If there is standing water, a plunger is the most efficient tool, but only if you create a proper vacuum.

For the stubborn blockage that refuses to yield to plungers or snakes, the "nuclear option" involves accessing the drain directly via the overflow plate. In many bathtubs, the stopper mechanism is linked to a linkage assembly that runs down the overflow tube. Removing the two screws on the overflow plate allows the entire assembly to be pulled out. This provides a much larger opening to insert a professional-grade drain snake or a stiff wire hook. This method requires a bit of DIY confidence, but it bypasses the narrow restrictions of the drain grate, allowing for a more aggressive attack on the blockage. Once the clog is broken or retrieved, reassembling the overflow plate is a simple matter of reversing the removal process.

A plastic "zip-tie" style hair snake (available at stores like Home Depot ) or a bent wire coat hanger.

For minor slow-downs, a natural mixture of can break down soap residue without damaging your pipes. Top Methods to Unblock Your Bath Drain 1. Manual Removal (The "Hair Snake")