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Page 24 — Plumbing

How to Fix a Slow Draining Bathtub

A slow draining bathtub is almost always caused by hair and soap scum buildup in the drain. This fix takes five minutes and no chemicals.

Drain Hair Removal Tool
A flexible plastic tool with barbs that grabs hair and pulls it out. Works better than any chemical for hair clogs.
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Baking Soda and White Vinegar
Combined they flush remaining soap scum and organic buildup from the drain walls.
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1
Remove Stopper and Pull Out Hair

Unscrew or lift the drain stopper. Insert the drain hair tool a few inches and twist slightly. Pull it back out slowly — the barbs grab hair. Repeat until nothing comes out.

2
Apply Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour one cup of baking soda directly into the drain followed immediately by one cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz for 10 minutes.

3
Flush and Test

Run the hottest water for 60 seconds to flush loosened buildup. Reinstall the stopper and run the tub. The water should drain quickly and evenly.

Prevention

Install a drain hair catcher over the bathtub drain. Empty it after every shower and you'll rarely deal with a slow bathtub drain again.

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