After a long day, taking a relaxing bath can be an ideal way to unwind. However, this experience is highly dependent on having an effective stopper that keeps the water inside the tub instead of draining down the drain.
If your bathtub drain hole is unplugged, there are a few easy fixes you can try. These include plumber’s putty, an empty coffee pod, a jar lid that’s the same size as your drain hole, a washcloth stuffed inside a plastic bag and more!
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Toilet Plunger
Toilet plungers can be an efficient and cost-effective way to unclog your sink, shower or bathtub drain. However, they’re not always the right tool for the job; so it’s essential to learn how to use them correctly so you get maximum benefit from them.
The ideal plungers for unclogging drains are those with a flange (or rubber piece) at the bottom of the cup that extends or folds back, creating an improved seal. Furthermore, these tools have an unbreakable, powerful handle that won’t break or rust over time.
John Medina, author of “The Plumbing Bible,” recommends cleaning your toilet plunger thoroughly before using it on a drain. Soak the plunger in soap and water to ensure it’s thoroughly cleansed, then set it over your hole with some pressure applied to the rubber part to create an effective seal.
Sink and tub drains often become clogged with hair, soap residue, food particles, and other debris. Fortunately, most blockages are minor and can usually be cleared out with a few turns of the plunger.
In some cases, you may be able to clear a clog that’s too large for the standard plunger. In such cases, you will likely require a plumber’s snake or another long and metal tool designed specifically to dislodge and remove the clog.
If you don’t feel confident using any of the methods above to unclog a sink, shower or tub drain without using a plug, call an experienced plumber to come directly to your home and assist.
Another quick and inexpensive fix for a blocked sink, bath or shower drain is to plug the overflow outlet. Most sink or tub overflow outlets have an opening where air can escape; covering this opening with duct tape or a damp rag will create enough pressure to break up the blockage and get it out of your pipes.
Coffee Pod
Single-serve coffee pods (or cups) are an efficient way to brew a quick cup of coffee without using up too much water. Plus, it’s handy for keeping your bathtub drain unclogged when needed.
A pod, also known as a capsule, is a small round or flat plastic pouch that holds preground coffee or tea and includes filter paper inside. They’re reusable and compatible with various machines.
They tend to be more cost-effective than a cup of coffee, since they can be reused multiple times and biodegrade. You can purchase them in bulk or various sizes depending on the type of machine.
Before using a pod to block your bathtub drain, be sure that it is the appropriate size for the tub. If not, wrap some rubber bands around the body of the cup for better sealing.
Next, securely insert the coffee cup or pod into the drain hole with its bottom end first. If the plug is too large, try using a smaller cup like a 15ml medicine cup instead.
Once you’ve determined the size, fill your bathtub with bathing water and see if it holds up. If it leaks, wrap some rubber bands or plumber’s putty around the cup to improve its seal and prevent liquids from seeping down the drain.
Another solution for blocking a bathtub drain is using a large jar lid that covers the hole. You can find plastic or aluminum options in most stores selling containers and utensils.
Jar lids make ideal drain plugs due to their thickness; they contain the water and create a tight seal, which is especially helpful if your drain has an expansive hole that could let water seep down if not secured properly. This method should always be utilized when dealing with blocked pipes.
There is one slight drawback to using a jar lid: it requires pressing down firmly in order for it to seal properly. Doing this helps ensure that water doesn’t escape down the drain when you apply pressure.
Plastic Bag
Baths can be one of the most relaxing activities in life, but this experience may not always be possible when your tub drain is clogged.
If your drain needs blocking, some household items like plumber’s putty, fitting jar lids, marine drain twist plugs and even washcloths stuffed inside plastic bags can help!
To block the drain, start by finding a cup, bowl or pot that is roughly the same size as the hole in your drain. Place this over the hole and press firmly down to create a seal.
Another way to block the drain is by using a jar lid that’s approximately the same size as the hole. Fill it with water and press down firmly on top to ensure it covers the entire opening.
You can use any type of jar lid that fits securely over the drain hole, but make sure it is thick enough to withstand the weight of a full bathtub. Otherwise, water may seep out and cause further harm to both your tub and flooring.
For a more permanent solution, you can buy tub stoppers from your local hardware store or order one online. They come in various styles and sizes so that one will fit perfectly into your bathtub’s opening.
For added convenience, you could try using a toilet plunger to seal the drain opening. Unfortunately, this method may not work if the obstruction lies deeper within the system.
A more long-lasting solution is to use tape. The ideal kind of tape for this purpose is waterproof duct tape, which can be found at most hardware stores. Tape the drain hole with this material and wait for it to dry before trying again.
If none of the methods above work, you can try baking soda and vinegar as a solution. This will create a chemical reaction that foams up the pipe, helping push any obstruction further down.
Jar Lid
After a long day, taking a relaxing bath can be the perfect way to unwind and unwind. But the experience won’t be complete without an appropriate bathtub plug or stopper. Fortunately, there are several temporary solutions for blocking your drain without using a plug – so you don’t have to worry about water escaping down the drain!
One of the simplest and cheapest ways to block a bathtub drain is by using a jar lid. Find one that’s the same size as your drain hole and place it upside down onto the pipe; water will create suction and keep it in place.
Another solution is using a washcloth stuffed inside of a plastic bag as temporary fix. However, this only works if you can fill the tub up with enough water to keep it in place – which may take multiple attempts before working properly.
Finally, tape the drain hole can also be an effective solution in certain circumstances. However, make sure to use waterproof duct tape or Gorilla All Weather for best results when using this method. Cover the drain hole with double-sided tape and press firmly to ensure proper sealing is created.
In addition to blocking water from escaping down your drain, a jar lid will also help prevent bacteria growth in the bathtub. This is especially beneficial if you have children or pets living in the house.
To use a jar lid on your drain, locate one large enough to fit snugly. Any jar will do; jam jars being the most popular choice. To guarantee its effectiveness, dampening the lid before placing it on your pipe works best.
Alternatively, plumber’s putty can also be used. This temporary fix works best if you have an old bathtub plug that serves as the base for your new lid; this will make draining the tub much simpler.