While many people leave plumbing jobs to the professionals, there are ways you can take matters into your own hands and do plumbing jobs yourself. Some of the simpler tasks such as replacing a pipe or cleaning a tub can be done by even inexperienced people if they know a couple handy tips. Tub drains have a tendency to gather grime over time which can be difficult to remove. Follow one of these tips to achieve success.
Sandpaper can come in handy when cleaning a tub surround drain, as it is a powerful abrasive. Fine grit sandpaper is recommended as to not damage the tub. A fine grit will remove only a fine layer of your tub’s surface and not large chunks at a time. Using a small circular motion, work the stain out until it is gone. Tear off a small portion of the paper to ensure precision. If this does not work, consider using a nail file. Nail files also have a fine grit because they are intended to hone human fingernails. A plastic nail file works best because you can easily bend it into the shape you need. Again, avoid taking off too much at a time. Sand the surface and then wipe with a cloth periodically to check your progress.
Interestingly enough, superglue is also effective at removing tub stains. While not a mainstream plumbing tool, it can be used safely and effectively. Pour a small amount of super glue over the stain and let dry. Using a pumice stone, carefully chip off portions of the glue. If you are lucky, the stain will come off with the glue particles. In some cases you can even use your fingernails to chip it off. If your tub is made of porcelain, you have one more option. Scouring powder with a bit of water can be applied using an abrasive pad. By following these simple tips, your tub will be spot-free in no time.