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A clogged bathtub is a plumbing problem that almost everyone has to deal with at one point or the other.
Now, unlike most other problems that suddenly and unexpectedly appear out of nowhere, the bathtub blockage is normally a result of a gradual build-up of unwanted materials over a period of time. This includes:
Hair: This is the most common cause of clogging in the bathtub. This is because most people clean their hair as they shower, and the small strands of hair normally sneak into your sink and over time, they will lead to blockage of your pipes.
Soap scum: Most people may not know about this, because they assume soap gradually gets finished as you use it, but have you ever noticed any white stains on the sides of your tub? This is the soap that collects over time. Now, as it washes down the drain, it solidifies and sticks to the pipes which lead to blockage.
Hard water: It may not seem like water would ever cause any trouble for you, but, it does. Hard water, is water with a high concentration of minerals, and though this is invisible to the naked eye, these minerals collect on the side of your pipes forming a hard mess, which eventually leads to blockage.
Once this happens, any other debris passing through the pipes will continue to form a mass of a substance that eventually blocks your entire system and you end up with a big mess.
Sand, debris and dirt: When you come from the beach, with your kids, you all want to take a shower immediately. Now, there are usually some sand particles on your feet that you may not be aware of, and when you shower, these will go straight to your drains, and with time, they end up causing a problem for you.
You should always consider rinsing off in an outside bathroom before using the tub.
How do you unclog your tub?
Most people try all sorts of methods to get rid of the overflowing water in the tub, which if you are not careful may overflow to the entire house. You may try using a plunger, a drain snake, or even calling the plumber, but, the best and most effective method of getting rid of clogs in your bathtub would be to use a good quality drain cleaner.
Drain cleaners work because the chemical in them dissolves and liquefies all sorts of scum, regardless of what it could be. Here are some of the best drain cleaners for your tub:
Best Drain Cleaner for Tub Review 2021
1. Comstar 30-500 Pure Lye Drain Opener
This product is pure lye and it will help you in many different situations.
It is considered to be one of the most powerful and the best tub drain cleaners in the market because of its industrial strength and chemical composition.
Its main ingredient is lye, which is a strong hydroxide that can even be used in making soap. This chemical is highly efficient because it can dissolve virtually anything that is causing blockage to your bathtub.
In addition, it is odorless, which means that you will not end up with a strong chemical smell after you clean your tub. It also means that it is will not leave a chemical residue that stinks up the entire house. This product will also ensure to eliminate any bad odors as a result of the blocked tub.
It is biodegradable and will not cause any harm to the environment. In fact, it is so good that it does not irritate the skin or emit fumes when you are done using it.
It is non-acidic and safe for all your fixtures, including all types of pipes. This means that you do not have to worry about it corroding your pipes and destroying them.
It is perfect for not only your tub, but also your toilet and septic tanks, but here's a word of caution; never mix it with hot water. This is clearly written on the bottle by the manufacturer. If you mix it with hot water, it turns into wax and this wax can melt and damage your pipes.
Its only downside is that it is slow in its operations and may take some time to actually clear away the pipes that have been clogged, but it will do this very well, so the delay is well worth it.
Bottom line: This is one of those products with very positive customer feedback. If you have a tub that keeps clogging, I highly recommend this product as it will not disappoint. Everyone who used it had lots of positive things to share about it, and here's another little trick; If you have any left over, you can use it to make some soap since it is made of pure lye.
This product will dissolve any hair or grease extremely fast.
This is because it is designed for such kind of clogs, and its chemical composition is such that whenever it comes into contact with it, they liquefy in a matter of minutes.
It is very efficient because its innovative cutting-edge formula will clear away any scum from your tub. It is actually known as a quantum leap in drain clearing technology. It is therefore highly powerful and effective and will be able to remove all obstructions such as oil, soap scum, fat, and lint.
You should however not use it if your clogs that have been caused by paper, plastics or food particles. This is because it is not engineered to dissolve such substances and will just end up being a waste of money and your time.
It is a gel liquid meaning it does not splash around as you pour it down the drain, and in addition, it will remain in your pipes for a couple of days to ensure no other types of scum builds up.
It is also biodegradable which means that it will not cause any pollution to the environment and after use, it does not poison your drainage system or water. It also doesn’t leave behind any burnt after-smell.
It is NSF approved as being safe. NSF is a trusted and respected body in pipe cleaning and the fact that it is certified means that it passes all the requirements for home use and will not harm you, neither will it destroy your pipes. In addition, it is non-inflammable, non-splash, odorless, and non-explosive.
