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CTyankee

(68,597 posts) Mon Nov 6, 2017, 11:08 AM Nov 2017

Is there a drain opener for the tub that won't cause problems? [View all]

My plumber friend said not to use them because if I need to call in a plumber he'll have to deal with the problems they will cause in addition to the removal of whatever is causing the drain to clog.

Not sure what he is referring to but I thought I'd see if there is a commercial product out there that will clear my clog without going to the expense of a plumber.

32 replies

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Is there a drain opener for the tub that won't cause problems? [View all] CTyankee Nov 2017 OP

Buy a good quality plumbing snake /nt frazzled Nov 2017 #1

I'll see if I can do that (snaking that is). I am not handy... CTyankee Nov 2017 #3

Tub drains are usually clogged due to hair. This device is relatively cheap and works well... PoliticAverse Nov 2017 #18

Yup! These are very effective. blaze Nov 2017 #26

Yep. I was going to suggest a hand crank snake...but make sure you have clear access to the drain. Freethinker65 Nov 2017 #5

I use plain lye. GreenEyedLefty Nov 2017 #2

thanks for the info. I'll contact a plumber. CTyankee Nov 2017 #4

The first thing I always try is a regular toilet plunger... LuckyCharms Nov 2017 #6

I am doing this every day after my shower. It drains slowly anyway. CTyankee Nov 2017 #7

Yes, sometimes the plunger won't work... LuckyCharms Nov 2017 #9

The overflow drain in a tub makes a plunger almost worthless. Thor_MN Nov 2017 #28

I use a piece of coat hanger Phoenix61 Nov 2017 #8

good idea. I'll try it! CTyankee Nov 2017 #10

Wait, I just thought of something else. LuckyCharms Nov 2017 #11

that would call for a plumber for sure. My plumber friend is retired and i would CTyankee Nov 2017 #12

"Not sure what he is referring to" jberryhill Nov 2017 #13

I used this recently for a problematic sink and tub clog. Kleveland Nov 2017 #14

Dishwasher detergent and boiling water works well for slow drains too TexasBushwhacker Nov 2017 #15

I've found that automatic dishwasher soap works good. It also takes mildew out of shraby Nov 2017 #16

Interesting, and makes some sense considering what it does to the gook on dishes!. Kleveland Nov 2017 #17

That is very interesting and makes sense. Dem_4_Life Nov 2017 #23

My plumber friend says that dishwasher detergent is also good because it cuts CTyankee Nov 2017 #29

Can you take the cover off the drain? sl8 Nov 2017 #19

you should invest in one of these snooper2 Nov 2017 #24

Thanks. sl8 Nov 2017 #30

Liquid Plumber or Draino gel formulations always work for me. MarvinGardens Nov 2017 #20

I cup of salt in one gallon of boiling water down the drain might help niyad Nov 2017 #21

If you are getting some flow,just a little, then the most powerful way to clear the drain Stuart G Nov 2017 #22

Don't try snaking a tub through the drain jmowreader Nov 2017 #25

Pequa drain cleaner. Clears out my long hair clogs and is supposed to not be bad for pipes or Squinch Nov 2017 #27

geez, stop overthinking this. onethatcares Nov 2017 #31

The fixture is not terribly old but the pipes are original and the house was built CTyankee Nov 2017 #32