Once you see slight drainage, slowly pour warm water—not boiling—down the overflow plate or drain. Start with a cup at a time. Boiling water can shatter PVC or crack old metal pipes.
If the blockage is accessible via an access panel: frozen bath drain
If your tub is on the second floor with exposed pipes below (crawlspace or basement), aim a space heater or hairdryer directly at the trap—the U-shaped bend under the tub. This is where ice usually forms. Once you see slight drainage, slowly pour warm
Have you ever dealt with a frozen drain? Share your story in the comments below! If the blockage is accessible via an access
There’s nothing worse than stepping into a freezing cold bathroom, ready to run a hot bath, only to find the water rising around your ankles. A frozen bath drain is a common winter plumbing headache, especially in older homes or bathrooms on exterior walls.
Fill a hot water bottle (not boiling) and press it directly over the drain opening. Alternatively, pour ½ cup of rock salt or table salt into the drain—salt lowers the freezing point of water and can slowly melt the ice.