Unblock a bath — HomeGraft

Clear a blocked bath drain step by step, from simple plunging to using a drain auger, without calling a plumber.

UB-01Get the area readyLay old towels around the bath to catch drips and splashes. Put on rubber gloves before you touch anything in the drain. Keep a bucket nearby for waste water and debris.

1 pair · Rubber gloves

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1 each · Bucket

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UB-02Bail out standing waterIf the bath is full of water that won't drain, scoop it into the bucket with a jug or cup until only a shallow amount is left. This makes the blockage easier to reach and stops mess when you start clearing it.

UB-03Clear the plughole by handPull out any visible hair or debris from the plughole with your fingers or a bent wire coat hanger. Wipe it onto kitchen roll and bin it straight away. Many blockages clear completely at this stage.

1 each · Wire coat hanger

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UB-04Try a plungerCover the overflow hole with a wet cloth so the plunger creates suction instead of just pushing air out the top. Keep enough water in the bath to cover the plunger's rubber cup, place it over the plughole, then push down firmly and pull up sharply 8 to 10 times. Repeat this a few times before moving on.

1 each · Sink plunger

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UB-05Use a drain auger if the plunger doesn't workFeed a hand-cranked drain auger, also sold as a sink snake, down the plughole. Turn the handle to push it further in until you feel it meet the blockage, then keep turning to break it up or hook it out. Pull the auger back out slowly, wiping off debris as you go.

1 each · Hand-cranked drain auger

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UB-06Check the waste trap under the bathIf the bath has an access panel, open it to reach the U-bend under the waste. Put the bucket underneath, then unscrew the trap by hand or with pliers, expecting some water to spill out. Clear out any debris, check the rubber washers sit properly, then screw it back together firmly.

1 each · Adjustable pliers

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UB-07Try a chemical drain cleaner as a last resortIf the blockage still won't clear, use a chemical drain unblocker exactly as the bottle instructs. Wear gloves and open a window, as these products are caustic and give off strong fumes. Never mix different drain cleaners together, as this can create dangerous gases.

1 bottle · Chemical drain unblocker

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UB-08Flush through and testRun the hot tap for a couple of minutes to flush the pipework. Check the water drains away freely and quickly. Refill the bath a little and pull the plug to confirm it empties at a normal speed.

UB-09Tidy upWipe down the bath and any tools you used. Put collected hair and debris in the bin, not back down the drain. Rinse the plunger and auger and let them dry before storing.

PART OF A BIGGER PROJECT

Sort out slow drains through the house

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