It can be a disgusting experience when all the dirty bathwater remains standstill after several people shower. Apart from being unsightly, this accumulation can be a predisposing factor for diseases. With time, the stagnant water becomes smelly and sometimes gets slimy making it hazardous. It is important to know how to drain such standing water to eliminate bad odor and minimize diseases’ chances. Below are some of the simplest ways to empty and clean a bathtub filled with water.
1. Remove Blockages
The first step to unclog blocked bathtub naturally is to remove all potential sediments that may have built up. You may need to insert your hand in the water, no matter how disgusting it looks.
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Wear a pair of gloves and swirl your hand around the stagnant water to remove any large items. Remove any large substances such as soap remnants, small hairpieces, and clothe that may have fallen off as people bathed.
When some people are not careful enough, the soap scum, accumulated hair, and bathing accessories can block the drainage. Try to exert some pressure around the drain to ease it. Even if you fail to remove all sediments successfully, there is a possibility that it will make it easy to proceed.
2. Use boiling Water
If you are wondering how to proceed to unclog the bathroom drain full of hair once you remove the hair, then prepare a jug or two of boiling water ready to pour into the drain directly. Preferably, use a bottle and insert it directly in the drain.
The very hot water ensures that the residues from soap’s scab from the water. You may have to use more hot water to flush away the sediments that have built up over time.
However, you need to be sure about the type of pipes you are dealing with to avoid burning or melting the pipes and causing an even bigger problem
3. Plunge the Bathtub to Unclog
After adding the hot water, try to see if things will unclog. Use a plunger to push water through the drain in hopes of pushing the clog away.
It would help if you used a rug to ensure that no air escapes as you plunge. Do this for some time and pour some water through the drain to test if it worked. You may have to work with an extra pair of hands to ensure that the plunger stays in place without moving about constantly.
This method is easy to use because you will hear the water start to drain after some time. When this happens, then you can let go and open the faucet to let in more water into the tub. Allowing clean water to run in the tub ensures that everything is cleared.
4. Use Bleach
You should also consider unclogging the bathroom drain with bleach. Using chemicals and bleach can be complicated, but you need to be sure that it is your last resort.
Ensure that the chemicals used are safe and will not corrode the pipes, causing more damage than good. Your attempts should be to remove any build-up without destroying the drains and pipes. Make sure to have your gloves on when dealing with chemicals and bleaches.
5. Use Salt, Vinegar, and Boiling Water
Before resorting to chemicals, if you must, try using a mix of salt, vinegar, and hot boiling water. You have to start by removing the stagnant water manually and pour a cup of baking soda, not the drain.
Follow this up with a mix of half a cup of baking soda and half a cup salt and pour it down the drain. After about two to three minutes, follow in with the hot water and cover the drain opening to prevent any air from escaping. The salt, hot water, and baking soda will work on any sediments, cutting into the grime and grease thoroughly.
This is a remedy that works if you want a quick fix. Alternatively, mix in the baking soda and salt and let it sit for a few hours, preferably overnight. Doing this ensures that the soda and salt work on the dirt for a long time.
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Flush everything out with hot boiling water in the morning, and follow up with a cold water rinse. Open the faucets and let them run for some time to ensure that everything is flushed out adequately.
All the above techniques ensure that your bathtub remains fresh and intact. To enjoy continued use of the tub without worrying about bad odor, try to clean it after every use. This simple maintenance can make things easier for you in the long run.
