You may not think of your bathtub as a window into your future, but consider this:
It’s an essential part of your home. It’s where you relax, refresh and unwind—and it’s where you can see the telltale signs of aging.
If you’ve been noticing that your bathtub drains slowly, it could be a sign that you’re aging faster than you’d like to admit.
But before you get too freaked out by the thought that your bathroom is some sort of crystal ball showing what lies ahead for you, try a couple of things to fix it.
In this article, we will help you understand the causes of a slow-draining bathtub and give you some tips on how to unclog a bathtub drain.
Let’s explore.
Causes Of A Slow Draining Bathtub
It’s not your imagination. Your bathtub is, in fact, draining very slowly.
It could be time to pull out the plunger and try again. But before you do that, consider the following common reasons why your bathtub drains very slowly than usual:
Hair and soap buildup
Soap and shampoo can build up over time and cause a clog that prevents water from flowing freely through your pipes.
A clogged drain
If you have hard water in your home, calcium deposits may form around the drain hole or on the overflow pipe. These deposits can slow down the flow of water as well as block it completely if they grow too large!
Overflowing shower head
If there’s too much pressure on your showerhead, you could end up with a leaky faucet or even flooding throughout your bathroom floor when you turn off the water supply valve or pull out its handle! This generally happens because something is blocking the flow path (like hair), so try cleaning out any debris before turning on the flow again!
Damaged or corroded pipes
If your bathtub is draining slowly, it could be a warning that your pipes are damaged. This can happen over time as water seeps into them, causing corrosion and blockage. If this is the case, you’ll need to call a drain-cleaning plumber to fix the issue.
Sewer line issues
If your sewer line isn’t working properly, it can cause problems with your drain. The sewage system is underground and may not be visible, but if there’s an issue, sewage will come up through your drain instead of going down into the sewer line. You’ll know if this is happening because you’ll see brown water coming up from the drain and water draining downward at a normal rate.
Incorrectly installed plumbing
If the pipes aren’t installed correctly, they can get clogged and slow down water flow. This is why it’s important to hire a professional plumber in Clermont to do your bathtub installation & plumbing work—they know how to avoid issues like this!
Symptoms of Slow Draining Bathtub
If you’ve ever felt like your bathtub is taking FOREVER to drain, you aren’t alone. You could be one of the millions of people who experience slow-draining bathtubs!
While there are many different reasons for a slow-draining tub, three of the most common signs include:
Water is pooling around the drain.
This means that even with the stopper and bathtub drain cover closed and the water level lowered, water continues to collect in the bottom of your tub.
Gurgling sounds are coming from your drain.
This can happen because trapped air bubbles are being forced out by the flow of water into your pipes (and it’s super annoying).
Bad odors
The smell of mildew is one of the most obvious signs that your tub needs attention. If your bathroom smells like a locker room or sour milk, it’s time to call in the professionals!
Overflowing
If water is overflowing from your tub, then chances are good that something isn’t right with its drainage system. This could be caused by clogs, which can be cleared out with a simple plunger or even just a good old-fashioned snake tool.
Can a slow-draining bathtub cause other plumbing problems?
Well, it depends.
Consider your plumbing to be a collection of tubes that all link to one another. If you have a slow-draining bathtub, it implies that the water isn’t moving through the tub as rapidly as it should, which can lead to difficulties if left unchecked for too long.
A slow-draining bathtub can cause additional plumbing issues, such as:
Water damage
If the slow-draining bathtub overflows, it can cause water damage to your bathroom floor and any items you have stored there.
Mold and mildew
Water that sits in your bathtub due to slow drainage can promote mold and mildew growth, which can harm your health.
Backed-up sewer line
If your bathtub is draining slowly along with other fixtures in your home, it could indicate a problem with your main sewer line. This can lead to raw sewage backing up into your home, which can be dangerous to your health and costly to repair.