It is non-corrosive and approved for use in all types of pipes. This drain cleaner will leave your pipes to clog free and will not destroy them after use.
It is very easy to use; Here's how to use it:
- Ensure the cap is secure and inverted.
- Pour out ½ of contents into the drain.
- Leave it for 30 minutes.
- Clear out by running water through it.
Bottom line: What I can say is that this is a good product for your tub, but it may not be as powerful as the lye concentrated drain cleaner, but it works. In addition, the one bottle will serve you for only 2 uses.
It is also quite costly compared to the other products in the market.
Rooto is another drain cleaner that contains pure lye, and it will work perfectly on your rough plumbing and clogged bathtub.
It is completely safe and therefore can be used even in your kitchens and other areas to remove stuck substances.
The packaging contains 2 I lb. bottles that are good for a number of uses. I recommend buying both, since it is cheaper in the long run and you are able to get as much use out of them as you possibly can, so, you do not have to keep going out and buying a new bottle every time you have a clogged tub in your home.
Lye is the main ingredient, and this is more than enough. As mentioned earlier, it is very powerful and efficiently dissolves or liquefies all sorts of scum from your tub. You can also use it later to make soap in case it is left over.
Keep in mind that it should never be used in the toilet. This is because lye gets warm and as such, the warmth is not good for your toilet bowls. It is actually dangerous and may cause them to break.
This is the product that is mostly used by plumbers in cases where the clog is very deep. So, if that is the situation in your tub, you are covered and sorted. Use it often to ensure you never have to deal with a clogged tub ever again.
Bottom line: I highly recommend this product. It is, however, a little concentrated, and you will need to put on some protective clothing before using it such as gloves, goggles and an apron. Also, ensure to leave your windows open in the bathroom so the fumes can go out.
This is effective in eliminating all sorts of hair and grease scum from your drains. It is non-acidic and safe for the whole house.
When you buy it, it is usually ready to use. You do not need to mix it with anything for it to become active, because it is active already.
Just one liter of this product can last you a couple of uses, so, use it wisely so you can save on the cost.
It is suitable for all types of drains and pipes as it does not cause them any damage. You can safely use it and leave it to sit for a couple of minutes and your pipes shall remain intact, even the PVC pipes that are notorious of getting destroyed easily.
You will find the instructions on how to use it clearly written on the bottle, but, as state above, it is not a complicated process. The only downside to using this product is that is doesn’t come with a warranty from the manufacturer in case it does not work, but then again, most liquid products rarely ever do have a warranty.
Bottom line: If you read reviews and find that a product works, then chances are that you are good to go. This product has great reviews and I would personally recommend it for that bathtub that keeps you up all night wondering how to unclog it. You will, however, need to leave it overnight for it to be effective in the tub.
This is a powerful product that works fast to eliminate all sorts of clogs in your bathtub.
It will also ensure to solve your slow drain problem and eliminate a year's worth of buildup in your plumbing system that is probably causing it to be slow and clogged.
It is bio-degradable and extremely safe for the environment. You need not to worry about the contents of the container after disposal because it does not later on become poisonous.
It is safe to use for the whole family. Some drain cleaners require you to use a lot of protective gear in order to protect your skin and eyes, but with this product, you can use it comfortably as it will not irritate the skin. That being said, it is still a chemical, so, ensure to open up all the windows prior to its use.
It has a concentrated enzyme formula that will break down all of the substances causing your bathtub to clog. This formula is so powerful, that it doesn’t matter how long the build-up has been in your drains, it will eliminate all and leave them free-flowing.
It is a certified product that has passed all of the ratings and requirements of US government, and this is a good thing because it has been tried and tested efficiently, so you are covered in terms of its operation and reliability.
It comes in 64-ounce bottles that ensures you have enough for using every month.
Bottom line: The fact that this product can eliminate gunk that has been sitting in your tub for over a year, makes it a gold mine, and one that everyone should have, regardless of whether you have a clogged drain or not. It doesn’t hurt to clean up your drains every now and then, and so, I highly recommend it for every household.
Final thoughts on the Best Drain Cleaner for Tub
Always endeavor to keep your bathtub free from scum and clogging by ensuring you use it wisely. Avoid washing your hair in the tub, keep all dirt and debris out of the tub and also use a drain cleaner once in a while, whether there is a clog or not. This is because, as mentioned earlier, most bathtubs clog as a result of buildup, it is not an instantaneous kind of thing.