Unclogging Bathtub Drains: The Coat Hanger Method

If your bathtub is clogged, you can try to unblock it with a coat hanger. First, remove the drain stopper to give yourself full access to the drain. Then, bend the end of the coat hanger into a hook with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Insert the hanger into the drain and use it to hook out any foreign material. You may need a torch to help you see what you're doing. Pull out as much as you can reach, then send a blast of hot water down the drain to finish the job. If the drain is still clogged, you may need to use a plunger or a chemical drain unblocker.

How to bend a coat hanger into a hook

To unclog a bathtub drain with a coat hanger, you'll need to form the hanger into a hook. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to bend a coat hanger into a hook:

First, you'll need a wire coat hanger. These are typically cheap and easy to find. Straighten out the hanger to prepare it for bending.

Next, you'll want to form a hook at one end of the hanger. Using a pair of sturdy pliers, bend the end of the hanger at a 90-degree angle, creating a small hook. This hook will be used to catch and remove the clog from the drain.

Now, you can customize the shape of the hook to fit your specific needs. For example, if you're unclogging a bathtub drain, you might want to create a longer hook to reach deeper into the drain. Use the pliers to carefully bend the wire into your desired shape.

If needed, you can also create a second, smaller hook to act as a catch or to provide more functionality for your specific task. This can be done by forming a small bend at the base of the larger hook, again using the pliers.

Finally, test your newly formed hook by hanging it or trying it out for the task at hand. If adjustments are needed, use the pliers to carefully bend the wire until you're satisfied with the result.

Remember to be careful when handling the wire to avoid any accidental injuries, and always wear protective gear if possible.

How to insert the coat hanger into the drain

To unclog a bathtub drain with a coat hanger, you'll first need to prepare the hanger. Take a wire coat hanger and bend the end of it into a hook using a pair of needle-nose pliers.

Now, you're ready to insert the hanger into the drain. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Insert the hanger into the drain slowly and carefully to avoid scratching or damaging the pipes.
• Use the hanger to try to hook or dislodge any foreign material or blockages in the drain, such as hair, soap, or other debris.
• If the clog is within reach, gently pull out as much of the obstructing material as possible. Be careful not to push the clog further down the drain.
• If needed, use a flashlight or torch to help you see what you're doing and locate the clog.
• Once you've removed as much of the clog as possible, send a blast of hot water down the drain to flush away any remaining debris.

If your drain is still clogged after these steps, you may need to try alternative methods, such as using a plunger or a chemical drain cleaner.

How to use a torch to see what you're doing

If you're using a torch to see what you're doing when unclogging a bathtub drain with a coat hanger, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you have the necessary tools, including a wire coat hanger, a pair of needle-nose pliers, and a torch.

Before you begin, ensure the area around the bathtub is well-lit and that you have easy access to the drain. If the bathtub has standing water, use a plunger to clear it. Once you have full access to the drain, remove the drain stopper by twisting it off by hand or using a screwdriver, depending on the type of stopper. With the stopper removed, use the torch to inspect the drain for any visible clogs or blockages.

If there is a clog, use the needle-nose pliers to bend the end of the coat hanger into a small hook. The torch will help you see as you work. Once the hook is formed, insert the coat hanger into the drain and use it to carefully dislodge and remove any foreign material causing the clog. The torch will illuminate the drain, allowing you to see what you're doing and identify the source of the blockage.

After removing as much of the clog as possible, send a blast of hot water down the drain to finish the job. If the drain remains clogged, you may need to repeat the process or try using a plunger or chemical drain cleaner. Remember to always be cautious when working with plumbing, and if you're unsure, it's best to consult a professional.

How to pull out the clog

To pull out the clog, you'll need to first prepare your coat hanger. Take a wire coat hanger and bend the end of it into a hook with a pair of needle-nose pliers. If you don't have pliers, you can also wrap the end around a screwdriver to create a hook.

Once you have your hook, insert the hanger into the drain and use it to fish out any foreign material. You may need a torch to help you see what you're doing. Pull out as much of the clog as you can reach, then run some hot water down the drain to finish the job.

If the clog is particularly stubborn, you can try twisting the hanger as you push and pull it in and out of the drain. This can help to dislodge the clog from the pipe. Be careful not to push the hanger too far into the drain, as it may become stuck. If the hanger does become stuck, you may need to call a plumber to remove it.

Additionally, if your tub has a pop-up drain, you may need to insert a small screwdriver underneath the plug cover, loosen the screw, and lift it out before you can begin fishing out the clog.

How to finish the job with hot water

Once you've used a coat hanger to dislodge the clog, it's time to finish the job with hot water.

First, remove the coat hanger from the drain. Be careful not to scratch the bathtub or the drain itself. If the coat hanger is stuck, try using pliers to get a good grip and gently wiggle it out.

Next, boil a kettle of water. Carefully pour the boiling water down the drain. The hot water will help break up and dissolve any remaining clog-causing gunk, such as soap scum or grease.

Let the hot water work its magic for a few minutes. Then, run the faucet to see if the water drains quickly and easily. If the clog is gone, you're done!

If the drain is still clogged, you may need to repeat the process. However, be cautious when using boiling water repeatedly, especially if you have PVC drain pipes, as it can loosen the adhesive.

If the clog persists, you may need to try a different method, such as using a plunger or a combination of baking soda and vinegar. For tough clogs, you may need to call a professional plumber.

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