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The best way to unclog a bathtub drain is to pour a pot of boiled water down the drain, being careful not to splash yourself. However, take precautions, as boiling water can damage PVC pipes and joints. Follow up with ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar. Cover the drain with a small sink plunger and let it sit for 15 minutes. Pour boiling water down the drain again and replace the drain stopper.

In most areas, drain cleaning professionals don’t technically need a license, as they aren’t altering your plumbing system in any way. However, we recommend hiring a drain cleaning professional with a plumbing license and certification. Certified plumbers are more likely to provide professional solutions to drain clogs without damaging your system. They’ll also have the diagnostic tools and experience necessary to remove the clog entirely rather than providing a temporary solution, as a handyperson might. Use Angi’s state licensing tool to check your plumber’s professional licenses before hiring.

Chemical drain cleaners can work to clear clogs in pipes, but their use should be approached with caution. These harsh chemicals can damage pipes over time, and they can also harm the environment. Use them sparingly and consider alternative methods such as using a plunger or a drain snake. If you have concerns about a persistent clog, it's best to consult a professional who can safely and effectively address the issue without causing further damage to your plumbing system.

Vinegar is better for an AC drain line because it’s less corrosive and won’t damage the pipes. It’s also a safer and easier product to use. Bleach should not be used on your AC drain line because it can corrode your pipes and harm the evaporator coil in your air conditioner.