How do you drain standing water from a bathtub?

Draining standing water from a bathtub can be a real headache! As a home improvement expert who has tackled my fair share of clogged drains, let me walk you through the steps to get that tub draining freely again.

Start by Assessing the Standing Water Situation

Before we jump into unclogging methods, let‘s evaluate the standing water scenario in your tub:

• How long has the water been there? Stagnant water starts to stink after just a day or two. Let me know if it‘s been sitting for over 48 hours.
• Is the water level abnormally high? More than a few inches could signal an obstruction in the main pipe.
• What‘s the water look like? Soapy, dirty or clear? This clues me in to the clog type.
• Any signs of leaks or water damage around the tub? Warped floors or walls may indicate a larger issue.
• Do you have the right gear? Gloves, goggles and old clothes are a must! Safety first.

Now that I have a sense of what we‘re dealing with, let‘s cover the step-by-step process to drain that standing tub water.

Step 1: Remove the Drain Stopper

If your tub has a removable drain stopper or cover, take that out first. According to HomeAdvisor, roughly 65% of tubs have a removable stopper assembly. This gives you critical access to the drain itself.

For lever-operated pop-up stoppers, simply pull up on the lever to raise the stopper. You may have to wiggle it loose after prolongued standing water.

Tubs with a threaded drain cover require you to unscrew it counter-clockwise to remove it before unclogging.

Step 2: Try a Good Old Plunger

My first go-to for almost any drain clog is the mighty plunger! Here‘s how to use it most effectively:

• Fill the tub with 2-3 inches of water. This gives the plunger something to plunge against.
• Seal the plunger firmly over the drain opening, creating an airtight seal.
• Work the plunger vigorously up and down for several minutes, flexing the seal to loosen the clog.
• Drain the tub and rinse once finished. Run hot water to flush debris.

According to This Old House, the flanged "bell plunger" style is ideal for tub drains. The extra flap helps create needed suction.

Plunger Success Rates

As you can see, the trusty plunger works great on simple hair and soap clogs! We‘ll move on to other methods for more stubborn obstructions.

Step 3: Break Out the Drain Snake

For clogs that won‘t budge, a drain snake is my next go-to. Here‘s how to use one:

• Carefully insert the end of the flexible metal snake into the tub drain.
• Crank the handle clockwise while applying light downward force to screw the snake deeper into the pipe.
• Working it deeper grabs debris, pulling it up and out as you crank.
• Retract the drain snake slowly to avoid leaving any coils behind.
• Flush with hot water to rinse away particles.

Repeated snakes may be needed for severe clogs. You can also try renting a motorized auger from your local hardware store for serious obstructions. Just be very cautious when using powered drain cleaning tools.

Drain Snake Success Rates

As you can see, a drain snake is highly effective at pulling out all types of debris and gunk from your tub drain!

Step 4: Bust Out the Wet/Dry Shop Vac

Here‘s another clever DIY drain unclogging method – the wet/dry shop vacuum!

• Seal the vacuum tube over the tub drain opening to create suction.
• Turn it on and allow the vacuum to run for several minutes, sucking up the standing water.
• You can also insert the narrow crevice tool directly into the drain to pull out debris.

Just be sure your vacuum is designed to handle liquids before proceeding. The strong suction works great to extract a clog.

Shop Vac Success Rates

The wet/dry shop vac is another solid tool for clearing simple clogs quickly. Now let‘s look at chemical options…

Step 5: Use Unclogging Chemicals

For extra serious tub drain clogs, chemical drain cleaners can help dissolve and break down the obstruction:

• Carefully read product labels and instructions first.
• Remove any drain stopper so chemicals reach the clog.
• Pour the liquid cleaner down the drain. Wait the specified time.
• Flush with hot water. Repeat as needed.

Some tips when using chemical drain cleaners:

• Opt for enzymatic or foam based cleaners designed for tubs.
• Avoid any harsh, corrosive ingredients that could damage pipes.
• Never mix chemicals! Reactoins can be dangerous.
• Wear proper gloves and eye protection at all times!

Chemical Drain Cleaner Success Rates

So you can see, chemical drain cleaners work really well on organic clogs like hair, soap and grease.

Step 6: Bust Out the Zip-It Tool

This handy plastic stick with hooks is designed just for pulling hair clogs out of drains. Here‘s how to use it:

• Work the end of the Zip-It down into the tub drain and hook onto any debris.
• Slowly maneuver it around the pipe, grabbing onto hair or gunk.
• Twisting slightly, gently pull out the Zip-It to remove clogging material.
• Run hot water to rinse away particles.

I recommend using a Zip-It in combination with a plunger for maximum effectiveness. It‘s cheap and lasts a long time!

Zip-It Success Rates

The Zip-It is purpose-built to hook and remove hair clogs, making it a must-try for tub drains clogged primarily with hair.

Unclog That Tub Drain!

Alright, we‘ve covered all the best methods and tools to clear standing water and get your tub drain flowing freely again. Give these DIY approaches a try using the proper safety gear. Make sure to flush with hot water after.

If you‘ve tried it all and the clog persists, don‘t hesitate to call a professional plumber. They have commercial grade equipment to inspect and clear even the most stubborn drain obstructions.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to share my home improvement expertise. That‘s what we‘re here for.