What is what to do when water backs up in bathtub?

Okay, here's some information on what to do when water backs up in your bathtub, presented in markdown format with internal links:

Bathtub Backup: What to Do

A bathtub backing up is a common plumbing problem. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you resolve the issue:

1. Stop the Water: If the water is still running, immediately turn it off to prevent further flooding.

2. Assess the Situation: Try to determine the severity of the backup. Is it a slow drain or a completely clogged drain? Understanding this will help you choose the right approach.

3. Try a Plunger: The first and often easiest solution is to use a plunger. Make sure there's enough water in the tub to cover the cup of the plunger. Create a tight seal around the drain and plunge vigorously up and down for several minutes. Remove the plunger and see if the water drains. Repeat as needed.

4. Check the Stopper: Sometimes the problem is simply hair or debris caught in the stopper mechanism. Remove the stopper and clean it thoroughly. Many stoppers can be removed by twisting or pulling upwards.

5. Baking Soda and Vinegar: If the plunger doesn't work, try a natural drain cleaner. Pour one cup of baking%20soda down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.

6. Boiling Water: After the baking soda and vinegar, carefully pour a kettle of boiling%20water down the drain. Caution: Avoid using boiling water if you have PVC pipes as it can damage them.

7. Wire Coat Hanger: Straighten a wire coat hanger and create a small hook at the end. Carefully insert the hanger into the drain and try to fish out any hair or debris. Be careful not to push the clog further down.

8. Drain Snake (Auger): A drain snake or auger is a flexible tool that can reach further into the drainpipe to break up or remove clogs. Insert the snake into the drain opening and rotate it as you feed it into the pipe. Once you feel resistance, continue rotating to break up the clog. Slowly pull the snake back out, removing any debris.

9. Check the Overflow Drain: The overflow%20drain is the small opening near the top of the tub. Remove the cover and use a wire coat hanger or small brush to clean out any debris. Sometimes, the clog is located here.

10. Call a Plumber: If you've tried all of the above steps and the bathtub is still backing up, it's time to call a plumber. There may be a more serious problem with your plumbing system.