Burst pipes
If your bathtub is draining slowly due to frozen pipes in the winter, it can cause the pipes to burst, leading to expensive repairs and potential water damage.
How to Fix a Slow Draining Bathtub?
The final step in your bath routine should be a relaxing soak in a warm, clean tub. But instead of sinking into the sweet relief of a great shower, you’re left standing there with hands on your hips and an enraged look on your face.
Bathtubs are supposed to be relaxing, not frustrating. So how do you fix a slow-draining bathtub?
Here are a few ways:
Learn how to use a plunger to unclog the bathtub drain.
This is the most common way people try to fix their slow-draining bathtubs. The idea is simple: if something is blocking the drain, you need to force air into it and push that object out of the way. So just stick a plunger over your sink and plunge away!
How to unclog bathtub drain using a drain snake
If the plunger doesn’t work, try using a drain snake next! This device usually comes with an attachment that looks like a bendy straw—just put it into your drain and pull out any hair or gunk that’s clogging things up. If this still doesn’t work, check out our guide on how to unclog drains without chemicals!
How to remove bathtub drain using baking soda and vinegar
This is a classic trick that will work in almost any situation. Pour some baking soda down your drain, followed by white vinegar. The reaction between the two should unclog any clogs in your bathtub pipes, making it easier for water to flow through them again. This should even clean out any buildup that’s clogging up your bathtub.
How to unclog using bathtub drain stopper
If your problem is more severe than just a clogged bathtub pipe, try using a bathtub drain stopper. You can find these at any hardware store for cheap! Just place them over top of your drain and turn them until they’re snug against the opening. They’ll keep debris from getting into your pipes so you can fix it without requiring a plumber’s services.
How to fix a slow-draining bathtub using a commercial (chemical) clog remover.
The easiest way to learn how to unclog a slow-draining bathtub drain is to use a commercial (chemical) clog remover. These products are usually made of sodium hydroxide, which is also popular as lye or caustic soda. The chemical works by breaking down the hair and other debris that’s clogging your drain, so it can be removed with water.
Call a Professional Drain Clog Cleaning Expert in Clermont, FL!
If you’ve ever had to deal with a clogged bathtub drain, you know how frustrating it can be. You’re trying to take a relaxing bath, but instead, you’re battling with a drain that just won’t cooperate.
Have you tried the above-mentioned DIY tricks to unclog your bathtub drain? Still can’t unclog the shower drain? It’s time to call in the PROS.
We’re Ark Plumbing & Septic Service, and we’re ready to help you unclog your bathtub—and any other drain in your home!
Whether you’re looking for a drain cleaning company that’s affordable and reliable, or you want someone who is available 24/7, we have the required experience and expertise to help you get the job done right.
We have been serving Clermont and surrounding areas for over 15 years now. This means that we know all the best ways to deal with any type of clogged drain issue, no matter how large or small. We are also able to offer our services on an emergency basis, so if you find yourself stuck with a clogged toilet at 3 am on a Saturday night, we can help!
We’re here for all your needs related to drain clogs and other plumbing problems:
– Drain and Toilet Clog Cleaning & Repair
– Water Heater Repair & Replacement
– Toilet Repair & Replacement
– Bathroom Remodeling
– Emergency Plumbing Service
– Garbage Disposal Installation
– Leak Detection
– Sewer Line Repair & Replacement
– Shower Installation
– And many more…
Our plumbers in Clermont are experts at clearing out any type of clog: hair, soap scum, and even those pesky toilet paper rolls (which can be really hard on pipes!). They are also highly trained in safety protocols and customer service skills, which means they can handle any plumbing situation during their visit without causing extra stress for either party involved (including yourself).
At Ark Plumbing & Septic Service, we believe in providing honest solutions for our customers’ plumbing needs at affordable prices. That’s why we offer free estimates on all our work and free quotes for larger jobs!
So if you’re looking for expert Drain Clog services in Clermont from an experienced team who cares about their client’s satisfaction, call us today at (352) 988-4440!