We have the uncanny ability to find our bathtub drain clogged before we have a busy day and not much free time. Our solution to unclog the drain works sometimes, but not always. Most clogs in a tub drain occur from a buildup of hair in the drain; the choice is unclog it yourself or call for help. We always try to make the repair first, and if that fails, we call in a pro.
The tools required to do it yourself are inexpensive. For a plunger, chemical drain opener and a hand auger it’ll cost about $45. You also need a pot of hot water, a screwdriver, some wire and a pair of pliers.
If there’s a grate over the drain opening or a plunger that closes the drain inside it, remove them. Make a hook at the end of some wire and poke it to dislodge the clog. Try pouring hot water down the drain, followed by using a plunger. Or use a chemical drain opener according to the directions. For a tub, you may have to remove the drain assembly by unscrewing the cover plate and screwing the cable of an auger into the drain to remove a clog.
If the DIY route fails, call a plumber or drain cleaning service, which will cost about $151, which includes labor and material, to do the job.
To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com.
Pro Cost — DIY Cost — Pro time — DIY Time — DIY Savings — Percent Saved
$151 — $45 — 1.2 — 1.5 — $106 — 70%
©2021 Gene and Katie Hamilton. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
