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sl8

(17,147 posts)

19. Can you take the cover off the drain?

Reply to CTyankee (Original post)

Mon Nov 6, 2017, 01:43 PM

Nov 2017

My tub drain clogs 2-3 times a year, but the clog is always within a couple of inches of the cover, so I can pull it out with needle-nose pliers or hemostats.

Otherwise, I use generic lye from the hardware store.

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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