Remove the drain stopper. Boil a full kettle of water. Pour it directly down the drain in a slow, steady stream. This melts soft soap buildup and breaks down greasy residue.
Gel-based chemical cleaners (like Drano or Liquid-Plumr) are thick enough to stick to standing water and vertical pipes. However: They rarely clear full blockages, they are toxic to pets and septic systems, and repeated use will corrode old metal pipes. Use them as a last resort, not a monthly habit. bathtub blockage
A manual drum auger (snake) costs about $20. Feed the coiled end into the drain while cranking the handle. When you hit resistance, you’ve found the clog. Crank harder to break it up or hook it to pull it out. This is the professional’s first tool. Level 3: The Overflow Plate Trick This is the step most homeowners miss. Your bathtub has an overflow drain (the round plate under the spout). The drain stopper mechanism is often attached to a spring or rocker arm behind this plate. Remove the drain stopper