the drain. Once a month, add the baking soda and vinegar solution to the drain and flush with hot water. Performed regularly, this quick, easy routine will keep your drains flowing smoothly.

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