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Unclog a Bathtub: A How to Guide on Unstopping a Bathtub

If a bath tub is not draining, unclogging the pipe is not a hard project. Here's a couple easy ways to unclog a bath tub in a few simple steps.

Try Plunging the Tub to Unclog

To Unclog your Bathtub always try plunging the clog first. If your tub has a pop-up stopper, remove it before plunging. Wiggle it to free the linkage assembly--the mechanism that connects the trap lever with the stopper mechanism. Before plunging, plug the overflow, and run an inch or so of water in the tub to help the plunger seal.

Try to Auger or snake through the Strainer

If plunging doesn't work, thread in an auger. The tub will have a stopper or a trip-lever assembly like the one above. Pry up or unscrew the strainer to insert the auger/snake. This method will reach only to the tee fitting. If the clog is farther down, you'll have to go through the overflow tube.

Auger or Snake Through the Overflow

Remove the pop-up or trip-lever assembly by unscrewing the plate and pulling out the parts (see Adjusting Drain Assemblies, Related Projects). Feed the auger down through the overflow tube and into the trap and beyond. If the auger goes in a long way and the stoppage remains, find a clean-out point on the main drain and auger there.

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