how to clean tub drain?

I cannot get the plug out. Tried turning both ways. What is my next step? Thanks

And I can’t get pick to upload. Its a smooth silver knob, turns clock and counterclock freely, tub is about 15 yrs old. Starting to drain very slowly

Good morning!
Without pictures it's a little difficult to say. Best guess is a "toe drain". Almost all can be removed in one or two ways. 1. Pull up and look for a set screw. 2. Lower slightly and see if it will turn. If not, wrap knob with tape and gently turn counter clockwise and it should unscrew.
https://www.thespruce.com/bathtub-drain-stopper-types-2718995

You may want to try reducing the size of you picture and try "Upload a File" again.

Sounds like a kholer, if you can get the cover off then get a screw driver to remove the machine screws holding it in place. Remove drain plug and clean both.

Here

https://www.build.com/kohler-k-116...Vg-NkCh3ePweAEAQYAiABEgKKn_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

This is what your pipe looks like you need to go from the overflow cover plate.

What your showing is is the drain piece. That is the most common thing people look at but look above it.

True, but he should be able to remove that visible plug to access the first few inches of the drain line, which is typically loaded with hair. Access from the overflow wouldn't clear that first few inches.

Then, if necessary, access from overflow for snaking.

Use a zip snake for the first few inches. If you have to go through overflow nothing wrong with trying a hand spinner first; could be quick and easy and they're cheap. If you have to go electric then find a model you like but don't go hog wild if it's your first rodeo...you could break something.

This is the Zip-it mini drain snake that auger-elbow is referring to.

There are several other similar ones.

Just a flexible plastic stick, a few feet long, with little barbs that grab and retrieve hair from down in the drain trap.

Zip-It Bath and Sink Hair Snare

https://www.homedepot.com/p/100665735

You just poke the end down the tub drain, an inch or two forward, then pull back a little, then keep trying to poke a few inches deeper, pull back a little, repeat.
Try going down there from different angles or approaches.
Yes, I know this sounds suggestive, hehe.

Although the most likely approach that will get you all the way into the trap is to go into the drain at the point farthest from the wall with the tub valve, nearest to the end of the tub opposite the drain.

The Zip-it can also go pretty far down the overflow, just remove the plate for access, but put a wet rag over the drain so you don’t lose the screws down there.

Diehard said:

True, but he should be able to remove that visible plug to access the first few inches of the drain line, which is typically loaded with hair. Access from the overflow wouldn't clear that first few inches.

Then, if necessary, access from overflow for snaking.

Click to expand...

You are correct to a certain degree.
it depends on the severity of the hair ball
if you can go down the over flow, and snag the big ole nasty hair ball
Then pull it out. That last few inches you are speaking about will be attached to the your hair ball
then again, if you do remove the tippy toe, and pull the hair ball out from that hole
you could also pull the ball out from the waste and over flow.

on the tippy toe. it has an ''X'' made from brass that is made into the shoe for the tippy toe to screw into
that damn thing usually drives me nuts, thwarts my attempts at clearing the plug. and causes me to go down the overflow. your mileage may vary

Cleaning the tub drain with a Zip-it.

The young lady using it is pretty cute.

Hilarious to see her getting dry heaves as she pulls out gross hair clogs!

Saw this one after watching the above. It shows what frodo was talking about that ''X'' that gets in the way.

Also shows the top being unscrewed.