View Full Version : Is there a way to clear a bathtub drain of an object other than snaking?
ChefJamesOnMaui
Nov 20, 2013, 06:23 PM
I have a condo unit on a second floor that has a toy or shampoo cap stuck in the bathtub drain. I had a plumber come out to snake it and he was unable to remove the object. Is there some other method besides the suggested "go through your downstairs neighbor ceiling"? Is there a specific tool designed to grab items and pull them out?
massplumber2008
Nov 20, 2013, 06:48 PM
Aloha ChefJames
I'd fill the bathtub with a few inches of water and then I'd use a basic plunger to see if I could PULL the object back into the tub. If that failed to help, I'd keep the tub filled a few inches with water and I would use a wet/dry vacuum to try to suck the toy/cap out of the drain.
If that failed to retrieve the object then I'd check for, or consider cutting into the wall, an access panel that will give you access to the tub waste and overflow assembly (and the PTRAP) in your unit...can try to disassemble the tub waste and overflow assembly (see image) and see if the object got caught up in the assembly (or PTRAP... use wet/dry vac. here), if needed.
Start with the wet/dry vac. if readily available.
Back to you...
Mark
speedball1
Nov 21, 2013, 11:34 AM
If Mark's solution doesn't work for you then look in the wall behind the front of the tub. There should be a access panel cut into the wall. If there isn't one, then cut the drywall and make one. You may now disassemble the tub and trap assembly and remove the object. Let us know how you make out. Good luck, Tom
ChefJamesOnMaui
Nov 21, 2013, 01:09 PM
Mahalo for the answers. I'll give it a try and let you know.