How to Use a Drain Claw to Unclog a Bathtub Drain
There are literally dozens of liquid chemical drain cleaners out on the market, and some work better than others.....but, WHAT exactly are you dumping down that drain (besides money?).
There are other, more 'eco-friendly' ways to clean a simple clog:
One of the best alternatives I've come across is the "Drain Claw".This little tool is great! It's eco friendly, super easy to use, and gets the job done.
I've been using the drain claw for years, and it always amazes me. You won't believe how clogged the drains can get, and you never know what you're gonna find (especially in a rented apartment).
The clog is easy to grab with the claw and will usually work with just one or two passes. If it's still clogged after a few tries, you may then want to use a chemical as well, but I doubt you'll need it.
In this hub, I'll show you how the drain claw works by cleaning out my own bathroom drain. I just moved into this apartment a month ago, and I'm already seeing the bathtub fill up while I'm taking a shower...(which drives me Crazy).
To the right you see my own brand new drain claw, which costs me $4.99 at my local Home Depot. Here's what else you will need:
- Latex Gloves (You'll want these on, trust me).
- Plastic grocery bags. (perfect for a job like this). I double bag mine.
- A Drain Claw.
- Flashlight (optional).
First we'll get all the gear together, and you can see what the claw looks like. You simply squeeze the handle and a claw comes out ready to grab whatever lurks below........
Next we'll put the gloves on, and slide the claw down the drain. Sometimes it can be a little difficult to find, you may need a flashlight to determine where exactly the drain hole is. It's almost always towards the back of the tub, but once I actually had a drain hole that was facing the inside. Either way just force the claw down and it usually finds its way.
Whoa.. I had no Idea! That is A lot of Hair (yuk). As you can see from my picture above, its amazing that this bathtub drain was working at all!? Now you see what I was talking about. Do you know how long it would have taken chemicals to get rid of this???
And that's what's great about using a drain claw, You're not going to run out of chemicals, you can keep going until the job is done. And, you can use the claw for years and years. That's a lot of hair for the first grab, probably some more hiding down there. Let's go in for another pass!
Have you ever used a Drain Claw Before?
Woohooo! Are you seeing what I'm seeing? ..........YES! How the (censored!!) ....did that gold chain get stuck in there? I have NO idea, but hey, "Finders Keepers".... WOW. This is getting Fun.
Now imagine if I had gone with chemicals, I would have never known this Gold Chain was down there, AND, possibly (probably) would've damaged it. I'm making another pass. (I still can't believe this drain even worked to begin with). Gotta be sure we got everything......
HOLY COW, WHAT??? WOW. This is like Christmas Morning. First, a Gold Chain.... Then I found a freakin 9 Iron!! ...A freakin 9 Iron!!....Looks like a halfway decent one too, still in good shape!
Un-freakin-believable..... I will never use Chems again! I gotta keep going, because I'm still not sure the drain is completely clear...
Will you be willing to use a Drain Claw now that you've seen what can be pulled from a bathroom drain?
I'm....... Um.....literally speechless (shocked?) at this point....A perfectly good winter boot, and its in my size? Drain Claw Rules!..... Rules the drains like a King... King Drain Claw :)
I can only hope to find the other one, (hint hint King Drain Claw), but one things for sure, my drain is going to work after this. I love you Drain Claw! Got to go now, If I have any luck, I'll find the matching boot. (I'm gonna be up late, but one things for sure, this drain will be clean!)
Other howlermunkey hubs include:
~ Credits ~
The Dividers -- All dividers used in this hub are used with permission granted on hub, Creating Dividers to Use on Your Hubs, by hubber homesteadbound. (Thanks Cindy).
The Header PIC - ZakiDesign, RF-LL, Dreamstime.com
The Motivation -- A special thanks to SUZIE HQ , for sharing the links, her knowledge and Awesome technique. You can find her recent "Hub of The Day" here --- "Where to Find Free Gardening Containers".
