Is your bathtub draining slowly or not at all? A clogged drain is frustrating—and most people reach for a chemical cleaner without thinking twice. But here’s the truth: chemical drain cleaners can damage your plumbing, harm the environment, and even put your health at risk.

The good news? You can unclog your bathtub using simple, eco-friendly methods that really work—no toxic chemicals required. Whether you live in a newer home or an older one with aging pipes, these solutions are safe, cost-effective, and easy to do yourself.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through natural and non-toxic methods to unclog your bathtub drain, using items you probably already have at home.

Why You Should Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners promise fast results, but they often do more harm than good:

• They corrode pipes over time—especially in older homes.
• They’re dangerous to touch or inhale.
• They harm the environment by entering the water supply.
• They may only break through part of the clog, not fully remove it.

That’s why more homeowners are turning to natural drain cleaning alternatives that are safer for your plumbing, your home, and the planet.

Vinegar And Baking Soda

White vinegar is an acid, and baking soda is a base. These two compounds react chemically to bubble and eat through blockages.

Use chemistry to unclog a drain. Firstly clean the drain hole. Next is to drain 3/4 cup baking soda. Pour 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain and cover it. Thirty minutes later, boil water, unplug the drain, and pour hot water in gently.

Safety First: What to Know Before You Begin

Before trying any method, make sure you’re working safely:

• Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin.
• Use oven mitts when handling boiling water.
• Keep your face away from the drain to avoid steam burns.
• Remove any standing water from the tub with a bucket or small container.

Once you’re ready, choose one of the following methods based on what you have available

Method 1: Use a Plunger to Dislodge the Blockage

One of the easiest ways to clear a clogged drain is with a standard cup plunger.

How to do it:

1. Remove excess water from the bathtub.
2. Place the plunger directly over the drain opening.
3. Push down and pull up rapidly about 10–15 times to create suction.
4. On the last plunge, pull the plunger up quickly to loosen the clog.

This method works best for minor clogs caused by hair or small bits of soap buildup.

Method 2: Straighten a Wire Hanger to Pull Out Debris

Hair and gunk can get tangled just a few inches below the drain. A wire hanger can help.

How to do it:

• Straighten out a wire coat hanger, leaving a small hook at the end.
• Carefully insert it into the drain and fish around to grab hair and buildup.
• Pull out any debris you can catch.
• Rinse the drain with hot water to flush out the rest.

This method is surprisingly effective and doesn’t require any chemicals.

Method 3: Pour in Baking Soda and Vinegar

This classic cleaning combo uses a natural chemical reaction to break apart clogs.

How to do it:

• Pour 3/4 cup of baking soda down the drain.
• Follow it with 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
• Cover the drain with a stopper or towel to trap the bubbles.
• Wait at least 30 minutes.
• Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to flush it clean.

This method is ideal for mild blockages caused by soap, dirt, and organic material.

Method 4: Try Dish Soap and Boiling Water

This solution works especially well on greasy or soapy buildup inside the drain.

How to do it:

• Remove as much water from the tub as you can.
• Squirt a generous amount of dish soap directly into the drain.
• Slowly pour boiling water down after the soap.

The soap loosens the grease while the hot water washes it away. This method is safe for most plumbing systems.

Method 5: Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Extra Cleaning Power

Hydrogen peroxide has natural fizzing action that can help break up drain blockages.

How to do it:

• Mix 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide with 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
• Pour the mixture directly into the drain.
• Let it sit for 30 minutes.
• Rinse with hot water to finish the job.

Hydrogen peroxide is also a natural disinfectant, so it’ll help clean your drain while clearing it.

Tips to Prevent Future Bathtub Clogs

Once your drain is flowing again, you can keep it that way by following a few simple habits:

• Use a hair catcher in the drain to trap hair and debris.
• Run hot water for a minute after each bath or shower to clear buildup.
• Clean your drain weekly using baking soda and vinegar.
• Avoid pouring oils, lotions, or conditioner down the drain—they can solidify over time.

Regular maintenance is the key to avoiding those frustrating clogs in the future.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If you’ve tried the methods above and your drain is still slow or completely blocked, it’s time to call in a professional.

You may be dealing with:

• A deep clog farther down in the pipe.
• Tree root intrusion or collapsed piping (especially in older homes).
• Built-up scale or grease that needs high-pressure cleaning.

At New Flow Plumbing, our expert team uses non-invasive tools like sewer cameras and hydro jetting to quickly diagnose and fix tough bathtub drain clogs—without using harmful chemicals.

Final Thoughts

Chemical cleaners might offer a quick fix, but they come with risks to your health, plumbing, and the environment. Instead, use one of these safe, simple methods to unclog your bathtub drain naturally.

By keeping up with routine maintenance and knowing when to get professional help, you can avoid major plumbing issues down the road.

If your drain is still clogged or you just want a long-term solution, contact New Flow Plumbing. We’ll take care of the dirty work so you can enjoy a clean, fast-draining bathtub—worry-free.

Now that you’ve removed whatever was obstructing your drain; the water should be flowing freely. But how can you prevent it from being blocked once more? We recommend seeking expert assistance or reaching us at New Flow Plumbing. We will remove all your debris and clogs, so you don’t have to clean your bathtub drain as often.